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LIFE ENRICHMENT
The Therapeutic Value of Trips,
Outings and Vacations
Although little statistical information is available regarding the efficacy of incorporating therapeutic outings, mental health experts
agree about the importance of vacations and trips in mental health rehabilitative treatment. According to articles documented by Psychiatric
Services, there are obvious benefits to incorporating leisure activities into treatment. Birch has always promoted and facilitated life
enrichment activities (including trips, outings, and vacations) for its members.
Severe and persistent mental illness can contribute to an
individual’s sense of isolation. Adults with severe and persistent mental illness receive structured, goal-oriented predefined treatment of mental illness;
however, many times they do not have the opportunity to participate in social and recreational activities outside the agency. Often, stigma
or need for structure and supervision prohibits the mentally ill individual from participating in community-based outings, trips, and vacations.
In order to experience a satisfying and fulfilling life, mentally ill individuals must have needs and interests addressed in addition to
clinical treatment and illness management. Leisure activities provide an opportunity for life enrichment.
Trips and outings can
produce goal-attainment or symptom management and often result in positive therapeutic outcomes and rehabilitation.
These activities can give members a sense of purpose, empowerment, hope and enjoyment, meaning, and opportunities to connect and reconnect
with others. Participating in social and community activities can reduce anxiety and isolation, assist with social and communication skills,
reduce symptom impact, and improve overall functioning and satisfaction.
Outings give members an opportunity to interact with others in the
community, to be a part of the social structure, to feel “normal”, have a chance to forget daily worries, and help one another move forward in
the recovery process.
Birch staff members attend and participate in group outings and activities. Staff are available to provide brief
interventions, provide structure where needed, assist members in managing and addressing needs, assist with medication and money issues,
provide crisis intervention when needed, and to help promote an atmosphere of safety, acceptance, and enjoyment.
Trips to Memphis and Branson,
camping trips, lake and ocean trips, Magic Springs and other theme park trips, museums, libraries, community events, County and State Fairs,
Rodeos, concerts and film festivals are just a few examples of the excursions in which the Birch members participate.
Member comments regarding camping trip for northern branches:
“I loved sitting around the campfire just talking.” -- R.V.
“I had my first canoe ride. This was my first camping trip since I was five.” -- R.M.
“It gives you a different outlook on life when you participate in something so normal.” -- R.V.
“I felt normal when I was camping.” -- A.M.
Pols, Ph.D., J., & Kroon, Ph.D., H. (2007). The Importance of Holiday Trips for People With Chronic Mental Health Problems. Psychiatric Services,
(Open Forum), pp. 1-9 . Retrieved October 15, 2007, from Psychiatric Services database.
P.O. Box 1589 · BENTON, ARKANSAS 72018-1589
CENTRAL TELEPHONE (ALL
LOCATIONS): (501) 315-3344
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