Activity Practitioners are constantly presented with new and old therapeutic modalities. Each therapeutic intervention is designed to improve the client’s quality of life. Today there are a variety of therapies such as pet therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy, and validation therapy. Each is well known and used by activity professionals across the country, however, there is an underutilized therapeutic technique known as remotivation therapy that provides a great opportunity to explore.

Remotivation therapy is defined by the National Organization for Remotivation Therapy. Inc. (NRTO) as “Remotivation is a small group therapeutic modality designed to assist clients by promoting self-esteem, awareness, and socialization.” (Remotivation.com) Those who facilitate these groups are known as remotivation therapists. The NRTO Inc defines a Remotivation therapist as one who uses Remotivation therapy to reach the “unhurt” areas of the patient’s personality to think about reality. This is different from other therapies because it does not focus on the patient’s disabilities. Instead, Remotivation therapy focuses on the abilities that the client has.

The beauty of Remotivation therapy is that anyone can do this therapeutic intervention. This modality occurs in Long-Term Care, Assisted Living and Adult Day Care settings that can be provided by Social Workers, nurses, chaplains and volunteers. Our clients deal with an interdisciplinary team when it comes to their care. If this technique is used, it will improve the quality of life of the clients.

Remotivation therapy is provided individually or in small groups. Considering that we have a diverse set of clients in LTC, it benefits those who have dementia, need more sensory stimulation, and are independent, as well as clients who are physically and cognitively capable of participating but choose not to or choose to. Remotivation therapy is a tool that can reach unresponsive individuals. This tool helps others with their resocialization skills. This same technique will help the client maintain or improve their physical and cognitive abilities.

A Remotivation therapy session is designed to create fun. The session consists of five structured steps.

STEP I Climate of Acceptance: The therapist greets each member of the group. The facilitator says something positive to each person.

STEP II The Bridge to the Real World: In this step, the facilitator uses bouncing questions to guide the group to the topic of the day.

STEP III Sharing the world we live in: This is where a discussion about the topic takes place in the everyday world.

STEP IV An appreciation of the world’s work: In this step, a discussion is held on the labor aspect of the topic.

STEP V Climate of Appreciation: The facilitator individually thanks clients for coming to their session. The next meeting is announced.

The Remotivation therapist creates an environment where the client feels safe. In this setting, whatever the client says is accepted by the Remotivation therapist without judgment. In this way, a relationship of trust is established between the client and the Remotivation therapist. Remotivation therapists accept and appreciate what the client provides. You could be actively participating in the session or remaining silent throughout the session. It is the gift of your presence that the Remotivation therapist acknowledges.

Remotivation therapy is a wonderful tool for clients. It is a five-step process that deals with the uncoiled part of the client’s brain. Clients don’t dwell on the emotional aspect of the topic because it is factual in nature. As the sessions progress, you will see the change in the client. Today, I use Remotivation therapy in all my programs at my center. This increases their self-esteem and socialization, which provides the opportunity for the individual to focus on something other than his illness. After a few sessions, clients are more sociable and communicative. Remotivation therapy is a wonderful tool that Activity professionals would benefit from because it would improve the quality of life of our clients.

NRTO Policies and Procedures Manual, 1995, p. 3 < http://www.remotivation.com/DefinitionRM.asp