Teaching Yoga to Psychiatric Patients

[rosewater]

Disclaimer: this is my first post, and I still need to get a hang of this whole concept of "conciseness".

I'm beginning a volunteer position soon with a local psychiatric hospital. The coordinator asked me to teach a weekly yoga class to the patients, about which I am extremely excited. I think it has the potential to help at least a few residents get active and supplement to their other therapeutic activities. In fact, I learned that many patients have been requesting such a class for quite some time.

Is there anyone who has volunteered/ worked in a psychiatric setting, and are you able to impart some wisdom or tips? The ward I have been assigned to is comprised mainly of individuals deemed 'not criminally responsible' for a crime (ranging from theft to much more aggressive offenses). Severe cases of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are common, as is drug abuse. I'm confident that I will be able to conduct myself well and be helpful to the patients, but I'm sure reality differs a bit from my current expectations.

Additionally, I'm having very direct contact with clinical patients, but it's in a "teaching" capacity. How you classify this as an EC, informally? Probably not clinical, I'd assume? I'm continuing some shadowing/ general hospital volunteering during the summer, but I thought I would ask. Cheers!

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[Signaq]

Disclaimer: this is my first post, and I still need to get a hang of this whole concept of "conciseness".

I'm beginning a volunteer position soon with a local psychiatric hospital. The coordinator asked me to teach a weekly yoga class to the patients, about which I am extremely excited. I think it has the potential to help at least a few residents get active and supplement to their other therapeutic activities. In fact, I learned that many patients have been requesting such a class for quite some time.

Is there anyone who has volunteered/ worked in a psychiatric setting, and are you able to impart some wisdom or tips? The ward I have been assigned to is comprised mainly of individuals deemed 'not criminally responsible' for a crime (ranging from theft to much more aggressive offenses). Severe cases of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are common, as is drug abuse. I'm confident that I will be able to conduct myself well and be helpful to the patients, but I'm sure reality differs a bit from my current expectations.

Additionally, I'm having very direct contact with clinical patients, but it's in a "teaching" capacity. How you classify this as an EC, informally? Probably not clinical, I'd assume? I'm continuing some shadowing/ general hospital volunteering during the summer, but I thought I would ask. Cheers!

I work extensively with psychaitric patients, often with the population you describe. Exercise is underappreciated for how therapeutic it can be for mental health. Just be real clear on boundaries. Be conservative on your dress, avoid too many poses that may "distract" your patients (e.g. legs over head, rump in the air-type poses), and remember that despite the NGRI status, many patients have pervasive antisocial personality disorder and are skilled at manipulation, especially for an eager young student who wants to engage them. If you are female, it also wouldn't hurt to have a male tech or escort in attendance, just to avoid the enivitable dynamics.

Good luck -- it sounds like fun!

 

[Stratego]

I'm having very direct contact with clinical patients, but it's in a "teaching" capacity. How you classify this as an EC, informally? Probably not clinical, I'd assume? I'm continuing some shadowing/ general hospital volunteering during the summer, but I thought I would ask. Cheers!

It is clinical, as you are having face to face interactions with patients. You have a choice of listing the activity on your application either as 'community service/volunteer-medical/clinical' or as 'teaching/mentoring.' I'd probably pick whichever one you have the least of so your application is balanced. In the description of the activity, make it clear that both aspects are present.

 

[TexasPhysician]

I work extensively with psychaitric patients, often with the population you describe. Exercise is underappreciated for how therapeutic it can be for mental health. Just be real clear on boundaries. Be conservative on your dress, avoid too many poses that may "distract" your patients (e.g. legs over head, rump in the air-type poses), and remember that despite the NGRI status, many patients have pervasive antisocial personality disorder and are skilled at manipulation, especially for an eager young student who wants to engage them. If you are female, it also wouldn't hurt to have a male tech or escort in attendance, just to avoid the enivitable dynamics.

Good luck -- it sounds like fun!

Agreed.

I can't see them not providing a male tech, but if they don't, I wouldn't start until you do. While yoga isn't overtly sexual, plan on some patients taking it that way so it doesn't shock you.

 

[DenaliView]

I am a psych-nurse working on a forensics unit very similar to what you are describing. I would just advise you to be very aware, always have a way to call for immediate assistance, and know the clients that you are working with. Its also really important to be firm and have clear boundries. This keeps everyone safe. Many of the clients I have on the unit have very assultive pasts, now talking to them you would never in a million years believe they are capable of the crimes they have commited but it is still something that I like to keep in the back of my mind. I suspect the majority of the patients that you will be working with will be so very greatful that you are there. 9 out of 10 of the patients I encounter are very safe and extremly fun to interact with.... Have fun!

 

[rosewater]

Hey, thank you all for the replies.

It seems like one of the biggest issues will be setting boundaries, so I am definitely going to prepare myself for marking and maintaining some clear lines. As a young "fit" woman, I can see that I'll need to pay extra attention in certain areas, like wardrobe and professionalism. I'm assuming that I'll be a bit thrown at first by some of the interactions with patients, but I can be pretty savvy with adapting. I feel better now that I have some advanced notice of what to expect. I think this will be a very enjoyable time for everyone involved, if I can finish planning a novice-friendly routine.

In terms of safety, I am going to be provided with some assistance from a more seasoned staff member. I will also be given my very own panic button along with my ward key and ID! Woo! I'm sure I won't ever need to use it, especially if I follow the advice given to me by the coordinators/ you fine folk.

Also, thanks for the clarification as to how I should classify this on an app. Now I'll just have some fun with it and try to glean the most experiences I can.

Your insight has all been great! I'm sure I'll have a few more questions stirred up once I begin my actual volunteering, but I feel much more confident now. Cheers!

 

[rbnsafsadgf]

I have worked in volunteer settings with drug users and in ERs with psych pts. The advice seems solid so far. I would add something about not giving out too much personal information. People can be really mean and I find it's best just not to give too much information about yourself that can later be used as weapon. At the same time, be friendly and chat, but just think twice before you tell them what neighborhood you live in, or anything about a boy/girlfriend.

I try to keep myself in a clear line of the exit as well, if I am in a small room with a psych pt.

I would call this clinical experience since you are working with patients in a clinical treatment setting. However, it is not clinical in the sense that you aren't around a physician.