Diversional Therapist: A Case Study

For the event to be successful, the Diversional Therapist will require the assistance of volunteers. Many organizations place a great importance on volunteers as they assist them in accomplishing goals (White, 2016, p. 10). The nursing home is a great example of an organization that utilizes volunteers. Volunteers can have a major impact on organizations and their assistance greatly increases success (White, 2016, p. 10). They are not utilized due to being free labour, but are a great resource as they complete many vital roles within an organization (White, 2016, p. 10). The Diversional Therapist will manage and supervise volunteers prior to and on the day of the event. When managing volunteers the Diversional Therapist must be aware of the

When working in a team conflict is inevitable (Tillett & French, 2006, p. 1). The Diversional Therapist must be aware of conflict resolution, which is a problem solving technique, which allows teams to work towards a resolution (Tillet & French, 2006, p. 2). The Diversional Therapist must have the ability to manage and identify conflict, this results in enhanced group performance (Murayama, Ryan, Shimizu, Kurebayashi & Miura, 2015, p. 88). The Diversional Therapist must be aware of conflict management styles, which are often chosen unconsciously, based on patterns of behaviour and habits (Wertheim, Love, Littlefield & Peck, 2006, p. 11). Understanding the conflict resolution styles allows individuals to decide how they think about the issue and how they respond (Wertheim et al., 2006, p. 8). On the day of the event conflict may arise, and the Diversional Therapist must work to quickly resolve it. Resolving conflict sooner ensures the problem cannot escalate making it more difficult to resolve (Wertheim et al., 2006, p. 5). Resolving conflict will allow the Diversional Therapist and their team to examine problems, release tension, encourage communication and allows for all group members to be aware of needs, preferences and wants of other members within the team (Tillet & French, 2006, p. 16). The Diversional Therapist must also be aware of underlying cultural

While these skills are commonly used by counselors, they can be adopted by the Diversional Therapist to ensure effective communication takes place. Micro skills involve an individual attending, this requires using eye contact, paying attention to tone and vocal cadence, body language and ensuring conversations are verbally tracked (Barnett, Roach & Smith, 2006, p. 6). Attending behaviour shows that an individual is paying attention to what is being said. This is achieved by maintaining eye contact, which indicates an individual is interested and paying attention (Barnett et al., 2006, p. 7). Eye contact is important in ensuring effective communication occurs (Barnett et al., 2006, p. 7). It involves the Diversional Therapist looking directly into the eyes of the individual speaking (Barnett et al., 2006, p. 7). The voice acts as an instrument to communicate feelings (Barnett et al., 2006, p. 7). Vocal qualities include, tone, volume and rate (Barnett et al., 2006, p. 7). An increase in volume or change of tone can emphasize points or in return indicate confusion (Barnett et al., 2006, p. 7). Verbal tracking is important as it confirms engagement in the conversation (Barnett et al., 2006, p. 7). Body language is also essential in the communicating process (Barnett et al., 2006, p. 7). It refers to gestures, posture and mannerisms (Barnett et