The power of diversional therapy: employing co-creation as a process to design a culturally responsive mural using the kawa model.

Abstract

Background:

To describe a diversional therapy project completed within an adult forensic mental health unit in regional Australia.

Method:

The mural diversional therapy project planning, co-design process and implementation are described. Reflection on identified outcomes are discussed.

Results:

A small cohort of adult forensic mental health consumers participated in a group diversional therapy program involving the co-creation of a wall mural. The co-design process involved collaborative input from unit mental health consumers, the unit’s Occupational Therapist and the Advanced Recreational Officer. The resulting mural design integrated elements of the Kawa Model into a culturally responsive mural design. Mental health consumers’ participating in the project identified themes such as experiencing a sense of pride, achievement, connection, relaxation and ownership. It is anticipated that the mural’s embedded visual symbolism and cultural responsiveness may provide consumers with ongoing therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

Mural diversional therapy had positive effects on adult forensic mental health consumers. Embedding Kawa Model metaphoric symbolism into the mural design using a co-design approach adds a therapeutic legacy for future forensic mental health consumers, which has relevance for adult psychiatric inpatient care.