Abstract:
Leisure-based therapy is a potentially effective approach to supporting survivors
of trauma in their healing. The purpose ofthis qualitative case study was to describe the
recreation therapist's facilitation techniques of Leisure Connections, a unique leisurebased psycho-educational group for survivors of trauma, and explore how the facilitation
was experienced by participants. Qualitative case study design, following the methods of
Yin (1994) was used. One two week, three session Leisure Connections group was
observed. Six participants completed the Group· Therapy Alliance Scale (pinsof &
Catherall, 1986) and reflection cards. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were
conducted with the recreation therapist and four participants. Six themes emerged
describing group leader interventions, recreation therapist's actions, recreation therapist's
preparation and reflections, group members' experience of a therapeutic alliance, group
cohesion, and prior influences and assumptions. Therapeutic alliance and group cohesion
were influenced by the recreation therapist's group leader interventions (drawing out,
processing, protecting) and actions. The context of the group within a therapeutic
community milieu was an important influence.
