Therapeutic Milieu: Observations Of Group Therapy

Sherrie Bobst
May 25, 2009

Question 1. Define a therapeutic milieu and relate it to your observations of group therapy. Therapeutic milieu groups aim to help increase clients self-esteem, decrease social isolation, encourage appropriate social behaviors, and educate clients in basic living skills. In my clinical experience, the therapeutic milieu was lead by a social worker. After gathering all the patients that desired participation, the social worker gave a topic to the clients that began discussion. The topic he chose that particular day was “what is your goal for the day”? He then went around the room and asked each client that question and they would answer. He then asked more relating questions to try to make them elaborate on their answer. I believe that this was very therapeutic to the patients because it shows that they are not alone and other people in society are also experiencing mental health problems.
Question 2.
The clients may include people with a mental disorder or with a substance abuse disorder. The main focus of the psychiatric mental health nurse is to promote and maintain optimal mental functioning, to prevent mental illnesses (or further dysfunction) and to help clients regain or improve their coping abilities.
Question 3. List the interdisciplinary team members that participate in client care for acute care related to mental illness. The clients care is planned and implemented by a team composed of nurses, social workers, counselors, psychologists, occupational and activity therapists, psychiatrists, medical physicians, mental health workers, pharmacists, and other members of hospitals health care team, according to the client’s needs.
Question 4. Tell how your personal experience impacted you. What did you feel and what did you learn by observing group