Circle round the bell : therapeutic recreation mindfulness programming with youth in a residential treatment facility

Abstract

Purpose was to create a manual for therapeutic recreation specialists working with youth in residential treatment facilities to use in learning to implement mindfulness intervention techniques in that setting. The manual was developed from (a) literature related to best practices for facilitating mindfulness interventions and for therapeutic recreation mindfulness programming, and (b) from one year of field trials with 18 youths 7-17 years old at Stillwater Residential Treatment Facility in upstate New York. Many interventions were modeled after the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, and the format of the manual was modeled after the Peer Assisted Inclusion in Recreation (PAIR) program. During the trial period, newly admitted youth participated in an Initial Mindfulness Facility Assessment, and during their residency, they were given opportunities to participate in various mindfulness practice sessions as well as general mindfulness lessons during weekly scheduled programs. Observations, feedback, and interviews from the trial period demonstrated that youth willingly and frequently participated in mindfulness-based activities; developed awareness and skills relating to the concept and practice of mindfulness in their daily lives; and utilized mindfulness techniques to help them attain specific treatment plan goals and objectives.