04/01/2024
This is an update on the DBT for Adolescents group which is kindly funded by the Rotary Club of Parksville. Some of the previous information has changed to reflect feedback we've received.
----------------------------------------------------------
When does the program begin?
The program begins the week of April 22.
How has the program been adapted to meet local needs?
We have received feedback from a number of parents. They tell us that, because of the smaller size of the communities we are drawing from, their child does not want to be part of a group session with other young people who are their peers, with whom they may go to school. We have therefore changed the group component to include only the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the young person, to give them the tools they need to help their child. Each young person who is part of the program will receive the tools and skills they need through one-on-one individual therapy including art therapy and a music-based listening therapy. This will be accomplished so as to maintain the young person's privacy as much as possible.
How long is the program?
We will have nine weeks before July, and a tenth week in September to assess the results and to make recommendations for next steps for the young person and her/his parents or guardians.
Who can attend?
Because we are now dealing with the youth participant individually, we can offer a wider age range. Any adolescent, aged 12 to 19, who is having challenges and difficulties in regulating their emotions, dealing with conflict, aggressive behaviour, staying on track in school, social isolation, alcohol and/or drug dependencies, ruminating about past traumatic or difficult events, catastrophic thinking, hopelessness, helplessness, suicidality, ineffective personal relationships, or the inability to tolerate stress and distress. In addition, at least one parent must also be involved.
How many participants will be accepted?
The limit is five adolescents plus their parent(s).
From which communities can participants be from?
Anywhere in the Oceanside area including Nanoose Bay, Enterprise, Coombs, Whiskey Creek, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and Qualicum Bay.
Is there a cost to attend?
The Rotary Club's contribution, along with hoped-for contributions from other community groups and individuals, means there will only be a refundable fee of $300. This fee will be returned in full at the end of the program if the participants were involved each of the weeks to a reasonable extent. If either the parent(s) or young person miss more than two of the ten weeks, the fee would not be refundable.
Will there be another opportunity in the future?
The cost to deliver the program is $2500 per adolescent participant. This is therefore not a program we can deliver without a major sponsor such as the Rotary Club of Parksville. We are hopeful we will be able to deliver it at least annually, but there is no guarantee.
What results can this program be expected to produce?
Most "troubled" adolescents are simply trauma survivors who have lost the skills they need in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, conflict avoidance, and mindfulness. This program is intended to restore those skills to them, while providing their parents with the skills they need to more effectively support and help regulate their child. The end result should be a greater likelihood of success in life, greater likelihood of being from from alcohol or drug dependencies, and greater harmony within the family.
How can we register?
Applications to participate in the program will be taken on a first-come first-served basis, and can be made to office@icc.care with the following information:
- Name and age of the youth who will participate;
- Name of the parent(s) or guardian(s) who will take part in the Monday evening group;
- The e-mail address of the youth and the e-mail address of one of the parent(s) or guardian(s).
The $300 refundable fee is due by April 15, and can be made by e-transfer to office@icc.care.
