The Treatment

In the past two years the programme has adapted a framework it calls Solution Focussed Brief Therapy. The principles of group cohesiveness, common goals, and client enjoyment and participation are central to this approach.

Through this framework, all aspects of the programme are delivered via group sessions or activities. While the size of the groups will vary dependent on the activity, the support provided by the group setting and the sense of 'not being the only one' is an important dynamic as young people admitted to the programme frequently feel isolated and different from their peers. As patients can join the programme at any stage in its cycle, they meet other young people who have solved, or are currently solving, problems similar to their own.

The programme aims to create a group culture that is positive and influential. It should be enjoyable and facilitate in increasing motivation. The establishment of short term goals is also beneficial both to the group and to the individual patients.