A child incest survivor, Jane struggles with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), depression and anxiety. Name has been changed for privacy reasons.
Program Designed to Help Individuals Cope
During a recent crisis, Jane was referred to the Baystate Noble Hospital Adult Partial Hospitalization Program, which provides short-term intensive psychiatric services for patients ages 18 and older in need of crisis intervention and stabilization through the hospital’s Department of Psychiatry.
“This program is designed for individuals who are going through a difficult time and may require more support than a weekly outpatient session can provide. They are able to take any new skills or coping mechanisms home with them to practice and then return the next day to share with the group and receive feedback,” said Kelley Crowley, LICSW, director of Behavioral Health.
Jane was eager to begin the program and receive the support she needed.
“I was in need of some intensive therapeutic support to help me through a difficult time. I did not require hospitalization, but I needed a safe, secure and routine setting to process what I was going through. My family and I were thankful that I could stay close to home and attend the program at Baystate Noble,” she said.
I AM JANE AND I AM CAPABLE
A day in the Adult Partial Hospitalization program begins at 9 am with a group check-in. During this time, members share how they are doing and feeling as well as what they’ve accomplished since the last time they met as a group. It is also the time when the group meets new members.
“I found this part of the program to be encouraging, and it helped me focus on the day ahead,” Jane said.
Following the group check-in, each member shares specific goals for the day, along with their long-term goals. Part of the group time also includes making a positive statement about oneself, such as Jane saying, “I am Jane and I am capable.” The group concludes with sharing three things that one is thankful for on that particular day, with “thankfulness” changing every day.
Following a short break, patients participate in a Therapeutic group session. Topics in the therapeutic group sessions include:
- Self-esteem
- Assertiveness
- Positive communication
- Helpful tools for coping with anxiety
- Journaling
“The staff members who lead the group all have different styles. One of the reasons why the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program is so successful is because of them. They all have superb chemistry. They are intelligent, witty, great listeners, caring and down to earth. They made me feel welcome and included,” Jane said.
PUTTING WORDS TO FEELINGS
Then members have lunch or go for a walk.
“I appreciate that the staff has lunch with us. It is a great way to build community and get to know each other,” Jane said.
Group meetings continue after lunch and often include a TED talk. TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) Talks are ideas discussed usually in the form of short, powerful video presentations.
“One of my favorite groups was with Scott DeMaria, who is an occupational therapist. He gave us all a pile of quotations to read through, and we had to choose the ones that we identified with, related to, or wanted to achieve. I found it extremely useful to put words to what I was feeling or experiencing,” Jane said.
The day ends with a group check-out, with each member sharing their plans for the evening.
“It is helpful to focus on positive ways to spend our time,” Jane said.
Giving Me Confidence
Partial hospitalization offers patients therapy, support, and structure.
“I needed the safety and structure because I was struggling to handle the demands of my life. It was also helpful to work with a doctor to regulate my medication,” Jane said.
Since recently completing the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program, Jane has returned to the realities of her life as a wife, mother, and certified middle and high school teacher.
“Having the time in the Baystate Noble Partial Hospitalization Program strengthened me physically and emotionally, and gave me the needed confidence to be there for my family.”