The Spark of Life Philosophy

Foundational Pillars of the Spark of Life Philosophy

The 3 main theoretical foundation that underpin the Spark of Life Philosophy are based on the Founder Jane Verity’s professional background.

1. Occupational Therapy.
   A person’s physical, psychological, and social well-being are integral to the work of an Occupational Therapist – always considering the whole person. In addition, a strong rehabilitative commitment underpins the engagement with each client and patient. Here the focus is on rehabilitating the areas of disease or trauma to the highest level of functioning while at the same time strengthening the areas of remaining abilities to compensate for any gap in functioning.

   With such an integrated approach, it has been natural to apply the same to the area of cognition for people with dementia focusing on facilitating rehabilitation and rementia (recovery of lost abilities).

2. Family Therapy specialising in Advanced Systems Theory.
   Here the focus is not on the person displaying a behaviour but instead on the people in the network around the person. The focus is on identifying what in the network is of such dysfunction that it causes the person on the receiving end to express their frustration or despair. Their behaviour is understood as an unmet emotional need and it is up to us in the network around the person to change, identify the unmet needs and find meaningful solutions to each. This approach has been immensely helpful in developing the education on preventing and solving behaviours of concern with long lasting positive effects for all involved.
3. NLP or Neuro Linguistic Programming.
   This is the science behind how language is used to program ourselves through our thoughts, and other people through our verbal or written words. Once fully understood and integrated the knowledge from NLP can be used to re-phrase language that in the past has leads to undesirable results to words that can completely change an experience and a situation with a positive and constructive outcome. Jane’s profound level of understanding of this discipline has enable her to develop a ‘new’ language that is taught to staff and family members with immediate and remarkable results.

The Spark of Life Philosophy

Spark of Life Philosophy has at its core the ability to facilitate the most genuine, honest, humanitarian expression of compassion, understanding, and love. When this quality connection is missing, it has an acute damaging effect on the person with dementia, often resulting in expressions of deep despair.

However, when the person with dementia is met with kindness and lovingly listened to – it offers the profound promise: You are still here. You still matter. We are here for you.

The Philosophy is expressed in the tone of our voice, the way we approach the person with dementia, the way we welcome them into a room, the way we shake and gently hold their hands, and the way we stay present in silence when they are trying to find the words.

Everything starts with this quality of the interaction.

This profound way of connecting is often the fundamental and missing piece in the puzzle of complete person-centred and trauma healing. 

The Spark of Life Philosophy is now practiced in diverse cultures and fields in 12 countries with remarkable results – in some cultures, literally saving lives.