Empowering rangatahi to unleash their potential through activity-based counselling
In Term 4, 2024, Youth Encounter had the privilege of delivering our Group Therapy programme to six students from Murupara between the ages of 13 and 18. These rangatahi were referred to us on behalf of East Bay REAP. They were identified as having some of the following risk factors: disengaged and not achieving in their education, drug and alcohol abuse, family breakdown, financial hardship, gang affiliation, mental health issues, suicidal ideation and self-harm, criminal activity, family criminal record, and trauma. During this therapy programme, four youth facilitators – two activity staff, one counsellor, and a mentor – journeyed alongside these young people to ensure their individual needs were met and effective outcomes were reached for each person. Our Kaupapa at Youth Encounter is firmly rooted in Te Whare Tapa Whā model of wellness, which allows facilitators to focus on healing and strengthening a person's holistic well-being while engaged with our programmes. These taiohi were also empowered to make their own decisions and encouraged to challenge their thinking to create new mindsets.
This therapy programme is a unique activity-based therapy that provides support for young people who will often not engage in traditional methods of counselling. This programme is an approach to therapy that incorporates cognitive behavioural (CBT) and narrative therapy techniques into fun dirt bike riding activities that empower participants to Live Life Wide Open. Throughout the eight weeks that we facilitated this programme, the group from Murupara showed a high level of engagement. We provided each taiohi with support and strategies to improve their mental well-being and social interactions for healthier whānau. Within this programme, our strategic outcome focus is to facilitate young people struggling with mental health, trauma, neurodiversity, and other challenges, to find a more secure identity by:
Increasing self-worth through strengthening mana
Having more meaningful relationships with whānau through understanding their whakapapa
Engaging in values-based learning (mātauranga) for a healthier connection with self
Developing social skills to grow healthy relationships (hononga)
The impact we saw;
Delivering this programme to such a receptive and energetic group of young people was an absolute pleasure. Through their incredible commitment and participation in this programme, they gained a greater understanding and awareness of themselves. They learnt a lot about their values and how to use them. They learnt more about their character and the things that make them unique. One of the most significant things this group took away from their engagement is the effect that a positive (superposition) mindset has on their future. They gained the courage to express their true selves and act with the positive values we set as a group (leadership, loyalty, respect, helpfulness, and openness). The empowerment and unconditional positive regard that our facilitators displayed led to significant growth in their social interactions, which in turn had an effect on their educational pursuits and social behaviours. We also saw a fantastic shift in their ability to contribute in a group context and share empowering messages.
We can confidently say that each individual experienced a transformation that achieved each of the strategic outcomes for this programme.
The outcomes we captured;
Youth Encounter captures the impact on our rangatahi and the difference we have made in their lives for the greater good of society.
We take our rangatahi through Tuckman's group developmental stages as they journey from lacking self-worth to becoming more secure in their identity. From the beginning, safety is established to form trusting connections and unleash their incredible potential. All participants successfully completed eight weeks of Group Therapy and self-reported the following impacts.
Increased self-worth and strengthened connection with self (mana);
✔ All participants could identify their core values and use these to create further connections with the self.
✔ All participants learnt the skills and knowledge to feel confident and safe while participating in the dirt bike riding therapy activity.
More meaningful relationships with whanau through understanding their whakapapa;
✔ Participants had a trusting and friendly connection with all the Youth Encounter staff.
✔ Participants demonstrated respect for each other and the course facilitators.
✔ Participants' relationships with whānau and friends improved as a direct result of the therapy.
Engaged in values-based learning (mātauranga) for a healthier connection with self;
✔ All of the group completed at least 87.5% of the therapy sessions and celebrated outstanding course completion. Only a few sessions were missed due to external factors outside of their control.
✔ All the participants demonstrated that they are navigating a more positive track in life.
✔ All participants eagerly engaged in Youth Encounter's Live Life Wide Open Track life learnings of the activity-based therapy.
✔ All participants engaged enthusiastically in values-based learning and adhered to the values set by the group.
Developing social skills to grow healthy relationships (hononga);
✔ All participants actively participated in the group and put effort into growing their relationships with their peers and facilitators.
The following feedback was received from the participants during their engagement in the course;
"This has impacted me by learning to be positive and have a superposition mindset. I learnt that I have my own values and beliefs and I can make my own choices."
Youth Encounter has helped me through challenges by... "being friendly to us and by teaching us about our beliefs and values."
"I now know I have the potential to be better at things."
The thing I most enjoyed about this was... "riding, but also taking in the advice our tutors told our group. Like about our potential and what we can achieve in life."
Some of the goals I have achieved during my time at Youth Encounter are... "the ramp, cornering, and living more true to my values."
Some of the goals I have achieved during my time at Youth Encounter are... "being able to put my values into my daily life and being in superposition mindset."
"I felt happier at Youth Encounter."
"Nothing could have made my experience better. I had the best experience as it is."
The following feedback was received from Huia Waller, East Bay REAP, following the commencement of Therapy;
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the transformative experience you have provided for our six taiohi over the past 8 weeks.
The group therapy programme was invaluable in helping our boys build confidence in who they are, and in understanding the importance of taking responsibility for the paths and choices they make. The concept of a "superposition mindset" particularly resonated with them, and we saw a significant positive shift in their thinking.
In addition to the theoretical insights, the physical aspect of the programme—through bike therapy—was a brilliant way to reinforce the lessons learned in class. It allowed our taiohi to connect with their learning in a tangible way, making the experience all the more impactful.
A huge thank you to Mary and the whole team for your dedication, time, and effort over the past 8 weeks. We truly appreciate the amazing experience you have given our boys, and we look forward to working alongside you again in the future."
Superposition mindset
At Youth Encounter, our dirt bike therapy programme journeys through the eight Live Life Wide Open Track modules. As communicated by the participants and their tutor, superposition mindset was one of the modules that these taiohi found the most influential. A superposition mindset is very similar to a positive mindset. We call it a 'super' position because of how super it is! Having a superposition mindset is akin to being a skilled dirt bike rider in a powerful stance. It's a state of balance and readiness where we're open to multiple perspectives and possibilities. Unlike a fixed mindset, which limits our thinking to one narrow perspective, a superposition mindset allows us to consider various viewpoints and choose the most beneficial ones.
Just as a dirt bike rider in superposition can navigate obstacles with agility and precision, we can use a superposition mindset to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. We can anticipate potential problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances by being open to different perspectives.
A superposition mindset empowers us to think critically, solve problems creatively, and embrace new opportunities. It helps us to stay calm under pressure, maintain a positive outlook, and build strong relationships. By cultivating a superposition mindset, we can unlock our full potential and live a more fulfilling life.
Story of Transformation;
Throughout our engagement with Teiki, it was evident that he was passionate about being a leader but was a quiet individual who rarely shared his thoughts with the group. He was the type of character who would let others speak before him. Teiki came to Youth Encounter from Murupara and was very excited to learn some new skills on the dirt bikes. Teiki came to Youth Encounter with many risk factors from his social environment and upbringing. Often, we see that these risk factors have a strong hold on young people and try to steer them away from unleashing their God-given potential. Our goal within this therapy course is to shed light on the amazing potential that these young people carry and empower them to see it for themselves.
From the beginning, Teiki's lack of confidence could be seen in his posture, clothing, and body language. We saw someone who was very closed off and lacking confidence. Teiki has navigated a journey of discovery that has led him to find a greater sense of purpose in life, with more motivation to be part of healthy communities. As the weeks progressed, we slowly started to see Teiki come out of his shell and share his amazing self with the group. He contributed more to our group discussions and, overall, seemed to be more comfortable in being his fabulous self.
It has been a pleasure to build a relationship with Teiki over the past 8 weeks and see him discover more about himself and his incredible values. Throughout his time in therapy, Teiki talked a lot about leadership and how leadership looks in a group setting. The journey with Teiki was nothing short of spectacular. Teiki's transformation was immense, with him initially showing the team he felt safe here by no longer wearing his gang paraphernalia from weeks 2-3. This was huge as we saw that not only did he decide to make a physical change, but also a behavioural change. Every week, Teiki spoke more and more, voicing his opinions in discussions at the table. By the end of this therapy module, Teiki was a lot bolder in his communication; this also translated to his riding skills where he would start to take more and more risks, which would soon pay off.
Teiki expressed how much he believes in Youth Encounter's vision and wishes to, one day, lead a similar dirt-bike therapy group in Murupara.
Please note that names have been changed to protect privacy.