As SPARCS is a present-focused group intervention, in an effort to capture a range of responses, clinicians are sometimes unable to fully assess the comprehensive trauma history of all participating members. The focus of SPARCS includes a broader evaluation that examines current functioning and coping strategies that are associated with complex trauma (NCTSN, 2008). The beginning phase of treatment focuses on building a therapeutic relationship and group cohesion while providing psycho-education about the prevalence and impact of complex trauma. Concepts of maladaptive coping strategies and the importance of self-regulating distress and control are introduced during the initial phase (Bright, Raghavan, Kliethermes, Juedemann & Dunn, 2010).
The assessment would rely on a trauma informed cognitive model and the information would be extracted primarily through group discussions. During ongoing group sessions, the facilitator and members jointly assess the present physiological, mood, interpersonal, cognition, and behavior symptoms through ongoing discussions throughout each session. The group would also examine the variables surrounding the aforementioned symptoms, such as behavioral antecedents and consequences, history and development, …show more content…
Members participate in mindfulness exercises in the beginning of each session and increase their awareness of their internal states and external experiences (California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, 2006). Participants learn how external factors impact them emotionally, cognitively, and physiologically. The ‘Feelings Thermometer’ is utilized to identify how members are feeling and open-ended inquiry/socratic dialogues are utilized to link trauma experiences with current functioning. Adolescents become aware of their triggers, and notice how their internal thoughts, emotions, and behavior affect the external
The assessment would rely on a trauma informed cognitive model and the information would be extracted primarily through group discussions. During ongoing group sessions, the facilitator and members jointly assess the present physiological, mood, interpersonal, cognition, and behavior symptoms through ongoing discussions throughout each session. The group would also examine the variables surrounding the aforementioned symptoms, such as behavioral antecedents and consequences, history and development, …show more content…
Members participate in mindfulness exercises in the beginning of each session and increase their awareness of their internal states and external experiences (California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, 2006). Participants learn how external factors impact them emotionally, cognitively, and physiologically. The ‘Feelings Thermometer’ is utilized to identify how members are feeling and open-ended inquiry/socratic dialogues are utilized to link trauma experiences with current functioning. Adolescents become aware of their triggers, and notice how their internal thoughts, emotions, and behavior affect the external