Friday, July 29 was a great day at Spring Ridge Academy! It was graduation day. As the students walk in the room with their cap and gowns, and their parents watch with pride - it is like any other high school on graduation day. What is hard to believe, is many of these girls and their families never thought this day would happen. When they came to SRA, it was their last hope. The ceremony continued with speeches from the students and family members. As tears flowed, many people spoke of gratitude for SRA staff, as well as, for their own family members for their continuous support. Students and family members spoke about the hard work they did to restore their family system; and they talked about continuing the journey. One student spoke about the love she has for her peers and recognizing that she will never have friendships like the ones she developed at SRA; and her appreciation for sharing this experience together.
The room was filled with love and support. Not only were family members, friends, students in the audience, but former students and former employees returned to SRA on a hot, Friday morning to share in the special day. When students arrive at SRA they become part of family; and when they leave the campus the family stays with them. After lunch, it was time to say good-bye to the SRA campus. Students hugging their peers with tears rolling down their faces say good-bye for now. But, they will always have a place in the Spring Ridge Academy family.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
School Already?
By Jeannie Courtney, CEO/Founder, Spring Ridge Academy
As I stand at the check out at the grocery store, I hear a young boy say to his mother, "I do not want school to start," as she puts juice boxes and sandwich bread in her cart. Going back to school is often a difficult transition for kids as they have enjoyed a summer of freedom which often includes staying up late, lazy days and fun. Kids are not looking forward to going to bed early, alarm clocks, homework and school rules.
So, how can we help kids transition back to school successfully?
One week before school starts, begin going to bed early and setting the alarm clock at the usual school time. This helps to acclimate to the new school schedule.
Begin reading daily to reestablish study schedules. Flash cards or math facts can be fun, too.
If your child is starting a new school, be sure to visit the school prior to the first day. This will ease some fear regarding a new environment. In addition, you may want to arrange a "play date" with kids from the class before the school year begins.
It is important for parents to recognize that children often have anxiety about the new school year, be sure to talk to your child about their anxiety and fears. Parents need to be supportive and optimistic about the new year.
Review the school day with your child so they are prepared for the school routine.
Parents should plan to be available for your kids during the first week of school as this can be a difficult time. If possible, put off late night meetings or business trips.
While school may not start for few weeks, remember preparing your child for school starts now.
As I stand at the check out at the grocery store, I hear a young boy say to his mother, "I do not want school to start," as she puts juice boxes and sandwich bread in her cart. Going back to school is often a difficult transition for kids as they have enjoyed a summer of freedom which often includes staying up late, lazy days and fun. Kids are not looking forward to going to bed early, alarm clocks, homework and school rules.
So, how can we help kids transition back to school successfully?
One week before school starts, begin going to bed early and setting the alarm clock at the usual school time. This helps to acclimate to the new school schedule.
Begin reading daily to reestablish study schedules. Flash cards or math facts can be fun, too.
If your child is starting a new school, be sure to visit the school prior to the first day. This will ease some fear regarding a new environment. In addition, you may want to arrange a "play date" with kids from the class before the school year begins.
It is important for parents to recognize that children often have anxiety about the new school year, be sure to talk to your child about their anxiety and fears. Parents need to be supportive and optimistic about the new year.
Review the school day with your child so they are prepared for the school routine.
Parents should plan to be available for your kids during the first week of school as this can be a difficult time. If possible, put off late night meetings or business trips.
While school may not start for few weeks, remember preparing your child for school starts now.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Use of Post-Induction Therapy for Resolution of Trauma
By Gary D. Hees MA, LPC, Clinical Director, Spring Ridge Academy
One of the most tragic trends in our culture is the rising number of physical assaults, sexual assaults, rape and other trauma perpetrated against young women. The fear and shame carried by the victims of these horrific acts, added to the confusing and downright scary reality of PTSD symptomology, leaves these women a legacy of anxiety, undeserved guilt and fear that negatively colors their life experience. Fortunately, there is an effective methodology for dealing with the aftermath, formulated by Pia Mellody. It is called Post-Induction Therapy (PIT), sometimes called feelings reduction, and is the method we use at Spring Ridge Academy to facilitate the empowerment and healing of our clients who have suffered physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape and other trauma, including emotional and relational trauma suffered in their family of origin.
The basis of the PIT intervention is the concept of carried fear, shame and other feelings. No person would ever rape another if they were feeling their own appropriate level of fear and shame; fear of the consequences and shame for inflicting themselves upon another and harming that human being. Given that fear and shame are not being felt by the perpetrator, who is feeling those feelings? The victim, of course! We know this from the statements made by many of the victims that “I should have fought harder”, “I could have avoided the situation”, or the many variations of “I should have…” The PIT intervention allows the victim the “give back” those feelings of fear and shame and guilt that they carry FOR the perpetrator.
One of the most tragic trends in our culture is the rising number of physical assaults, sexual assaults, rape and other trauma perpetrated against young women. The fear and shame carried by the victims of these horrific acts, added to the confusing and downright scary reality of PTSD symptomology, leaves these women a legacy of anxiety, undeserved guilt and fear that negatively colors their life experience. Fortunately, there is an effective methodology for dealing with the aftermath, formulated by Pia Mellody. It is called Post-Induction Therapy (PIT), sometimes called feelings reduction, and is the method we use at Spring Ridge Academy to facilitate the empowerment and healing of our clients who have suffered physical abuse, sexual abuse, rape and other trauma, including emotional and relational trauma suffered in their family of origin.
The basis of the PIT intervention is the concept of carried fear, shame and other feelings. No person would ever rape another if they were feeling their own appropriate level of fear and shame; fear of the consequences and shame for inflicting themselves upon another and harming that human being. Given that fear and shame are not being felt by the perpetrator, who is feeling those feelings? The victim, of course! We know this from the statements made by many of the victims that “I should have fought harder”, “I could have avoided the situation”, or the many variations of “I should have…” The PIT intervention allows the victim the “give back” those feelings of fear and shame and guilt that they carry FOR the perpetrator.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Depression, Addiction and Relationships, A New Study looks at impact for Women and Families
A new study from the University of Michigan illustrates the role relationships play in worsening depression and addiction for women. The article summarizing the findings from the study reports several interesting results. These results have a significant impact on families considering treatment. It finds that unlike other disorders, including anti-social personality disorder, depression in addiction-prone women does not improve over time, it actually worsens. This is particularly important for families considering treatment because it helps answer the question "will she just grow out of it?" When it comes to addiction and depression the answer according to this study, is no. Among the other results and the influencing factors the study finds:
1. The women’s partners’ struggles with addiction and antisocial behavior, such as run-ins with the law, worsened the women’s own symptoms and behaviors.
2. Children’s behavior also had a negative impact on their mothers. When children exhibited behaviors that included acting out and getting into trouble, their mothers’ alcohol problems and antisocial behavior tended to worsen. Meanwhile, when children were sad, withdrawn or isolated, their mothers’ depression increased.
These two findings draw direct links to the role relationships play in the mental health of women, and are consistent with the anecdotal information we, at Spring Ridge Academy, have found with our students and families. We have seen many young women make great gains in their maturity and the regulation of moods and addictive behavior, only to see those same students relapse in relationships. These young women with "good intention" (albeit misguided) frequently choose boyfriends that need to be "rescued." Predictably, rescuing fails, and relapse for the young woman ensues, bringing with it mood disregulation and the return of depressive symptoms.
The second finding regarding the impact of children's mood and behaviors on mothers provides further support and incentive for a holistic approach which includes family therapy in any treatment process. Both factors illustrate the importance that relationships play in lives of women. Young women not only treatment that addresses compulsive behavior and depression, they also need a model of healthy relationships. Equally as important is the opportunity to begin to practice forming and maintaining healthy relationships in a safe and progressively challenging environment. The author of the study Anne Buu Ph.D. echoes this point in her assertion that based on these findings treatment interventions “might have the most impact if they improve social supports, educational opportunities, access to family counseling and neighborhoods environments,” Buu says.
Friday, February 12, 2010
I Want To Do It ALL BY MYSELF!
As the mother of a 2 year old I hear this phrase daily. For my son it is an age appropriate, developmental need to experience autonomy and to discover he is able to solve problems on his own. Unfortunately for adults this desire to solve problems on our own is not always age appropriate, nor does it work in families. Families by definition are systems. Systems require cooperation and communication to function. Operating in isolation can quickly lead to the breakdown of the system. Why is it so difficult to ask for help when we need it the most?
Often it is because we are afraid, embarrassed and ashamed. It seems easier to hide our "faults" and "problems" than to burden others with what we believe we should be able to handle ourselves as parents, professionals and adults. The truth is this belief system simply does not work. It limits and isolates, creates stress and even despair.
Many parents are in this position when they enroll their daughters at Spring Ridge. They feel alone and are grieving the loss of what they had dreamed of for their daughter. Nothing they have tried has worked to stop their daughter's downward spiral. Dealing with these issues is often isolating. The parents of other kids don't understand, extended family members second-guess or appear judgmental and the stress drives many inward.
It is on the heels of these experiences parents arrive at their first SRA workshop, Parent Challenge. Participants are given the space and opportunity to safely share and connect. When that opportunity is acted upon the results can be magical. Participants not only gain insight and build confidence; they create connections, find support and develop what become lifelong friendships. Reaching out for help, while scary, can be a rewarding and even transformative experience. It may not always solve the problem immediately, but it can provide support, connection and hope. Sometimes that is the solution.
Check out what a parent wrote about this process. Adrian Segar has been instrumental in the success of these workshops and in supporting parents. He has a wonderful website, blog and book. Please share your comments on the topic as well!
Often it is because we are afraid, embarrassed and ashamed. It seems easier to hide our "faults" and "problems" than to burden others with what we believe we should be able to handle ourselves as parents, professionals and adults. The truth is this belief system simply does not work. It limits and isolates, creates stress and even despair.
Many parents are in this position when they enroll their daughters at Spring Ridge. They feel alone and are grieving the loss of what they had dreamed of for their daughter. Nothing they have tried has worked to stop their daughter's downward spiral. Dealing with these issues is often isolating. The parents of other kids don't understand, extended family members second-guess or appear judgmental and the stress drives many inward.
It is on the heels of these experiences parents arrive at their first SRA workshop, Parent Challenge. Participants are given the space and opportunity to safely share and connect. When that opportunity is acted upon the results can be magical. Participants not only gain insight and build confidence; they create connections, find support and develop what become lifelong friendships. Reaching out for help, while scary, can be a rewarding and even transformative experience. It may not always solve the problem immediately, but it can provide support, connection and hope. Sometimes that is the solution.
Check out what a parent wrote about this process. Adrian Segar has been instrumental in the success of these workshops and in supporting parents. He has a wonderful website, blog and book. Please share your comments on the topic as well!
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