Group therapy is a powerful tool for growth and change. In process groups, 5-10 individuals meet face to face to share their struggles and concerns with 1-2 trained group facilitators.
The power of process groups lies in the unique opportunity to receive multiple perspectives, support, encouragement and feedback from other individuals in safe and confidential environment. These interpersonal interactions can provide group members an opportunity to deepen their level of self-awareness and to learn how they relate to others.
Process groups are typically unstructured. There isn’t a specific topic for each group session, but some of the groups may be focused on a particular theme or the group may be target to specific group of individuals. Residents are welcome to bring any issues to the group that they feel are important and the primary focus of therapy in the group is on the interactions among group members. Residents are encouraged to give support and feedback to others and to work with the reactions and responses that other members’ contributions bring up for them.
Process Group is the time we set aside to take responsibility for the problems we have shown since the last group and to help a group member(s) resolve their problems.
Is an opportunity for the teens to spend time on treatment specific work: DBT topic sheets, action steps for their goals, treatment goal interventions, phase workbooks, journaling and/or phase applications. This is not a group activity. Phase work is done independently with staff support as needed.
Goals are about making behavioral changes that will help adolescents integrate back into the community. Goal’s Group: Each teen picks a milieu goal for the week. Goals must be positive, and something to do. This means goals should not be stated as “sally will not cuss…” An appropriate statement of a goal: “Sally will use positive language to express her feelings”
Once a goal is chosen the resident must state:
A structured support group that employs evidence-based principles of a strengths-based approach, motivational interviewing strategies and has a strong focus on positive youth development. The program integrates relational theory, resiliency practices and skills training. It is designed to set a safe, creative environment and provide weeks of age-appropriate themes and activities. Designed to increase positive connection, strengths and competence in girls. It aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede girls’ growth and development by promoting an emotionally safe setting and structure within which girls can develop caring relationships and use authentic voices.
VOICES is an evidence based curriculum that addresses the unique needs of adolescent girls and young women ages 12 - 24 years old with substance abuse and/or trauma. The program includes modules on self, connecting with others, healthy living and the journey ahead. Also included are topics such as bullying, the pressures of social media, early puberty, gender exploration, human sex trafficking, binge drinking, texting, social media and online or “in real life” (IRL) friends.
Is a chance to assemble and gather residents in the milieu after morning routine or once school is over. Staff provide a check in time with each resident and address personal needs such as phone calls, laundry and hygiene items. Additionally, time is spent on feedback from peers and staff on awareness of behaviors, skill of the day (a collective skill that residents attempt to demonstrate), positives of the day and any additional information residents and staff need to know. At this time, staff also provide the schedule for the day/evening and residents sign up for activities and groups such as LMA (Large Muscle Activity), PIG (Personal Interest Group) and recreation time.
Aggression Replacement Training is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that targets aggressive and violent adolescent behavior. The program consists of three components: Social Skills Training; Anger Control Training; and Moral Reasoning. The components are specifically matched across each week and integrated for content and process. Each week builds upon the week before. Clients attend a one-hour session in each of these components (meeting the same time and same day each week)
Northwest Children's Home (NCH) operates on a five-phase system that build on each other. Each individualized treatment plan is designed to meet and address the resident's emotional and developmental needs. Depending upon various factors including investment into the treatment program it may take longer for some residents to successfully complete the treatment.
Stabilization & Goal Development
Applying past to present(replacing abusive behaviors with healthier coping/exploring coping options)
Understanding self and developing skills to manage self in stressful situations recognizing your abuse cycle and the effect it has on others.
Maintenance: Expresses feelings without violating the rights of others. Maintains appropriate boundaries. Generates options to interpersonal problems. Participates in all program expectations.
Maintenance: Expresses feelings without violating the rights of others. Maintains appropriate boundaries. Generates options to interpersonal problems. Participates in all program expectations.
Is an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Trauma Informed Care also emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety for both consumers and providers, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.
Provides clients with new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. DBT skills specifically focus on helping those who wish to improve their ability to regulate emotions, tolerate distress and negative emotion, be mindful and present in the moment, and communicate and interact effectively with others.
Is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors.
Is directed at present-time issues and based on the idea that the way an individual thinks and feels affects the way he or she behaves. The focus is on problem solving, and the goal is to change clients' thought patterns in order to change their responses to difficult situations.
Aims to build or rebuild a trusting, supportive relationship that will help prevent or treat mental health concerns. An attachment-based approach to therapy looks at the connection between a child’s early attachment experiences with primary caregivers and the child’s ability to develop normally and ultimately form healthy emotional and physical relationships as an adult.
Focuses on setting up a positive mindset that helps you build on your best qualities, find your strengths, improve resilience and change worldview to one that is more positive.
Takes place in a safe, comfortable area, where very few rules or limits are imposed on the child, encouraging free expression and allowing the therapist to observe the child’s choices, decisions, and play style. The goal is to help children learn to express themselves in healthier ways, become more respectful and empathetic, and discover new and more positive ways to solve problems.