SPARC Groups: A Model for Incorporating Spiritual Psychoeducation Into Group Work

Abstract

The use of spirituality as a resource for clients within the counseling field is growing; however, the primary focus has been on individual therapy. The purpose of this article is to provide counseling practitioners, administrators, and researchers with an approach for incorporating spiritual psychoeducation into group work. The proposed model can be utilized in various settings from residential treatment to outpatient practice. This model is named SPARC, which denotes Spiritual Psychoeducation, Activities, Reflection, and Connection. It incorporates four components built on the foundation of being a competent counselor for spiritual psychoeducation groups. Detailed examples of six sessions are provided.

Keywords:

• counseling
• experiential activities
• group work
• psychoeducation groups
• spirituality

Notes

Note: Adapted with permission from “SRPB facets and corresponding items” by Shekhar Saxena, 2006, Social Science & Medicine, 62, p. 1489. Copyright © 2006 by Elsevier.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christopher Christmas

Christopher Christmas, M.A., is a doctoral student and Stacy M. Van Horn, Ph.D., a faculty instructor in the Department of Educational and Human Sciences, University of Central Florida.