Troubled Teen? What options do parents have?

By Stephen C. Schultz

"What can we do to intervene in the life of our struggling teen?"

I hear this comment on a regular basis. The number of times I have had this conversation with a family just outside the emergency room in their local hospital is too high to count! Self harm and suicide attempts are stressful for all involved. Often these teens are struggling with drugs, running away, poor grades at school or simply being disenfranchised with life in general. Deciding which therapeutic option is best for their child and their family can be overwhelming.

With hundreds of therapeutic programs and services to choose from, parents are confused and uncertain about where to turn for help. Here is a good place to start.

Recognized as the foremost leader in Research Informed Treatment, RedCliff Ascent is an Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare program that accepts students from across the globe. If sitting in a stuffy outpatient office hasn't worked well for your son or daughter, the fresh air, outdoor living, hiking and therapy under a tree might just be a solution!

Please feel free to share some of your struggles. While it doesn't make the pain any less when dealing with a wayward son or daughter, it is helpful to realize you are not alone.

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The Young Boy and the Rattlesnake

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program for Young Adults . Many come to this program having struggled with substance abuse and interacting with unsavory friends.) Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long journey alone.” The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly responded b

Video Games, Anxiety and ADHD - Free Family Resources

By Stephen C. Schultz Video Games, Anxiety and ADHD - Is there a common theme? Aloft Transitions Home for Young Adults This is simply a complimentary resource guide for parents of teens and young adults who struggle with ADHD, Anxiety and Gaming. ADHD: • Russell Barkley, Taking Charge of ADHD • Hallowell & Ratey, Delivered from Distraction • Harvey Parker, The ADD Hyperactivity Workbook for Parents, Teachers, & Kids • Bradley & Giedd, Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind • Gurian, Michael, The Minds of Boys Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life, 2005. • Hanna, Mohab, Making the Connection: A Parents’ Guide to Medication in AD/HD • www.CHADD.org (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) • www.help4adhd.org • www.aap.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) • www.aacap.org (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) Young Adult caring for new baby calf Anxiety: The following websites

Oxbow Academy – Unintended Consequences

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors Note: This post started as an email I sent to a couple of Educational Consultants . It was the culmination of several conversations. I think there is some genuinely good information here that the general public, clinicians and allied health professionals could benefit from.) As helping professionals, we often find ourselves in teaching opportunities. We consult with clients, students, families and even others in our profession. The phrase, “Strength in the Struggle” is prominent at Discovery Ranch (A sister treatment program to Oxbow Academy ). Clinton Dorny, the Executive Director, mentioned to me the other day that they often tell parents, “If your child isn't struggling here at Discovery Ranch, then we're not doing our job.” Much of what we do as treatment programs and the value you provide as a therapist, counselor, coach and educational consultant is to assist families in managing “Unintended Consequences”. There isn't a parent

The Interpreted Rock

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