EVIDENCE BASED COMPONENTS

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Many of our verbal group therapies utilize a CBT psychotherapeutic approach to treatment. Children actively work in group sessions to identify and challenge distorted and irrational automatic beliefs and patterns of thinking that lead to negative feelings and self-destructive behaviors. CBT’s focuses on changing distorted thoughts and beliefs. CBT is applicable to a variety of symptoms and behaviors. CBT has excellent scientific data supporting its use in the treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders and is an evidence-based therapy.

2. Social Skills Training Curriculum

All SFCC programs offer a comprehensive social skills training curriculum incorporating the works of Arnold Goldstein (Skills Streaming Program) and Frank Gresham. Through social skills groups, children learn about verbal and nonverbal behaviors involved in social relating. Children give and receive feedback from peers and staff while participating in real life activities. Children learn to change their social behavior patterns through modeling, role-playing, and rehearsing newly learned behaviors in individual and group therapy sessions. Social skills trainings help improve one’s ability to function in everyday situations, improving self-esteem and increasing the likelihood of positive social interactions.

3. School Matters Groups

As many of the children in our programs receive special education services and have difficulties learning and mastering grade level academic work, children in both the Day and After School programs receive daily instruction in the areas of Organization, Time Management, and Study Skills. They have the opportunity to learn organization, complete school work, improve listening skills, and learn strategies for note taking and testing. Members learn about their learning style and individual needs, alleviating frustrations at home and at school and enhancing self esteem.

4. Sports and Cooperative Games

Games are conducted both onsite or at the field. Games are designed to build self-worth and positive social interaction through cooperation, acceptance, inclusion, and fun. Through cooperative games and sports, children learn how to play with, rather than against each other, and the focus is shifted from the outcome of a game to the experience of playing it.

5. Manners Matter Groups

Designed to teach cooperation, manners, and responsibility with the aim of instilling leadership and social competence. Children learn basic manners, how to manage conflict, and how to show kindness and consideration for others across a broad range of social settings.

6. Dialectical Behavioral Skills Training Groups (DBT)

Members learn skills in the areas of distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relating. Groups focus on improving one’s ability to handle distress without losing control and acting destructively.

7. Drama Therapy

Theatre techniques are used to facilitate personal growth and promote social skills, trust, impulse control, expression of emotion, and team work. Children work individually and in groups, role-playing new behaviors and receiving immediate feedback from peers and counselors.

8. Community Outings

Community field trips occur regularly in order to generalize the skills taught at SFCC. Our clients participate and explore a variety of settings. The goal of our community outings is to practice the skills learned at programs in a natural everyday environment so that clients can make transitions easily and adapt to new situations comfortably.

9. Yoga/Chanting

Our Yoga instructors teach children targeted yoga poses and madras designed to dissipate depression, awaken energy, and release joy. Yoga improves concentration and awareness while teaching relaxation and breathing techniques that foster competence and control. Yoga poses, additionally, challenge the imagination and improve strength and flexibility.

10. Martial Arts

Through martial arts, children improve focus, increase self-control and discipline, and increase self-esteem and self-awareness. Martial arts can also improve physical fitness and lead to a healthier lifestyle.

11. Nutritional Counseling/Cooking

The purpose of our nutritional program is to create a nutritional lifestyle, develop nutritional menus, follow healthy recipes, cook nutritional snacks and create appropriate diets. Our program includes identifying resources, curriculum, and educational materials that are necessary to promote healthy lifestyles and lifelong learning. Children work with a health professional to assess individual dietary needs and identify areas where change may be needed. Children receive information educational material and support, while participating in hands on nutritional exercises and activities in an effort to assist them make and maintain nutritional wellness.