Group Proposal Therapy

Tasi Faith C. Taitano, BSWUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa

December 11, 2013

Basis of Proposal

The Facts National Data according 2010

Department of Defense: Active Duty: 1,182,657 Active Duty Service

Members Guard/Reserve: 723,550 Total Service

Members Veterans: 8,041 as of 2010 Guam Census

Service Connected Disability: 1,655 Veterans

Non-Service Connected: 6,386 Veterans

Rationale The National Center for PTSD has found that “about

5.2 million adults have PTSD during a given year. PTSD occurs in “about 11-20% of Veterans of the

Iraq and Afghanistan wars (Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom), or in 11-20 Veterans out of 100.”

55 out of 100 women (55%) and 38 out of 100 men (38%) have experienced sexual harassment when in the military.” (National Center for PTSD).

“About 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lives.” APA

“To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”

– President A. Lincoln

Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for

Education and Therapy (TARGET)

A strength-based approach to education and therapy. Developed by Julian D. Ford, PhD, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Department of

Psychiatry

Who is TARGET for? Therapy for survivors of physical sexual,

psychological, and emotional trauma and those with PTSD or anxiety.

Ages 13 years or older Non:

Gender Specific Culturally or Ethnically Specific Trauma Specific

May be conducted in an individual setting or groups of 10-12 participants.

What does TARGET aim to do?

What the skills taught is proposed

to do? Regulate extreme emotion state

Differentiate between extreme stress and normal stress

Manage intrusive trauma memories Promote self-efficacy Achieve lasting recovery from trauma

Research on TARGET 2008 study examined TARGET's efficacy as a

group therapy treatment for participants with PTSD and substance abuse. No treatment effects were found on PTSD

symptomatology, but a positive effect was found on one aspect of substance use.

2011 study used one-on-one treatment and did not examine impact on participants' substance use. Positive with regard to decreased PTSD

symptomatology at post-treatment.

Group Demographics

Specific to Population Conducting Groups:

Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Sessions are closed once group sessions

begin Specific to Veterans and their immediate

families 13 sessions, 90 minutes each

Non age group specification except when working with young adolescents.

Groups is gender specific Volunteer basis

Group Sessions First session:

Introduction of TARGET Pretest (Understanding & coping of stress & trauma) Recognize and introduce group members and facilitators Establish rules for group setting Sharing background, experience, current concerns,

questions, expectations of TARGET Second through Eleventh Session:

Implementing FREEDOM (one letter a day) Thirteenth Session:

Closing of groups Posttest (Understanding & coping of stress & trauma)

Group Extras Facilitators will be

TARGET well trained: Psychologist Case Managers Teachers

Social Workers

Leadership: Sessions can be

assisted with the help of readers

All participants should be considerate of theirs/others: Statements, opinions, responses, or questions Feelings & thoughts Beliefs, values, culture & color Experiences

Therapeutic Factors Trauma does not define the rest of their lives There are other Veterans/Families experiencing

PTSD/Trauma Hearing & understanding others experience Letting others know about their own experiences,

struggles, or successes Identifying and correcting behaviors Using the strengths/experiences of others to help Use positive behaviors of others Use the group to initiate social interaction properly Establish group like and love for trust Be as open an honest as possible Understand how your experience effects your family

and friends

Thank You!Any questions, comments,

concerns!