Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress
The SPARCS program is designed for adolescents who have been traumatized, often repeatedly and who continue to live with high levels of stress. It is funded through the Youth Network Council Trauma Informed Youth Services Initiative (TIYSI).
SPARCS assists adolescents in identifying and assessing their strengths and ability to make better choices for their lives. Group members learn concrete steps to help them better manage circumstances when under stress and when struggling with challenging relationships. The SPARCS model is a phase-oriented treatment with the first priority being to equip adolescents with tools for coping with current and future stressors that are impacted by painful events from the past.
SPARCS group provides services to adolescents between 12-21 years old, and groups consist of 8-12 members. The SPARCS model covers 16 sessions addressing communication and connecting with others, problem-solving and creating meaning, coping more effectively in the moment and cultivating awareness.
SPARCS targets six domains of functioning including: regulating emotions and behaviors, attention/awareness, self-concept, relationships, physical complaints and hopefulness and sense of purpose in life. Topics covered in group are: understanding how your body reacts to stress; managing your emotions so they don’t manage you, including anger, sadness and worries; building a support network; and improving communication skills.
Anyone interested in being assessed for the group should call Laura Moorhem in Granite City at 618-452-8900, ext. 141, or Kari Stines in Belleville at 618-235-5335, ext. 20.
The SPARCS program is offered in the Southern Region.