The global pandemic has forced many essential services to evolve in order to continue to serve their populations, and Evoke Therapy Programs is no exception. Fortunately, this has meant new and no-cost ways for families to stay involved with their peers and engaged in their children’s process, while travel is either forbidden or strictly limited.
Late in May, Evoke conducted its first online Parent Workshop through Zoom. Evoke has long held the belief that children can achieve better change and growth when their parents are included and learn skills that benefit their own personal growth process as well as their child’s. In prior Parent Workshops, parents traveled to Oregon or Utah to meet field staff, learn strategies, and meet some of their parent cohort. The workshops have been a very important part of every Evoke family’s journey, which the company wanted to continue offering during the COVID crisis.
That first Zoom workshop was free and hosted by Evoke therapist and assistant clinical director Lauren Roberts with 21 parents in attendance. “I was excited and blown away by how powerful the experience was. Parents were open, honest, and engaged. It was an informative and life-giving day,” says Roberts. “We will continue to offer these workshops on a monthly basis throughout this time and hopefully, continue to offer an online option for Parent Workshops even after COVID-19.”
Like the Workshops, the online Parent Support Groups for current and alumni parents have been another offering that worked so well, the company plans on making them a regular part of its complimentary offerings. Evoke hosted previous support groups in cities across the U.S., like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, and parents who lived within driving distance would often make the trip. While they were well-subscribed, not everyone who wanted to could attend because of the journey and time required. COVID provided the perfect opportunity for Evoke to see how online support groups might work.
The online support groups have been very well-received and surprisingly intimate, as well. Up to 12 parents per group from all over the country join to share stories and support. Moderated by either Dr. Brad Reedy, Evoke’s Executive Clinical Director, or one of Evoke’s therapists, they last an hour and have been in such demand that Evoke will now be offering several free Online Support Groups per month.
About Evoke Therapy Programs
Evoke Therapy Programs provides both outdoor-based therapeutic programs for adolescents, young adults and families and Intensive therapy programs for individuals, families, and couples. Evoke is accredited by the AEE/OBH and is a NATSAP Research Designated Program. Evoke’s outdoor programs are based in Bend, Oregon and in Saint George, Utah. Evoke’s Intensive Therapy programs are in northern Utah.