Experiences of participating in a group-based sensory modulation intervention for mental health service users.

Background: People with mental health issues often experience difficulties with sensory modulation affecting occupational engagement. Research conducted in inpatient units has shown positive effects of individual sensory modulation interventions, however, research on experiences of group-based interventions in outpatient units is limited. Hence, a group-based sensory modulation intervention was adapted and tested within Swedish mental health outpatient units.

Aim: To explore the experiences of participating in a group-based sensory modulation intervention for service users in mental health outpatient units.

Material and methods: This qualitative study involved interviews with 25 informants who had participated in the intervention. The interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Synthesis of the interviews resulted in one overarching theme of 'Embodied awareness facilitates improved coping and sense of self' organised into four themes: (1) 'Developing embodied awareness and strategies', (2) 'Taking control of everyday life', (3) 'Creating a stronger sense of self', and (4) 'From alienation to belonging'.

Conclusion and significance: The informants experienced the intervention to provide new embodied coping strategies that had previously been neglected. This understanding may enrich occupational therapy practice in new ways to support service users' engagement in occupations.