The Interpreted Rock

 By Stephen C. Schultz   Oxbow Academy, a therapeutic program for teens, has been recognized with a  3rd Place Bronze Telly Award  for Best Teen Documentary for its video,  “New Beginning: DJ Part 8.” The documentary, produced by Jennifer C. Jones, is the final installment in a series that chronicles the academy’s clinical work with teens facing serious challenges, including experiences of abuse. The film also follows the story of a rescued horse, highlighting the program’s unique approach that combines therapeutic care with opportunities for responsibility and personal growth. While the Telly Award judges are not experts in adolescent therapy, the documentary vividly demonstrates the positive impact Oxbow Academy has on the lives of the teens it serves. The series offers an inside look at how the academy guides students through structured treatment, accountability, and meaningful life changes. The recognition is a testament not only to the quality of the filmma...

By Stephen C. Schultz  With three daughters of my own, it’s always a moving experience to see and listen to teen girls in therapy. I am often saddened by the emotional struggles that these girls have endured in their short life times. Some are forced to deal with grown up problems way too early through experiences with abuse , trauma , substance use and even self harm . Many times these issues are complicated with symptoms of depression or anxiety . There is something troubling when a teenage girl has a hard time seeing a reason to live. I recall in the early 1990’s, working at a psychiatric hospital as the admissions and marketing director. I was in my office one evening and got a call from a local therapist.  This therapist said;  “Hi Steve, I have a female teen, 18 years of age. We were working through some of her trauma when she asked to use the bathroom. She left my office and did not come back in to finish her session. I sent my recepti...

Guest Blog  By Ryan C. Schultz Age 19     There have been many books that I have read that have helped to influence the person I have become and the way I live my life.  I have noticed that teens and young children spend so much time with their games and handhelds that they rarely read books anymore. If you are a parent of young children or teens, these are some books that you may find helpful in getting your kids to read more. You can even have them read this post…maybe they will pay more attention if it’s not their parent suggesting they read more. These are a few of the books that have had an impact on my life: Curious George , The Dumb Bunnies , Spot , The Thief Lord , Treasure Island , Sherlock Holmes , Lessons for Life , The Traveler’s Gift, One Shot , and Dead or Alive . Curious George fed my desire for adventure.  I would read those books about a curious monkey who had all these cool adventures everyday.  When I was li...