May 2021 - Hopewell Therapeutic Farm

OCD Treatment at the Farm

Posted on May 21, 2021 by Ann Thompson

“I have seen a lot of benefit from the ERP. There are things I am still working on but I have made so much progress. It’s hard work, but it works, I am proof of that.” – Wes H, Hopewell Resident

“At first it seemed it was unnecessarily difficult, and I didn’t like it. But then over time as the habituation process took hold, my anxiety reactions slowly became less intense, and I could see and feel the benefit immensely!” – Jackson B, Hopewell Resident

Hopewell has been exploring the viability of treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders utilizing the treatment modality of Exposure & Response Prevention therapy (ERP). This initiative came out of our discussions with Dr. Paul Keck from the Lindner Center of Hope during his evaluation of our clinical program and capabilities in November of 2018. Subsequently, we contracted with Charles Brady, PhD to consult with us. Dr. Brady was the Clinical Director of Outpatient Services and the Director of the OCD & Anxiety Program at Lindner Center of Hope and is now the Director of Kitsap Peninsula OCD & Anxiety Services in Washington State.

After Dr. Brady visited the farm on a couple of occasions it was determined that including individuals with OCD and related disorders would be an excellent fit for our therapeutic community model of residential treatment.

Dr. Brady has worked with our clinical team to implement a comprehensive ERP program at Hopewell including providing three hours of ERP therapy a day. There are five ERP groups per week, individual ERP sessions, and ERP opportunities during work crews and on their own as homework assignments. We have implemented this new program with four of our current residents who have co-occurring OCD diagnoses or traits.

This pilot program was initiated with our first ERP group on March 2, 2021 and will continue for 90 days. It has been going very well and we anticipate being ready to formally start admitting individuals with a primary diagnosis of OCD and related disorders by early summer.

Hopewell’s Art Crew: Made with Intention

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Ann Thompson

There is often a pleasant aroma that emerges from Hopewell’s art studio each morning – from the scent of freshly poured candles, drying herbs from the garden, or the blending of essential oils. Residents and staff work together on projects for Hopewell’s Farm & Craft Market in art crew, one of several work crews residents may participate in during their stay at Hopewell.

Hopewell is a farm-based residential treatment program for adults with severe mental illnesses and meaningful work is one of its program’s key components. Participation in daily work crews promotes personal responsibility, a structured routine, and an opportunity to contribute to the community. Residents learn to recognize and develop their unique sets of strengths and skills which can foster positive self-esteem and a sense of purpose.

Art crew in particular incorporates the therapeutic benefits of art and craft making. Hopewell’s art therapist Clare Conway, LPC, ATR-P, and art/garden Crew Leader Cindy Wagner developed a line of products that promote mindfulness and creativity. Over the past several years, the types of projects selected for our art crew wares have been intentionally chosen based on their therapeutic value – projects that are group oriented, environmentally friendly, skill-focused, and have a practical purpose.

Candle making, for example, is a group effort, with recipes and precise steps to follow. One resident is tasked with melting wax while others prepare scented oils. Another cleans the jars and sets the wicks in place before the wax is poured. Then comes packaging – residents cooperate to box the candles and label them. Participating in the process from start to finish, while senses and connections to other group members are activated, makes for a positive start to the day.

Residents are given the opportunity to travel with the products to showcase and sell them at community art and craft shows throughout the year. They witness first-hand how their work impacts others and develop social skills and work experience in the process. In this way, residents connect with the ‘why’ of creativity, and how it pertains to their personal healing journey, the benefit of our community, and the wider world.

A portion of the proceeds from the market are donated to outside mental health organizations and services selected by the residents. The purpose of this is to strengthen our commitment to community as a healing force, and by paying it forward the work we do will go directly to help others who need the support. We believe we can extend the therapeutic value of our work by actively fostering such connections with the wider community.

Hopewell’s products can be found at the Hopewell Farm & Craft Market (open by appointment), at upcoming art and craft markets in the area (see below), and at www.hopewellcommunity.org/support-us/store.

WEST WOODS WEDNESDAYS

July 14, August 11, and September 8, 4:00-7:00 pm

The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, Ohio

FARM ARTISAN MARKET

August 8, 10:00am-5:00pm

Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, Ohio

HOMESPUN MARKET DAYS

October 2 and 3, 1:00-5:00pm

Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield, Ohio

Share