Wellspring prioritizes the evidence-based nature of the Bounce program, integrating various therapeutic modalities for its success. The psycho-education component draws from “The Circle of Truth” curriculum (copyright 2009 Tova Kreps), emphasizing six phases for overcoming adversity. Additionally, the program incorporates trauma-informed group therapy, individual therapy, therapeutic listening (Story Healing, copyright 2006 Tova Kreps), equine-assisted therapy (Natural Lifemanship), biofeedback (HeartMath), therapeutic art experiences, music, psycho-drama, and other experiential learning techniques.
Pre and post-assessments over the first 6 years of Bounce have demonstrated a 25-37% reduction in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms among participating youth. The latest effectiveness data is outlined below.
Introduction and Methods: This report presents a preliminary evaluation of the Bounce Group Extended program’s effectiveness in reducing depression among adolescents. The program, which includes 14 group sessions featuring video instruction and in-person therapist facilitation, was implemented across three cohorts in Spring 2022, Fall 2022, and Spring 2023. The report analyzes aggregated scores from the Child Depression Inventory-2 (CDI-2, 28 items) across the three cohorts using a single group, pretest to posttest design. Statistically significant changes were assessed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed ranks test, with reported effect sizes (r).
The sample consisted of 28 youth (18 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 13.7 years. The CDI-2 demonstrated excellent reliability at both pretest and posttest (mean alphas = .93).
Findings: Overall, participants experienced a significant reduction in depression scores from pretest (median = 14.0, range 2-37) to posttest (median = 9.5, range 1-30), with a large effect size (r = -.53) (p < .01).
Summary, Limitations, and Conclusions: While these findings suggest substantial reductions in depression ratings after Bounce Group Extended, the relatively small sample and absence of a control group precludes certainty regarding the intervention’s sole influence. Despite these limitations, these preliminary results offer promise and warrant further investigation in more rigorous studies with control groups and larger samples.
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, advocates for screening every student for childhood trauma and promoting trauma-sensitive education. Childhood trauma, known as adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) in research, includes abuse, neglect, exposure to mental illness, addiction, bullying, divorce, and domestic violence.
Our Bounce™ program provides a safe environment for children to learn about trauma, acquire coping tools, and receive evidence-based treatment proven to reduce PTSD symptoms.
Trauma can be likened to heavy rocks in a backpack; unprocessed, they can lead to physical and mental health issues such as back pain, headaches, and difficulty focusing. Long-term effects may include addiction, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Dr. Burke Harris emphasizes that adverse childhood experiences are a significant public health crisis.
Please watch the video to learn about the very real long term health effects of untreated trauma in children. Video: Video Ad (youtube.com)
A Bounce™ Team member will reach out to schedule a one-hour Zoom interview with you and your child. This includes speaking with a therapist to determine the program suitability for the youth and completing several assessments to evaluate PTSD symptoms, resiliency, and other mood-related issues. After the interview and assessments, the Bounce™ team will determine if the youth is a good match for one of the Bounce™ formats or other opportunities tailored to their needs. A decision is made only after the youth completes the application, interview, and assessments.
If you have a question, please e-mail us at programs@wellspringmiami.org or call (305) 722-5380. You will have opportunities to ask questions during the intake interview as well.
If your child is in immediate crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If your child is safely functioning, Wellspring provides individual treatment options that can start before your child begins the Bounce program to expedite treatment.
Youth can also apply to Bounce™ even if they are already attending weekly therapy sessions. For more information, contact our office at (305) 722-5380 or email us at programs@wellspringmiami.org.
25-30 participants per week.
You’ll get an email confirming participation within 5 business days after completing the Zoom Interview and assessment forms, which are evaluated by the Bounce Clinical Team.
Wellspring offers other services including, individual therapy, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, and teen therapy groups. If your child does not meet criteria, one of our team members will reach out to talk about these options with you. If you have questions you can call our office for more information at (305) 722-5380 or email us at programs@wellspringmiami.org.
Bounce is free for youth living in Miami-Dade County. For applicants living outside of the county, please call our office at (305) 722-5380 or email us at programs@wellspringmiami.org for pricing options.
