Concerned about your teen? Check The Wilderness Advisor!

By Stephen C. Schultz

When parents face struggles with their teen, they often turn to outpatient therapy as the first step toward healing. Many times, this is a positive experience and the family begins to make progress.

However, just as often, teens may see the therapist as an extension of their parents—someone hired to “fix” them. This perception can lead to resistance, minimal engagement, and little progress. Over time, the therapist may become discouraged, and parents begin searching for other options.

This search can be frustrating and costly. In some cases, the family’s situation may even worsen, leaving parents questioning whether therapy was the right choice in the first place.

A Parent’s Perspective:

“Ryan, my friend Lacy, spoke with you regarding her daughter, Sara. I just wanted to let you know I recommended RedCliff because of the great experience my daughter, Rae, and I had. She’s a mom now and is starting nursing school next week! I will always believe the lessons she learned in the field—and from Winter Rose [Therapist]—saved her life. The pictures still make me cry... happy tears now. Thank you again for all the great work you do! I’m a true believer!”
– Tracie, Parent

If you are a parent, therapist, or educational consultant finding yourself in this kind of challenging situation, there are additional options to consider. Wilderness therapy can be a powerful tool for teens and families.

To learn more, check out the link below. It goes straight to a PDF copy of The Wilderness Advisor, which includes research and information answering the question: Does wilderness therapy work?

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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, ...

Holiday Insight: Finding Grace in Imperfect Relationships

By Stephen C. Schultz As we once again head into the Holiday Season, it is important to be aware of the impact of the holidays on those we love and care about. The holidays are often described as a time of joy, family, and celebration. But for many, they bring a quieter reality - one marked by stress, loneliness, or the resurfacing of painful memories. For some people, the holidays represent connection and renewal. For others, they stir up what has been lost, what never was, or what once hurt too much to recall. The very things that make the season feel special - music, smells, family gatherings - can also awaken deep emotional undercurrents, especially for those with a history of trauma. Why the Holidays Can Trigger Past Trauma Many people who have experienced trauma - especially early childhood or relational trauma - notice that this season brings unexpected emotional intensity. Science now confirms what survivors have long known: certain times of year can activate implicit ...

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. ...

The Interpreted Rock

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