Book Club Provides Therapeutic Outlet for Behavioral Health Patients at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
Mar 25, 2016
A new book club for behavioral health patients has shown itself to be an effective educational and therapeutic outlet for patients to explore their thoughts and emotions, according to psychologists at New York Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx (NCB), where the club has developed into an effective complement to patients’ treatment.
The hospital’s “Outpatient Book Club” was created by Ilana Breslau, PhD, a Senior Outpatient Psychologist, with assistance from the Friends of North Central Bronx Auxiliary. Club members are provided during their outpatient appointment with a copy of the book being discussed. Patients then meet as a group on a monthly or quarterly basis to discuss the characters, themes and plots with two trained behavioral health experts.
According to Dr. Breslau, discussing literature provides a unique way to connect with patients and help them explore new ways of viewing their own conditions.
“Through these works, we help patients discover that many people have struggled with the same challenges they face. It helps them to open up in a variety of ways,” she explained. “The feedback we have received has been extraordinarily positive.”
Since last year, the Book Club has read and discussed Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo and, An Unquiet Mind and Nothing Was the Same by Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison. Next up is Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline.
One patient, Justyce, has been a regular attendee of the Book Club meetings and says it is helpful for all participants.
“We identify with the characters within these books and it provokes a discussion about ourselves,” Justyce said. “It has really helped patients ‘open up’ and start talking.”
Individuals who are Outpatient Behavioral Health patients at NCB and wish to participate in the Book Club can call Dr. Breslau at (718) 519-3556. Limited space is still available for the April 4th meeting.
Contact: John Doyle, 718-918-4055,917-553-4642
About NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx is a 215-bed community hospital. The hospital specializes in women’s and children’s services. Its renowned outpatient department has led the way in community-based care delivered in a compassionate and culturally-appropriate manner. As a member of the NYC Health + Hospitals health care system, it is committed to providing safe, high-quality medical care for any and all in need. For more information visit /northcentralbronx
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation with a network of 11 hospitals including six regional trauma centers, community-based health centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, and a correctional health services unit. The system includes a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlusHealth. The health system provides essential services to 1.2 million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the five boroughs. Its diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees are uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. Visit nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected: https://www.facebook.com/NYCHealthSystem or Twitter @NYCHealthSystem.