The Interpreted Rock

 By Stephen C. Schultz Parents often ask me whether concerns about internet pornography are a relatively new phenomenon. Given the rapid rise of smartphones, social media, and unlimited internet access, it is easy to assume that our understanding has only recently begun to catch up with the technology. The truth is quite different. Long before today's digital world existed, physicians, psychologists, neuroscientists, and addiction researchers were already asking difficult questions about pornography's influence on the brain, relationships, and healthy development. While the internet has changed dramatically over the past twenty years, many of the concerns raised by those early researchers remain remarkably relevant. One historical example stands out. In November 2004, psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Jeffrey Satinover submitted testimony to a United States Senate committee discussing the emerging science surrounding internet pornography and its potential effects on the human bra...

 By Stephen C. Schultz For many families, summer feels like something we spend the entire year reaching toward. No early alarms. No school stress. More freedom. More time together. But for families with teens navigating problematic sexual behavior (PSB), summer can also quietly become one of the most difficult seasons of the year. Because with summer often comes something teenagers rarely know how to manage well on their own. Unstructured time. Late nights. Less supervision. Disrupted routines. Increased screen access. Family vacations. Siblings home all day. Friends coming and going. Boredom. Isolation. Emotional avoidance disguised as “relaxing.” And underneath it all, many teens are carrying far more anxiety, shame, impulsivity, loneliness, and dysregulation than they know how to express in a healthy way. What can look like a carefree summer from the outside can internally feel chaotic for a teen already struggling with boundaries, secrecy, compulsive behavior, or emotional regu...

By Stephen C. Schultz In my previous article— Measuring What Matters: Oxbow’s Edge in Treatment Outcomes —I focused on the importance of tracking outcomes. The idea was simple: if we’re not measuring progress, we’re limited in our understanding. But lately, I’ve been thinking about something deeper. Because the reality is, families don’t come to us asking about data. They come to us in the middle of a crisis and family turbulence. A Conversation I Won’t Forget I was speaking with a parent recently who was crying. Her speech was fast and pressured. The questions came rapid-fire, one after another. There was urgency in her voice, but also frustration. At moments, it came across as somewhat confrontational. I listened. I gave her space. After a few minutes, I asked if I could share something about myself. She paused and said, simply, “Sure.” I told her that I’ve been with Oxbow Academy since the beginning. That I’m the father of four grown children. And that my hope was, that we could jus...

  By Stephen C. Schultz I remember a conversation I once had while driving with an educator during visits to residential programs for adolescents. We were discussing which programs seemed to work best with the most complex clinical presentations. After a pause, she said something that stuck with me: “Some programs have a reputation for working with the most clinically complicated students, and that’s not something to shy away from. It’s something to understand.” That comment stayed with me, not because it flattered any particular program, but because it raised deeper questions: Why do certain programs develop that reputation? What actually allows meaningful change to occur with students who present with layered trauma, neurodevelopmental differences, attachment disruptions, and Problematic Sexual Behavior? What kind of treatment truly meets those needs? Those questions are especially relevant when working with adolescents struggling with PSB. These are not students lacking intellig...

 By Stephen C. Schultz 11 Common Parent Questions with Reassuring, Honest Answers When parents first become aware of concerning sexual behaviors in their child, fear and uncertainty often take over. The questions below reflect what families most commonly ask—and the answers are grounded in clinical understanding, compassion, and hope. “Does this mean my child is a sex offender?” No. Problematic sexual behavior describes a pattern of behavior , not a label or an identity. Adolescents’ brains are still developing, and behavior can change significantly with the right support. Most teens who receive appropriate, early treatment do not go on to commit sexual offenses as adults. “If we name this, will it follow my child forever?” Naming a concern clinically is not the same as labeling a child permanently. In fact, avoiding the issue often increases the chance that problems escalate or draw unwanted attention later. Addressing concerns early and appropriately is one of the strongest ways...

By Stephen Schultz (Editor’s Note: This article was inspired by a conversation I had with a mother whose son was in crisis.) The concept of Medical Necessity sits at the center of modern behavioral health insurance coverage. At its core, it is a reasonable and well intended standard: to ensure that individuals receive the right level of care at the right time, while avoiding unnecessary or overly intensive services. When applied thoughtfully, Medical Necessity protects both patients and systems. In practice, however, particularly when authorizing residential or inpatient care for adolescents, the application of Medical Necessity can produce outcomes that run counter to its original purpose. When Cost Containment Becomes Care Shaping Medical Necessity standards were developed, in part, to reduce excessive utilization and control escalating costs. The underlying assumption is that less restrictive, lower cost services should be attempted first, with higher levels of care approved only ...

 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 ...

 By Stephen C. Schultz Enrollment at Oxbow Academy is always an emotional experience—for both students and their families. The transition represents a major shift in life and relationships. At Oxbow, we encourage families to remember that our work is centered on a single guiding principle: “Developing a Relationship with Honesty.” When your son expresses resistance—whether by saying things like “Oxbow isn’t a good fit for me” or “I don’t belong here” —it’s important to recognize what’s really happening. These statements are not about whether Oxbow is the right program. Instead, they reflect resistance to authenticity and honesty. Students often come with a “center of the universe” mindset: “The world needs to adapt to me.” This belief is not entirely their fault—it’s something that has developed over time, often through well-intentioned patterns within families, schools, and communities. To better understand why this matters, let’s take a step back and consider some key ideas. H...

 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. Teens troubled 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 ...

 By Stephen C. Schultz From our family to yours, we want you to know—we see you. We know the fear, the exhaustion, the uncertainty. We’ve felt the long nights, the hospital stays, the prayers, and the unwavering hope. Epilepsy is a journey we never expected to walk, but along the way, we’ve found strength we never knew we had. Through this experience, we’ve also come to appreciate the power of compassion, support, and connection. As we’ve navigated this path, we’ve drawn upon not only our personal experiences but also our professional background in the mental health field. Having worked in mental health since 1985, I have encountered many of the great theorists who have shaped psychology and therapeutic care. My formal training as a drug and alcohol counselor has given me the opportunity to run groups, assess individuals in need, and support families through both painful interventions and joyful reunions. One of the pioneers in the field of psychology, Carl Rogers , deeply influen...

 By Stephen C. Schultz Supporting your teen at Oxbow Academy can be emotionally and mentally challenging for parents and family members. Here are five self-care tips to help navigate this time while staying healthy and grounded: 1. Prioritize Your Mental Health Why it matters: Having a child at Oxbow Academy can stir feelings of guilt, sadness, anxiety, or even past trauma. Addressing your emotions is crucial for maintaining balance and providing stable support for your teen. How to do it: Consider individual or family therapy to process your emotions. Join a support group for parents with children in treatment. Practice mindfulness or meditation to stay present. 2. Educate Yourself About the Oxbow Academy Process Why it matters: Understanding your teen’s treatment plan and Oxbow Academy’s structure reduces uncertainty and fosters a sense of control. How to do it: Stay in regular contact with the Oxbow therapist assigned to your family. Request reading materials or resou...

By Stephen C. Schultz Please allow me to share a case study of a student who was recently enrolled at Oxbow Academy. This student, a 15-year-old, was adopted at birth and reached developmental milestones at an average pace. The student was diagnosed with ASD Level 1 in fourth grade, and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) was subsequently implemented for the remainder of elementary school. There were occasional episodes of dysregulation and some sexually reactive behaviors with peers. Teachers and other professionals attributed this behavior to ASD and/or Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). At the age of 14, the student was referred to a residential treatment center (RTC) specializing in working with students struggling with ASD. The clinical data presented below is sourced from an email report written by the student’s therapist at Oxbow Academy and addressed to the referring professional. This communication is a standard practice to ensure continuity of care and collaboration. As y...

By Stephen C. Schultz Research Link – A Comparison Group Study (Time limited link) Highlights This comparison group study looked at the impact of Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare longitudinally on youth participants as reported by their parents. Findings showed that youth participant’s one-year post participation in OBH treatments were functioning significantly better than youth who remained in their communities. Regression analysis showed the only significant predictor of change was participation in the treatment group. Dr. Steven DeMille ~Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Model program offers long term positive results to teens and families~ In 2007, Dr. Steven DeMille found himself working as a field guide in the back country of extreme Southwestern Utah. He was in charge of the activities of daily living for a group of nine students who were enrolled at RedCliff Ascent . Steve, as well as two or three other staff members who were r...