Help available to define and modify

A major challenge for a therapist or educator working with people with emotional difficulties is determining exactly what that person is feeling, and how best to make them feel more in control of those feelings.

A new computer based tool, called Degrees of Emotion, is designed to address the problem, using displays of photographic images depicting a range of emotions.

Even people with few verbal or communication skills are now able to identify exactly how they feel, and how they would like to feel.

The photographic images in the tool show a range of emotions, which can be further refined into shades or grades of basic feeling. The student/client can then choose an emotion they would prefer, and a pathway is drawn between the two.

A second tool, called ‘Storyboard’, also computer based, is designed to allow the person to ‘re-script’ their story or behaviour using a series of figures.

This can be used in tandem with the Degrees of Emotion programme, creating a way ahead from socially inappropriate behaviour to inclusion and acceptance.

Degrees of Emotion and Storyboard were developed by occupational therapist and trained counsellor, Lynn Bryant, who has many years experience with special needs students in one of Auckland’s largest secondary schools.

Her understanding of individuals with emotional difficulties, from either physical and/or psychological reasons, led her to develop Degrees of Emotion, as a way for her students and clients to clarify how they felt, and how they would prefer to feel.

These ground-breaking programmes are intended for use by occupational therapists, speech language therapists, educators, counsellors, and psychologists.

Their clients include people with autistic disorders, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, behavioural issues, traumatic brain injury, stroke, abuse and addiction.

The development of these revolutionary tools would not have been possible without the invaluable expertise of Dr Bryant’s business partner, Megan Adams, who has 11 years experience in the IT industry. Her role has been to ensure that Degrees of Emotion is efficient, powerful, and easy to use. She has succeeded admirably.

For more information about Degrees of Emotion Ltd and the programmes, go to their website: www.degreesofemotion.co.nz