Strengthening Family Coping Resources

Strengthening Family Coping Resources (SFCR) uses a skill-building, multi-family group framework to teach constructive resources to families who have a high exposure to stress and trauma. As an intervention for high-risk families, SFCR can cause a reduction in symptoms of traumatic distress and behavior problems and help families demonstrate higher functioning. The SFCR manual is based on a systemic, family approach and uses empirically-supported trauma treatment that focuses on family ritual, storytelling, and narration, which improves communication and understanding within family members. The manual is organized into three accessible parts: * Part 1 details the theoretical and empirical foundations of SFCR * Part 2 focuses on implementation and the clinical guidelines for conducting SFCR * Part 3 contains session guidelines focused on the multi-family group versions of SFCR Each session included in the intervention is structured according to specific guidelines, and instructions provide examples of what fac

Laurel Kiser, PhD, MBA, is a psychologist and an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the protective role of rituals and routines within families, schools, and neighborhoods, and the development of interventions to strengthen these to reduce the effects of trauma. Dr. Kiser was awarded an NIMH-mentored career development grant in support of this work and has also received funding from SAMHSA for dissemination and evaluation. Her articles appear frequently in the professional literature and she is a regular presenter and invited lecturer at national conferences.