If you received the September 2011 edition of the CANY E-News, you read about Dylan Shirek.  Dylan was CANY's first intern to come from an occupational therapy (OT) program.  Now that his time at CANY has ended, Dylan gives us a final glimpse into his work.  

"As I finish up my last few days at CANY, I have a clearer picture of both the similarities and differences of drama therapy and occupational therapy, and how they can overlap to meet the needs of the individuals they serve. Although my Fall consisted of an abundance of research projects and other assignments, the bulk of my knowledge in drama therapy came from experiencing the groups myself.

I was able to observe a silent child who was dissociated from the group begin to open up and ultimately explore the role of a doctor treating a patient. I was also able to observe clients who were depressed and isolated form connections with other group members. This led to the collaborative creation of scenes and left the clients expressing feelings of hope, love, and determination. To me, this demonstrates the effective nature that creative expression and the group process has on increasing feelings of self-worth, social/emotional learning and the strengthening of interpersonal connections.

            After reviewing the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, a document that defines and provides a set of guidelines to OT practice, I found that the use of drama has the potential to positively affect many areas of OT practice. Some of these areas include work, values and beliefs, mental functions, body functions, social demands, emotional regulation skills, cognitive skills, roles, and cultural, personal, and social contexts. Through the processing of groups, the effects that drama can have on these areas may then be translated into better engagement and participation in occupation (meaningful activities), which is the goal of occupational therapy.

            As I move on to graduation and begin my professional career, I will take much of what I've learned at CANY with me. This will not only improve the way I develop treatments for my patients, but improve the way I care for and interact with them and their families. Whether I end up in a mental health setting or in a rehabilitation center, I know that my experience at CANY has made me a better clinician and a better person."