Therapeutic Consulting
Wilderness Therapy
Wilderness programs utilize the outdoors and nature to help foster healing. The goal is to offer a distraction-free environment for self-discovery and a way to give that person a chance to view the future with different “lens.” These programs can help pre-adolescents, adolescents, and young adults discover a way to stop the negative journey on which they have found themselves. Often, out in the wilderness, the child’s brain and body get to have a reset because many distractions from home are eliminated such as technology, school failures, social discomfort, and/or the chaos of the relationship.
Living the challenges presented by nature promotes many critical skills such as resilience, patience, self-esteem, self-awareness and courage. At the end of the program, the adolescent has the confidence to face the conflicts that initially brought them to the program. Each program has a unique focus and may or may not be suitable for every person. Therefore, we visit them regularly to keep current on their strategies, therapies, and goals in order to help us provide our clients with the best possible recommended programs.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment programs vary depending on the diagnosis and history of the incoming client. These programs are available for children as young as 8 years old to adults into their 40’s(+). They provide full-time, supervised structure and are usually very clinical, offering a variety of specialists trained in different techniques of treatment. There are also students working on their gender identity issues and so need to have a nurturing well trained therapist to help them through the process. School is a part of the experience, if needed, and is introduced to the client when they are ready.
Academics and treatment are woven together in order to provide a well balanced but carefully edited day and week. There is also emphasis on the importance of the entire family working toward healing and reuniting. The length of stay is entirely dependent on the health and goals set by the team, the family and the client. At The Aspire Group, we understand the differences and nuances of these programs so we can help educate our clients on the various options that would benefit their child’s future.
Therapeutic Boarding Programs
Therapeutic boarding programs offer an academic environment for students with mental health or behavioral challenges, supporting family members from 8 to 18 years old, as well as adults. They integrate both group and individual therapy into the week of classes. With this academic ability, students can continue with their education while getting the help that they need. In addition, the home family spends time with the student in order to continue to heal the entire family and see the future in a more positive light.
The average length of stay is 12-18 months. The treatment process includes home visits and the length of these visits usually grow as the client progresses. It is possible to have off-campus privileges and maybe even an internship. Some therapeutic boarding schools will have an academic advisor who can help with the college process.
These programs vary greatly in areas of specialty. The Aspire Group is knowledgeable of the various programs and can share their expertise in order to help our clients make an informed decision for their child’s future.
Gap Year
Today’s teens are often so pressured, so busy, and can become burnt out and need a break before returning to the classroom. Colleges want students to arrive ready to learn, and many may need some downtime before hitting the books again.
Young Adult Transition
Young adult programs start at age 18, but can treat clients into their 30’s. There are a variety of reasons young adults may need a more structured program before they can develop “wings to fly.”
The programs vary widely depending on the young adult’s need: some programs are designed for physically able but immaturely “stuck” young adults, some programs are for those that have tried college but for a number of reasons have not succeeded, other programs are for low functioning clients, some programs focus on higher functioning and some programs are for those challenged with mental illness or a severe neurological issue.
Additionally, for those young adults still struggling with their gender identity, there are programs designed to nurture them through their process.
Post Secondary Options
These private programs are designed for adults with differing abilities to live independently due to cognitive, neurological or mental health impairments.
Most offer an array of case management services to assist residents with job coaching, independent living skills, financial management and recreational activities.
All programs provide a sense of community, respect and support for adults who may need longer-term assistance.
Adult Therapeutic Environments
Whether you are looking for treatment for yourself, your spouse, or your adult child, The Aspire Group works with adults over 30 to find appropriate solutions. Adult residential program options specialize in treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and other complex mental health issues. Treatment is often individualized and programs utilize evidence-based models of therapy that include but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brain Spotting, Neurofeedback, and more.
Independent Living
Some young adults and adults face challenges whether with developmental delays, spectrum disorders, learning differences, substance use, or mental health. There are programs to support the individual either through attending specific programs, independent living environments or group homes.
Assessment, Stabilization and Evaluation
The assessment and evaluation is an important piece of determining the “best match” future path for some children. At some residential programs, the speciality is to Assess, Stabilize and Evaluate through testing and observation. These are for more complex situations when there is an urgent need to understand the underlying reasons for the struggle the child, adolescent, young adult or adult are going through.
In the immersed environment of these programs, highly trained professionals conduct comprehensive assessments which can include but are not limited to: formal testing by neuropsychologists, observations and discussions with a psychiatrist, a medical professional's input (if needed), social worker, psychologist, nutritionist and educational therapists.
Many times these programs are the next step after families have tried local and other alternative forms of help. They can be 30-60 days or longer in length depending on the presenting circumstances. The goal is for the information gathered to clarify what the next steps need to include specific for that client, and can also help the family to understand how they can support the journey.
Substance Abuse and Recovery
The Aspire Group has first-hand experience with adolescent and young adult substance abuse and addiction. We understand the language of boundaries, as well as the language of co-dependence. We will be there with you to help figure it out and support the process of getting your child the help they need.
We can help with differing levels of support and intervention:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Group Processing
Individual Therapy
Sober Fun
12-Steps
Local substance abuse counselors
Interventionists
Intensive Outpatient Clinics
Recovery-Based Wilderness Programs
Adolescent and Young Adult Therapeutic Models
Seven Challenges
Motivational Interviewing