Group activities in the mental health field: experiences in the sociotherapy group in Gloria neighborhood – Ijuí/RS

Abstract

This article intends to present the experience developed by professors and academics from the UNIJUI Nursing course with a group of chronic psychiatric patients, which is denominated Group of Sociotherapy from Gloria Neighborhood. This activity wants to create a sociability space to people with chronic mental diseases, and it has been developed since 1995 with a two-hour weekly meeting. Cloth painting, games, works in wood and clay, strolls and parties are some of the activities proposed by the members of the group. These tasks stimulate intra-group communication, intensifying the socialization. We think that this form of intervention facilitates the social integration, recovers the subjectivity endangered by the disease and potentiates personal abilities.