Hello all!
Our next virtual SPACE group will begin July 12th, 2023 and we are now conducting intakes for this group! The group meets virtually on Wednesdays at 12pm EST for 10 weeks in a row. You can read more below but please let me know if you have any questions!
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Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a short term parent-based intervention designed to treat a range of anxiety disorders in youth. Treatment focuses on helping caregivers to a) respond supportively to their child’s anxiety with a combination of validation and confidence, and b) reduce reinforcing or accommodating their child’s anxiety. By exclusively focusing on changing parental behavior instead of youth behavior, SPACE reduces the escalation families often experience when trying to force youth to change course and empowers parents to take action to support their youth.
As a parent-based intervention, youth involvement is not required for any portion of treatment, making it an ideal option for caregivers of youth who are unwilling or unable to engage in their own treatment. SPACE is also a great adjunct for caregivers when their youth is engaged in individual treatment, as SPACE solely focuses on caregiver behavior. We have found SPACE is often a necessary first step as ongoing parental accommodation regularly interferes with youth being motivated for change on their own. While the target of treatment is the youth’s anxiety, most parents find SPACE improves their own well-being and sense of competence in navigating their child’s anxiety.
The SPACE group at TAP consists of 10, one-hour virtual groups made up of caregivers of anxious youth under 18. The group covers all of the same material that would be delivered individually, while also allowing caregivers to learn from and support each other. Groups include written materials, didactic discussions, coping skills practice and group-based processing. Spots in our SPACE group are limited in order to ensure individualized attention in the group setting. For caregivers seeking additional guidance, one-on-one “Consultation” hours during or after the completion of the SPACE group are available for an additional fee.
Rule outs for this group include caregivers of youth: with significant cognitive impairment, severe unaddressed mental health symptoms such as psychosis, bipolar disorder and significant substance use. While we offer SPACE to caregivers of young adults on an individual basis, the SPACE group is currently only available to caregivers of youth 18 and younger. While SPACE can be effective for youth who experience SI/SH urges and actions tied to underlying anxiety, SPACE group is not appropriate for youth who are regularly engaging in high risk behavior prompted by symptoms beyond anxiety.
You can learn more about the SPACE program and SPACE offerings at TAP here: https://www.tapclinicnc.com/space. Limited sliding scale spots are available. Please contact zachary@tapclinicnc.com with any questions.
How much do you charge for the 10 week group? Do you charge per week? Or all at once? Do you meet with them individually or is it all group the entire 10 weeks? Would love any feedback. Thanks!