Group Dynamics in Occupational Therapy: The Theoretical Basis and Practice Application of Group Intervention

This best-selling textbook, now in its Sixth Edition, provides the essential strategies and tools that occupational therapists need to design and organize client groups for enhanced, theory-based therapeutic interventions for physical, mental health, and wellness populations.

Updated in line with AOTA’s latest Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, the book is split into three sections. Section I introduces author Marilyn Cole’s 7-step format for group leadership, the cornerstone for the rest of the book. This is followed by chapters on the fundamentals of group dynamics, client-centered groups, and issues around diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility. Section II provides an overview of a range of theoretical approaches to group work, from psychodynamic, biomechanical, behavioral/cognitive, developmental, sensory, and occupation-based models.

Section III focuses on design of group protocols, synthesizing the theories, activities or modalities, leadership, and membership selection guidelines. Revisions include guidelines for using a client-centered group approach with marginalized populations, as well as designing occupational therapy groups with wellness and non-traditional populations for student service learning in the community.

Thoroughly updated throughout, and with new case studies drawn from a range of disciplines, this is an essential resource for any student or practitioner in the field of occupational therapy.

Marilyn B. (Marli) Cole, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, is a Professor Emerita of Occupational Therapy at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, and an occupational therapy (OT) consultant and writer. After 25 years of full-time teaching, she has now become a full-time writer. She holds a bachelors degree in English from U. of Connecticut, a graduate certificate of occupational therapy from U. Penn., and a master of science in clinical psychology from U. Bridgeport. She is licensed in OT by the State of Connecticut, and certified by the National Board of OT (NBCOT). The author has 24 years of practice experience in mental health, pediatrics, and geriatrics.