Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress
Angel Knoverek | Intermediate, Clinical | ★★★★★
Title: Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress
Format: Live virtual training via Zoom
Prerequisites: None required
CE Credits: 22.0
Registration Fee: $1,295 USD
Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) is an evidence-informed group therapy intervention used in a variety of treatment delivery settings. The SPARCS program includes a 16 session treatment guide that was specifically created for teens who have been traumatized, often repeatedly, and who continue to live with high levels of stress. SPARCS aims to help adolescents find that “sparc” of light within them and enhance their strengths and resilience. As a strength-based approach, SPARCS was designed to help adolescents find the wisdom in their responses, support skills they already possess, and foster new ways of coping. Through education, validation, and connection, SPARCS therapists strive to provide group members with the freedom to address problems that are important to them and create opportunities for change.
SPARCS is based on three empirically-informed interventions that were adapted and integrated in an effort to address the topics specifically relevant to adolescents exposed to chronic trauma. These interventions include:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)
- Trauma Adaptive Recovery – Group Education and Therapy (TARGET)
- Trauma Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCT-A)
Target Audience:
This course is designed for psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage & family therapists, school professionals, and other mental health providers seeking to strengthen their skills in treating complex trauma. It is appropriate for professionals across educational, clinical, and community settings who support groups of adolescents impacted by complex trauma.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the theoretical foundations and broad goals of SPARCS.
- Explain how SPARCS addresses the domains of Complex PTSD.
- Apply emotional regulation, distress tolerance, problem-solving, and mindfulness skills as present-focused interventions.
- Demonstrate competency with role plays and activities focusing on decision-making and communication skills
Learning Session 1
Date: November 18-20, 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Learning Session 2
Date: January 20-22, 2027 (Wednesday to Friday)
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Participants must complete the full registration process. The link is available on this page. Registration closes on November 4th. Participants must complete the full registration process. Once registered, you’ll receive the Zoom link as well as a calendar invitation that you may opt to add to your calendar.
Registration fees include the 22 hour live virtual training, 8 hours of consultation support, clinician’s manual, one workbook, digital handouts, and supplies to practice the activities during the training. Not included in the registration fees are supplies needed to offer SPARCS groups to clients.
CE Information:
Mindshift Center, provider #2577, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider period: 03/05/2026-3/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 22.0 clinical continuing education credits.
Mindshift Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7989. Programs that do not qualify for credit are clearly identified. Mindshift Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the course.
Course Completion:
Course completion requirements: Social workers and counselors must attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation to be eligible for CE credit. Certificates of completion will be provided automatically upon successful course completion, including passing the post-test and completing the course evaluation.
Course Interactivity:
This live webinar is delivered in real time through Zoom and is designed to be fully interactive. Participants will engage directly with the instructor and fellow attendees through features such as live discussion, Q&A, chat participation, and guided activities. Learners will have multiple opportunities to ask questions, share reflections, and apply course concepts during the session. Attendance and participation are required for credit, and the instructor will be available throughout the webinar to respond to questions and facilitate interactive learning.
System Requirments:
To access this live webinar course, participants will need a computer or mobile device with the following:
Operating system: Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, iOS, or Android 4.0 or higher
Internet Browser: Chrome, Firefox 10.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Safari
Broadband Internet: Cable, high-speed DSL, or other connection capable of streaming video content
Zoom application downloaded.
Training Includes:
- Training:
SPARCS Trained Clinician
- Credits Earned:
22.0 CE
- Language:
English
- Capacity:
20 participants
- Duration:
6 Days
- Instructor:
Angel Knoverek, Ph.D., LCPC, ACS
- Cost:
$1,295 USD
WHAT IS SPARCS?
Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) is a strengths-based group model for youth ages 12-21 who have been exposed to chronic trauma and/or stress. Treatment consists of 16 one-hour sessions. SPARCS is a strength-based approach and was designed to help adolescents find the wisdom in their responses, support skills they already possess, and foster new ways of coping. Through education, validation, and connection, SPARCS therapists strive to provide group members with the freedom to address problems that are important to them and create opportunities for change.
WHO DOES SPARCS HELP?
SPARCS is designed for adolescents of diverse backgrounds who have experienced complex trauma or chronic stress. SPARCS can benefit youth who experience functional impairments including difficulties with:
- Regulating emotions, behaviors, and impulses
- Maintaining healthy relationships
- Paying attention and processing information
- Managing physical complaints and other symptoms of chronic trauma and stress
Adaptations have been made to use SPARCS with children as young as 8 years of age, which is known as SPARCS-Junior, or SPARCS-Jr.
SPARCS has also been used successfully with adult populations who experience chronic stress (i.e., substance abuse groups).
WHAT ARE SPARCS TREATMENT GOALS?
The treatment goals for patients receiving SPARCS treatment are:
- Increase effective coping skills
- Enhance self-efficacy and self-esteem
- Cultivate awareness and mindfulness
- Create meaning relative to experiences
- Master developmental tasks unique to adolescence
- Optimize communication and problem-solving skills
Contact Information
If you are interested in learning more about hosting or joining a SPARCS Learning Collaborative, contact SPARCS Master Trainer Dr. Angel Knoverek at training@mindshiftcenter.org.
Angel Knoverek
Ph.D., LCPC, ACS
Trauma Treatment Educator & Consultant | Counselor Educator | Clinical Supervisor | Group Practice Owner | Curriculum Developer
Dr. Angel Knoverek is a nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed care, with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, education, and systems-level advocacy. As a licensed professional counselor and counselor educator, she has trained thousands of mental health professionals across the country in understanding the nuanced impact of complex trauma.
Dr. Knoverek is the founder and clinical director of a thriving group practice dedicated to serving children, adolescents, and adults affected by relational and developmental trauma. Her work bridges neuroscience, attachment theory, and practical application, making her a sought-after speaker, curriculum developer, and consultant for organizations seeking to implement trauma-responsive strategies.
With a passion for elevating mental health equity, Dr. Knoverek integrates research, lived experience, and clinical wisdom to empower professionals working at the intersection of trauma and healing. Her teaching style is engaging, compassionate, and deeply rooted in real-world relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
SPARCS can be delivered in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, the following: Outpatient Clinics, School-based Community Mental Health, Schools, Alternative Schools, Day Treatment, Shelters (Homeless, Domestic Violence, etc.), Substance Abuse Programs, Foster Care, Group Home, Residential, Detention Centers, and Corrections Centers.
How do I know if SPARCS is a good fit for my organization?
SPARCS is a good fit for agencies with:
- Leadership and staff who strive to provide trauma-informed services.
- Leadership and staff who are committed to using evidence-based and evidence-informed treatment.
- Access to a large population of adolescents who would benefit from SPARCS.
- Space, resources, and funding to provide group treatment.
SPARCS is a good fit for group facilitators who:
- Are committed to using trauma-informed best practices.
- Are interested in providing evidence-based and evidence-informed treatment in creative ways which may differ from their typical approach.
- Are comfortable with a strengths-based approach that incorporates mindfulness and skill-building.
- Are excited about professional education opportunities and are willing and able to put time and energy into learning a new intervention.
- Enjoy working with adolescents and are good at engaging this population.
Most trauma-informed evidence-based interventions require a master’s degree to be trained. The SPARCS group must be led by a master’s level clinician, and additional staff (e.g., residential staff, case workers, crisis workers, deans, teachers, aides, etc.), can be trained to be supports in the group as well as to reinforce SPARCS skills in the setting.
Organizations implementing SPARCS for the first time must send a team of at least 3 individuals, including one administrator/supervisor and two clinicians. It is important to have administrative support when implementing a new intervention so that the administrator can advocate for the appropriate allocation of resources required.
Organizations that are already actively implementing SPARCS by trained SPARCS clinicians may send individuals to continue the dissemination and fidelity of SPARCS to youth.
The Learning Collaborative model we use for SPARCS training is based on implementation science, which emphasizes on best practices for adult learning. Training participants in a SPARCS Learning Collaborative must attend the following to successfully be trained:
- Pre-work prior to Learning Session #1
- Two, 3 half days of virtual learning sessions totalling approximately 24 hours.
- Regular support for implementation, evaluation, and sustainment to include 8 scheduled teleconferences over approximately 6-9 months.
Costs to host a SPARCS training is dependent on multiple factors, including the number of individuals to be trained and the location of the training. Once we have that information, we can work with you on the most cost-effective way to host a SPARCS training.
Included in the costs are materials for each training participant, including training handouts, a SPARCS clinician manual, and one youth handout manual. In addition, there is 24 hours of direct training in SPARCS, plus at least 8 hours of consultation support with implementation and sustainment of the intervention.
Individuals or small teams who want to be trained, but not necessarily have enough people to host a SPARCS Learning Collaborative, can contact us to see if there is a SPARCS training scheduled that they can attend. If we do not have a training planned, we keep a list of names and contact information to pull small teams together to form a training.
Email training@mindshftcenter.org for more information on costs.
Besides the cost to attend training, there are ongoing expenses to offer SPARCS group sessions, such as providing youth workbooks, materials for activities, and snacks.
Contact
Cancellations & Refunds:
To cancel, please email training@mindshiftcenter.org. Cancellations must be received 30 days prior to the event date to be eligible for a refund.
ADA Accommodations:
If you need ADA accommodations, please email training@mindshiftcenter.org.
