On October 14th, I finished a week at a partial hospitalization program. What an emotional and inspirational week!
Let’s start with what a day at this type of program is like.
You arrive and sign in and fill out paperwork – you know the type I mean – on a scale of 1 to 5, how sad are you and how much has that sadness affected your life, etc… And of course you circle the highest number, otherwise why would you be there, right?
So next is opening session. You get to state your name and say how you are feeling. Very daunting on the first day but something you almost look forward to on your last day. Then you attend a variety of small and large group sessions and in-between your counselor and psychologist will come and get you for individual sessions. The hospital in this program does provide an edible lunch also.
Some of the silences between patients can be a bit awkward but everyone seems to want help so most people speak up. There is a lot of sharing painful stories and giving a different perspective to others in pain. You quickly learn that you aren't alone. Others hurt too and it is easy to identify with the people you meet.
I don’t know if ill ever find the words to express how very POWERFUL this group setting is. It really was amazing and inspirational I am very thankful for having been able to participate.
Let’s start with what a day at this type of program is like.
You arrive and sign in and fill out paperwork – you know the type I mean – on a scale of 1 to 5, how sad are you and how much has that sadness affected your life, etc… And of course you circle the highest number, otherwise why would you be there, right?
So next is opening session. You get to state your name and say how you are feeling. Very daunting on the first day but something you almost look forward to on your last day. Then you attend a variety of small and large group sessions and in-between your counselor and psychologist will come and get you for individual sessions. The hospital in this program does provide an edible lunch also.
Some of the silences between patients can be a bit awkward but everyone seems to want help so most people speak up. There is a lot of sharing painful stories and giving a different perspective to others in pain. You quickly learn that you aren't alone. Others hurt too and it is easy to identify with the people you meet.
I don’t know if ill ever find the words to express how very POWERFUL this group setting is. It really was amazing and inspirational I am very thankful for having been able to participate.
Check out a small bit of what I took away from this program HERE.
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