Tell me about your experience leading therapy group sessions?

"I do not have any formal experience leading group sessions, but I did complete a research project on effective group sessions for children. The most important aspect is to be prepared by planning out goals, activities, backup activities, and potential behaviors from children. These behaviors could include boredom if a task is too easy or frustration if a task is too difficult. Structure is extremely important, so establishing a routine with clear expectations and goals is necessary to help keep the focus. Activities planned should be fun and engaging so that children are motivated and participating each session. Positive reinforcement should also be used to recognize the hard work, effort, determination, and accomplishments of each child. Group therapy has several benefits and I hope I'm given an opportunity to lead these types of sessions in the future."

"In my previous role, I would lead group sessions of 2-5 children at a time. Group therapy can be very beneficial as children learn to model their peers, communicate effectively, problem-solve and work together, and acknowledge and accept each other's strengths and weaknesses. It's a great way to gain exposure to social interactions, and often time it helps improve a child's self-esteem. I would often lead the sensory-motor groups, and we would do activities like jumping, climbing, trunk control, and bilateral coordination."