Abundant Life Program for Hurting Adolescents (ALPHA- 8 week program)

Who ALPHA is Designed for

The Abundant Life Program for Hurting Adolescents is designed for young people who are suffering as a result of experiencing trauma or abuse related trauma. Abuse related trauma can result from witnessing or being involved in domestic violence, being physically, sexually or emotionally abused or assaulted, from having a primary care giver that is mis-using drugs or alcohol, or from being neglected. Other trauma this program addresses may have resulted from witnessing or being involved in natural disasters such as fire, flood, cyclone or man made disasters such as traffic or other accidents. Trauma also can result from experiencing the death of a close loved one or from having a life-threatening illness or extended time in hospital.

The program is designed to provide an environment for young people to explore their trauma and to provide them with psycho-education regarding trauma as well as strategies to manage or overcome many of the distressing symptoms occurring as a result of experiencing trauma & abuse, with the aim of freeing them to enjoy life more abundantly.As a result of being exposed to abuse or trauma, many people suffer symptoms that impact their lives & relationships with others in many ways. Research has shown that abuse and trauma has numerous effects on brain development & functioning, especially with regard to memory & emotions. The earlier the trauma or abuse occurs and the longer the duration or intensity of the trauma, the more significantly it affects the brain & emotional/social development of the individual. As such trauma & abuse have lasting and pervasive consequences, that untreated impact aspects of emotion regulation, intra & inter personal relationships, self –esteem and ways of thinking for the affected individual.

• Psycho-education regarding trauma

• Development of distress tolerance & Emotion regulation skills

• Thoughts & their influence

• Physical aspects of trauma

• Symptom reduction

• Mindfulness

• Stress & mood management (anxiety, anger, depression)

• Behaviour management (inc: self-harm, addictions)

The groups teach participants about the symptoms of abuse & trauma, as well as giving instructions & practice of various strategies to reduce, manage & overcome these disabling symptoms. In group work-sheets & exercises, as well as optional homework is offered to extend the benefits of all that is covered through-out the group time. Pre & post course measures are given to effectively demonstrate the decrease in frequency & severity of symptoms, as well as an increase in coping skills over the duration of the 8 week intervention.

You can download a Referral Form here

This program is currently run free of charge in local state high schools, funded by the generous members of Ipswich Region Community Church.

Pending further sponsorship, we will be introducing a similar program for adults to be run from our Drop in Centre at 241 Brisbane Street Ipswich from mid 2009.