A Functional Approach to Group Work in Occupational Therapy

From The Critics

Reviewer: Lawrence Zachow, MA, OTR/L(University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Description: This is the third edition of a book, first published in 1986, on a model of group work in occupational therapy that has been developed, refined, and verified in practice. It is a model with health at its core and one that is well-placed as one of occupational therapy's legitimate tools.
Purpose: The authors' model for group work, "a functional approach," is born in occupational therapy's unique orientation to groups and combines the profession's theory, research, and practice. In this edition, the authors feature research to verify aspects of the group model and note in their preface, "it is a model of practice in its own right."
Audience: This could serve as a text for occupational therapy students in core or special topic courses and it also could be useful for novice or experienced practitioners doing group work. Case studies are detailed and include one with a community-based focus. The authors bring years of professional experience and collaboration to their book; their insights illumine each chapter.
Features: The book is organized to guide the reader through the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a group. What seems best about this book is its consistent emphasis on functional groups, whatever the setting. The "doing or action" in/of a group is an ongoing focus. The sidebars with definitions and the boxes throughout each chapter are helpful and, often, immediately clarify and explain. The chapter outlines are useful.
Assessment: I do not know of another book like this one written for occupational therapy students and practitioners. It is, at once, useful and stimulating. The content and the format allow for thoughtful reading and near immediate application to practice.

Booknews

Presenting a group model in occupational therapy, this resource correlates group work techniques with occupational therapy theory, research, and practice. It provides intervention options for a wide range of disorders including developmental, physical, psychological, social, and environmental problems. It leads readers through the logical progression of planning, implementing, and evaluating a functional group. Howe and Schwartzberg have each taught occupational therapy at Tufts University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

4 Stars! from Doody