Treatment Programs> Behavior Management and Therapeutic Recreation

Managing Troubled Teens' Behavior Through Problem Solving

Learning how to solve problems is a major component of our outdoor therapy programs. Through the repeated experience of therapeutic problem solving, your child will begin taking personal responsibility, building positive relationships and developing personal growth. 

The counselors will lead your child in problem solving sessions when and where a problem occurs or a solution is needed. Problems are viewed as opportunities or challenges to bring about positive change. Your child will learn how to:

1. Identify the problem
2. Identify and evaluate the options
3. Choose the best option
4. Identify steps needed for implementation
5. Identify resources needed for implementation
6. Implement the plan
7. Evaluate the outcome

Behavior Management
Our outdoor therapy programs will help your troubled teen develop internal self control rather than exerting external control over him or her. We do this through a behavior-management system that is based on:

• A nurturing, helping relationship between youth and staff.
• A stimulating, activity-rich environment.
• A strong positive group culture.
• A focus on the natural and logical consequences of behaviors.
• Youth taking responsibility for their own behavior

It is a natural process focused on success and solutions. There are no artificial interventions like point systems, level systems, merits and demerits, or artificially imposed sanctions for poor choices found in typical behavior modification programs.

As your troubled teen learns and practices new behaviors in a non-punitive environment, he or she will develop personal responsibility for his choices and build intrinsic motivation for behavioral change. Over time, positive changes in behavior are internalized and more likely to persist because your child will want to change for his personal success.