The definition of insanity…the sanity of recovery!

By Stephen C. Schultz

We have all heard the old saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again, expecting a different result."

As I work with teens and families that struggle with a myriad of problems, the one thing that amazes me is the tendency for families to keep thinking and behaving in the same ways and expecting positive changes to take effect. How often do we hope to change our destination in life, but fail to change the route?

Here is fun story with a great message!

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

By Portia Nelson

Chapter One
I walk down the street.
     There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
     I fall in.
     I am lost...I am helpless
     It is not my fault.
     It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two
I walk down the same street.
     There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
     I pretend I do not see it.
     I fall in again
     I cannot believe I am in the same place.
     But...it is not my fault.
     It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter Three
I walk down the same street.
     There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
     I see it is there.
     I still fall in...it is a habit.
     My eyes are open.
     I know where I am.
     It is my fault.
     I get out immediately.

Chapter Four
I walk down the same street.
     There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
     I walk around it.

Chapter Five
I walk down another street.

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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. Many come to this program having struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use.) 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 by turning down the offer, stating, ...

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By Stephen C. Schultz As a father, I never anticipated seeing and emotionally supporting my daughter through 50 seizures a day, for days on end. Each seizure brings with it a stiffened left arm and leg, convulsing motions, eyes rolling back to the left, and her head contorting to the right. Her breathing stops for the duration. The most harrowing aspect is that she remains conscious and aware of her surroundings. She can hear people talking, but her body simply does what it does. After 15 to 30 seconds of not breathing, a panic begins to set in. What if the seizure doesn’t stop? It’s a horrific experience to endure time and time again. It is nothing short of torture, with the emotional and psychological trauma that accompanies it. There were four seizures in the car on the way to the emergency room, all within about 20 minutes. After 10 hours in the emergency room, she was admitted and immediately hooked up to an EEG. There was a computer screen displaying graphs and a video...

Understanding and Addressing Problematic Sexual Behavior in Teens

By Stephen C. Schultz Teen sexual behavior concerns can be difficult for parents and professionals to navigate. When a teen exhibits problematic sexual behavior (PSB), it may be a sign of deeper emotional struggles, past trauma, or impulse control issues. Recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate therapy for teen sexualized behavior is crucial for their well-being and development. What is Problematic Sexual Behavior in Teens? Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) refers to actions that are inappropriate for a teen’s developmental stage, violate social norms, or cause harm to themselves or others. This can include excessive sexual curiosity, coercive behaviors, or an inability to respect personal boundaries. Troubled teens with sexual behavior issues may struggle with emotional regulation, past sexual trauma, or underlying mental health conditions. Signs of Problematic Sexual Behavior in Adolescents Parents and caregivers should be aware of warning signs that ...

The Interpreted Rock

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