Adolescent Student Profile
Our adolescent students are often bright and talented individuals who may be struggling to maintain motivation and consistent success. Teens that are struggling, unmotivated, or acting-out may be lacking a sense of purpose and the skills and confidence to work toward their goals. Experiencing the natural beauty and simplicity of the wilderness environment allows our students to leave behind the distractions and complications of their lives before True North. Our students are able to focus on themselves and address personal struggles with the guidance and support of our caring, supportive staff.
Prior to the True North experience, students often demonstrate problems with school, family, and their development towards maturity and independence. Our students often present with a history of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and many have experienced feelings of persistent failure in their lives.
At True North, we identify maladaptive patterns of communication or behavior and work to exhaust and replace unproductive patterns with healthy coping skills and personal insight. Manipulative behaviors, rationalizing, blaming others and avoiding challenges are common patterns presented by students entering True North.
Oppositional or defiant behavior, suicidal ideation, self-harm, emotional avoidance, and experimentation with substances are examples of some of the ineffective means teens use to communicate and fulfill their needs.
Students may struggle to ask for help and effectively communicate thoughts and feelings. Students who engaged in negative peer relationships and confrontational family relationships prior to True North have the opportunity to develop new and healthier relationships with key players in their lives.