Troubled Teen Help Finding Refuge In Wilderness Programs
For a troubled teen, the pressures of society and life in general can result in developmental problems. Several disorders can contribute to these issues: ADD, ADHD, oppositional defiance, depression and substance abuse to name some. Such factors can cause arrested development, or what has been termed a "developmental vacation". In order to have social development start up again, therapy can be the answer providing it's the right type.
One type of therapy, wilderness treatment, lets the individual to progress at a speed that is attainable because everyone responds at different rates. Quite commonly, a troubled teen will fight against responsibility coming at him or her from all angles. This lack of responsibility differs among individuals and determines the time period for treatment.
Before being admitted to a wilderness program, the teen is given a psycho-social assessment by an accredited staff therapist that allows the creation of an individualized treatment plan. Through monitoring by therapists and staff members, the plan's goal is to build character and self-esteem through the various levels of courage, self-discipline, respect, honesty, work ethic, trust and compassion. But although therapists are important in wilderness programs, Mother Nature is the biggest counselor.
Although other forms of treatment for a troubled teen have been available for some time - specialized schools, tough love, Outward Bound, the military, hospitals - wilderness therapy is quickly gaining acceptance. It differs because the individual must work at self-help instead of being told what to do or think, using Nature as his or her guide. The result is an individual who now gives to society by being more confident. Preferential treatment is not part of wilderness therapy where students and staff have the same food and live in the same conditions with Nature. Although it is not a survival school, skills are picked up as a way of teaching self-sufficiency.
To evaluate attitudinal development, weekly therapy sessions are given at the individual and group levels, and a family session by phone is organized every week to provide guidance in family relations and to determine the effectiveness of the program. But the freedom of discussing matters is always open between a troubled teen and qualified staff members without waiting for a scheduled opportunity.
One type of therapy, wilderness treatment, lets the individual to progress at a speed that is attainable because everyone responds at different rates. Quite commonly, a troubled teen will fight against responsibility coming at him or her from all angles. This lack of responsibility differs among individuals and determines the time period for treatment.
Before being admitted to a wilderness program, the teen is given a psycho-social assessment by an accredited staff therapist that allows the creation of an individualized treatment plan. Through monitoring by therapists and staff members, the plan's goal is to build character and self-esteem through the various levels of courage, self-discipline, respect, honesty, work ethic, trust and compassion. But although therapists are important in wilderness programs, Mother Nature is the biggest counselor.
Although other forms of treatment for a troubled teen have been available for some time - specialized schools, tough love, Outward Bound, the military, hospitals - wilderness therapy is quickly gaining acceptance. It differs because the individual must work at self-help instead of being told what to do or think, using Nature as his or her guide. The result is an individual who now gives to society by being more confident. Preferential treatment is not part of wilderness therapy where students and staff have the same food and live in the same conditions with Nature. Although it is not a survival school, skills are picked up as a way of teaching self-sufficiency.
To evaluate attitudinal development, weekly therapy sessions are given at the individual and group levels, and a family session by phone is organized every week to provide guidance in family relations and to determine the effectiveness of the program. But the freedom of discussing matters is always open between a troubled teen and qualified staff members without waiting for a scheduled opportunity.
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