RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN

Program Title: Relaxation Therapy Program

Statement of Purpose: Relaxation group is a program developed by Connections

Dartmouth to support mental health service consumers attain a state of increased
relaxation and calmness. The program provides a safe forum in which support is provided
to individuals seeking peacefulness and a sense of ease.

Entrance Criteria: Individuals must be a registered client through Connections

Dartmouth or externally referred for specific program. Individuals must be able to
maintain focus for 30-40 minutes in a quiet environment.

Exit Criteria: Individuals no longer identify as a Connections Dartmouth consumer.

Exclusion Criteria: Individuals who are uninterested in the program, are unable to
maintain focus for 30-40 min time period or display disruptive behaviors.

Terminal Program Objectives:

TPO1. To identify the benefits of relaxation

TPO2. To demonstrate knowledge of different types of relaxation.

TPO3. To provide relaxation techniques that can be utilized outside group

Enabling Objectives:

EO 1.1 To identify the role of relaxation has on an individuals well being.

EO 2.1 To identify understanding of different relaxation techniques.

EO2.2 To demonstrate where to access resources on their own.

EO 3.1 To identify a time throughout the day where relaxation would be beneficial.
EO 3.2 To identify a space that they can take part in independent relation therapy.

Performance Measure:

PM1.1.1 Upon completion of the Relaxation Group program the individual will identify
the role relaxation plays on their well being as evidenced by:
a. Identifying physical wellness prior to participation
b. Identifying physical wellness post participation
c. Body posture
d. Level of stress
e. Restlessness
f. Facial expressions
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PM2.2.1 Upon completion of the Relaxation the individual will understand and display
the ability to focus and follow instruction related to the relaxation method being utilized
as judged by the program facilitator(s).

PM2.2.2 Upon completion of the Relaxation program the individual will identify new
resources that they have utilized.

PM3.3.1 Upon completion of the Relaxation Group program the individual will identify
one time during the day that they used a relaxation strategy and where it was.

PM3.3.2 Upon completion of the Relaxation group program the individual will share with
the group one space they feel comfortable practices relaxation techniques outside of
group and their home.

Objectives and Performance Measures

TPO1: To identify the benefits of therapeutic relaxation
Enabling Objective Performance Measure
TPO1. To identify the benefits of PM1.1.1 Upon completion of the Relaxation
relaxation Group program the individual will identify
the role relaxation plays on their well being
as evidenced by:
a. Identifying physical
wellness prior to participation
Identifying physical wellness
post participation
Body posture
Level of stress
Restlessness
Facial expressions
 RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN

Objectives and Performance Measures

TPO2: TPO2. To demonstrate knowledge of different types of relaxation
Enabling Objective Performance Measure
EO 2.1 To identify understanding of PM2.2.1 Upon completion of the
different relaxation techniques. Relaxation the individual will understand
and display the ability to focus and follow
instruction related to the relaxation method
being utilized as judged by the program
facilitator(s).

EO2.2 To demonstrate where to access PM2.2.2 Upon completion of the

resources on their own. Relaxation program the individual will
identify new resources that they have
utilized.

Objectives and Performance Measures

TPO3: TPO3. To provide relaxation techniques that can be utilized
outside group.
Enabling Objective Performance Measure

EO 3.1 To identify a time throughout the PM3.3.1 Upon completion of the

day where relaxation would be beneficial. Relaxation Group program the individual
will identify one time during the day that
they used a relaxation strategy and where it
was.

EO 3.2 To identify a space that they can
take part in independent relation therapy.
PM3.3.2 Upon completion of the
Relaxation group program the individual
will share with the group one space they
feel comfortable practices relaxation
techniques outside of group and their
home.
 RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN

Content and Process Description

TPO #:_1_ TPO1. To identify the benefits of relaxation

EO#: _1__ EO 1.1 To identify the role of relaxation has on an individuals well being.

Content Process
1. Identifying the individuals well Identifying stress level after
being prior and post relaxation relaxation and comparing it to stress
group. level prior to relaxation.

2. Identifying benefits of relaxation. Individuals will learn how their

body and mind interact by shifting
their focus of what is going on
around them to attention of the
body and its physical sensations.

Discussion of the benefits of guided

imagery Reduce stress and improve
health, its ability to improve self
confidence and self esteem

Content and Process Description

TPO #:__2_ TPO2. To demonstrate knowledge of different types of relaxation.

EO#: __1__ EO 2.1 To identify understanding of different relaxation techniques.

 RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN

Content Process
1. Individual will display knowledge Individual will practice proper
of different types of relaxation abdominal deep breathing therefore
techniques. allowing reduction of muscle
tension and anxiety. Client will
close eyes, put their right hand on
their abdomen above the waistline
and there left hand on their chest in
the center. Bring awareness to the
individuals breathing and which
hand rises when they breathe. Have
them take note that when the hand
on their abdomen rises, they are
practicing abdominal breathing.

2. Individuals will let go of tension Individual will sit comfortably in a

they are carrying. chair and breath deep into the
abdomen and say to their self
Breathe in relaxation and pause
before exhaling. With each moment
becoming aware of tension and
each exhaling to let go of tension.

3. Individual will take part in guided Exercise

imagery relaxation Imagine a lemon. Imagine you are holding
the lemon in your hand. Visualize it clearly
in your mind. You can see its color, feel its
bumpy surface, and see the stem. Imagine
that you drop it on a wooden table and
hear the sound it makes. Imagine you have
a very sharp knife and are cutting the
lemon in two. See the cut surfaces
glistening and notice that you have even
cut one of the seeds in half. Now visualize
a sparkling clean glass and squeeze the
juice from one of those halves into the
glass. See it run down the side of the glass.
Now imagine that you are lifting the glass
towards your face so you can smell the
lemony flavor of the juice. Place the rim of
the glass in your mouth and as you tilt the
glass up, let the lemon juice flow down the
side of the glass into your mouth. Taste the
lemony taste. Taste the sourness of the
juice as it flows over and around the sides
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of your tongue. Savor the tart flavor and

notice the flow of saliva.

Content and Process Description

TPO #:_2__ TPO2. To demonstrate knowledge of different types of relaxation

EO#: _2_ EO2.2 To demonstrate where to access resources on their own.

Content Process

Content and Process Description

TPO #:__3__ TPO3. To provide relaxation techniques that can be utilized

outside group.

EO#: __1__ EO 3.1 To identify a time throughout the day where relaxation would be
beneficial.

Content
1. Individual will share with group a
time that they practiced relaxation
techniques outside of the group.
Process
Will discuss what technique was
being utilized ex. deep
breathing/guided imagery.
Discussion around why they felt the
need to practice relaxation. Were
they feeling anxious? Stressed?
Experiencing symptoms?
Discussion around how they felt
after practicing deep breathing
techniques. Did you still feel
stressed? Were symptoms still
present? How was your mood after
relaxation?

Content and Process Description

TPO #:__3__ TPO3. To provide relaxation techniques that can be

utilized outside group.

EO#: __2__ EO 3.2 To identify a space that they can take part in independent relation
 RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN

therapy.

Content
1. Individuals will share with group
members a place where they feel
comfortable practicing relaxation
techniques outside of the group and
their homes.
Process
Discussion around places in the
community that is appropriate to
practice relaxation techniques
(library, park, on the bus).
Discussion around why it is
important to have safe places to
practice relaxation techniques
(triggered anxiety, stressful
encounters, experiencing
symptoms, just wants to relax).

Materials / Equipment:

Staffing:

Maximum Size:

Location:

Duration:

Day / Time:

Cost:

Comments:

Evaluation to Occur:

Reviewed By:

Date Reviewed:
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Supporting Literature:

Davis, M., Eshelman, E. R., & McKay, M. (2008). The relaxation & stress

reduction workbook. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Learning Center. (2016). Evidenced-based tools for self-healing. Retrieved from

www.drmiller.com/learning-center/guidedimagery/

Lyrakos, G., Menti, D., Spyropoulos, I., & Spinaris, V. (2016). The effect of

relaxation techniques and trigger points therapy on stress reduction of

patients with mental health disorders in a Greek hospital. European

Psychiatry. Retrieved from

http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.library.dal.ca/science/article/pii/S09

24933816023051

Smith, J. C. (n.d.). relaxation, meditation and mindfulness. A mental health

practitioners guide to new and traditional approaches. Retrieved from

http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.dal.ca/ehost/ebookviewer/eboo

k/bmxlYmtfXzI0NjI2Ml9fQU41?sid=839c8b90-760e-4b26-9dec-

9bb8fb1e24b4@sessionmgr104&vid=0&format=EB&rid=1

Vancampfort, D., De Hert, M., Knapen, J., Maurissen, K., Raepsaet, J., Deckx, S.,

Probst, M. (2011). Effects of progressive muscle relaxation on state

anxiety and subjective well-being in people with schizophrenia: a

randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 25(6), 567-575.

doi:10.1177/0269215510395633
RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN
 RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN

RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN

Performance Sheet

Staff:___________________________________________ Date: ________________________________

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RECREATION THERAPY SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLAN