Engaging in a wilderness or residential therapy placement is a big commitment for families, especially since it usually entails withdrawing from school, and letting go of expectations one may hold surrounding traditional academics. As a society, we are accustomed to a developmental trajectory that emphasizes academic success as the central point of focus, with emotional and social development lurking in the … [Read more...]
Grieving the Loss of Idealized Adolescence
Supporting clients and families in the process of acceptance and charting a path towards healthier communication We often see a form of grief and loss taking place in times of transition to alternative educational settings. Specifically, we regularly speak with parents and students about letting go of the ideal image they wished they had with respect to neurotypical adolescent development and traditional academic … [Read more...]
Spectrum of Care and Therapeutic Support for Adolescents
True North Wilderness Program is one of many forms of residential treatment that can guide individuals and families on a path to health and wellness. However, our therapeutic milieu and where wilderness falls on the overall spectrum of care is often unfamiliar and at times overwhelming for families to fully understand. Described here are the varying levels of care, from least to most restrictive and supportive. … [Read more...]
What to Expect at a Parent Workshop
A core value at True North is the importance of family. In support of our values, we are committed to family inclusion, especially when it comes to working together with the parents and guardians of our students. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback through the years related to the work that parents at True North have invested in, alongside their children, in a parallel process of self-discovery and … [Read more...]
The Impact of Wilderness Therapy on Academic Success
A question we often hear from families and students alike is, “How is fire making, building traps and hiking possibly going to help me in my life?!” As professionals working in the field of wilderness therapy, we have long seen how a few short intensive months in wilderness settings can have a positive impact on a student’s success in academic endeavors. However, understanding what actually goes on in wilderness to … [Read more...]
