Group Dynamics in Occupational Therapy

The Theoretical Basis and Practice Application of Group Intervention

Marilyn B. Cole

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2025
• Print ISBN: 9781638221524
• eBook ISBN: 9781040224465
• Edition: 6
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Occupational Therapy

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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• About the Author
• Introduction to the Sixth Edition
• Section I Acquiring Group Skills
• Section II Group Guidelines from OT Models and Frames of Reference
• Section III Planning an Occupational Therapy Group
• Appendix A The Task-Oriented Group as a Context for Treatment
• Appendix B The Concept and Use of Developmental Groups
• Appendix C Summary of OT Code of Ethics
• Appendix D Excerpts from the OT Practice Framework
• Appendix E Theory-Based Group Leadership Guidelines
• Appendix F Overview of the International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health, Second Edition
• Index