Why Now Is the Time to Get Professional Help for Your Child Through Therapeutic Boarding School

When troubled teens struggle with drug abuse × Drug Abuse
Drug Abuse /drug/ /a.buse/ The definition of Drug abuse is the use of a medicine or other substance that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body improperly in a negative view or purpose. There are many different types of drugs, and the misuse of these types of substances can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different problems.  This kind of abuse can lead to many different impairments or distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent drug abuse, there are many other types of problems that can occur.  One effect can be a lack of interest in schooling and work.  Another possibility can be the failure to fulfill roles and obligations in different settings of life can.   Also, a poor performance in daily actions that may lead to legal problems. It is important to face Drug abuse as soon as possible in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life.
, addiction × Addiction
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as "Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response." Similar to other chronic diseases, addiction may involve cycles of relapse and a mental state of remission. If untreated, or serious attempts of recovery, the progression of addiction can easily result in dire, sometimes fatal, consequences. Addiction can take many forms, from eating disorders to drug addiction and even gambling. Whatever the affliction, or choice of addiction, the teenage psyche and overall well being is at greater risk than that of a fully developed adult. Teens who don't receive adequate rehabilitation for their addiction are almost certain to carry their addictive qualities into adulthood. Parents of a teenage boy or girl suffering from addiction should seek viable treatment options immediately before the addiction progresses further.
issues, eating disorders, psychological disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and/or social disorders × Social Disorders
n.noun /so·cial/ /dis·or·ders/ Often confused with social anxiety. Social disorders are conditions of society which cause other disorderly and immoral things to occur. These include things like negative peer pressure, traumatic experiences, social prejudices, and propaganda. Social disorders function for a society much like a disease does to the body deteriorating it from within. Common social disorders that plague troubled teens may include, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. More often than not, troubled teens suffer from one or more social disorders. Antisocial behavior such as, rage, shyness, sexual acting out and suicidal tendencies can all be attributed to one or more forms of social disorder. Fortunately for troubled adolescents struggling with social disorders, there is a myriad of treatment options to help treat their afflictions. Parents often choose treatment options such as, therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers or group homes for troubled teens.
they need specialized, supportive care that will help them learn life coping skills to grow and flourish into healthy, independent adults. Often, that is found through a therapeutic boarding school. Yet making the decision to choose a school and enroll your child is emotionally difficult.

We understand. You never anticipated being in this position as a parent, and knowing how to proceed is not always easy.

If the thought of sending your child away to boarding school strikes fear in you’re heart, you’re not alone. Many parents are afraid of making this choice, wondering if it’s the right one for their child.

Zion Educational Systems is here to guide you toward the right treatment and therapy × Therapy
n.noun ther·a·py Therapy is a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder or disease. Therapy generally consists of two kinds: medical and psychotherapy. Medical therapies treat diseases of the human body such as cancer. Psychotherapies treat the mind of therapeutically or emotionally damaged individuals. Different Types of Psychotherapy: - Psychoanalytic Therapy - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - Group Therapy - Behavior modification - Biofeedback - Collaborative therapy - Family therapy - Marriage counseling - Music therapy - Parent management training - Relationship counseling - Social Therapy - Systemic therapy - Therapeutic community - Twelve-step programs - Wilderness therapy Therapy for troubled teens has become an increasingly popular opportunity for troubled adolescents today. Therapies are offered at many services for troubled teens such as, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment programs and boarding schools for troubled youth. The most effective type of therapy greatly depends on the individual teen and what psychological and emotional issues the particular adolescent struggles with.
for your child, whether that’s a long-term residential school or a short-term boot-camp type treatment program. Our trained, licensed counselors will help you assess your child’s needs and choose a program that will work. If you’re still feeling unsure about the decision, here are some answers that may put your mind at ease.

What if my child fights this decision?

When you’re parenting a troubled teen, many decisions become a fight. You are likely anticipating a disagreement about your choice to send the child to boarding school, and for good reason.

It’s important for parents to remember that troubled teens × Troubled Teens
Troubled Teens /trou.bled/ /teens/ n. Noun A troubled teen is defined as a person that is between the age 13-19 that is beset by problems or conflict. Every Teenager faces problems that they must encounter in their life.  Problems arise in every person’s life both big and small yet sometimes we allow even the most insignificant of problems affect our lives.  Sometimes with teenagers they allow trials in their life greatly affect them in negative ways.  Typically when a person (typically teenagers) face problems in their lives, the ability to cope with the problem does not exist.  When teenagers turn to other things to cope with the feelings of the problems that they usually face  things such as drugs and alcohol, pornography, criminal activity, etc. It is important to find help for troubled teens as soon as possible.  There are many different programs that are available to help troubled teens with the problems that they face each with a different approach and nature to the program.
with negative behaviors are asking for help. Those behaviors are a cry to their parents to get them the services they need to become healthy, independent adults who can manage their behavioral and emotional struggles well.

Though your child may not be excited about the prospect of going to boarding school, as they are given the tools to change their thinking and behavior, they will come to appreciate the choice you made. A struggling teen needs help, and you have the opportunity to provide that help if you act now.

My teen already hates me. How will sending him away help?

Your teen may act as though he hates you, but that’s the behavioral problems speaking. He may fight your choice to send him to boarding school, but in the end, after he successfully completes the program, he will see why you did it. Sometimes, as parents, we must make tough decisions, and if your child is struggling, this is a time when you need to do just that.

Thankfully, many children who successfully complete a therapeutic boarding school program learn to appreciate what their parents did for them. They come out of their program thankful that their parents were willing to invest the energy and financial resources into getting them the help they need.

Is it Just a Teenage Phase I Should Wait Out?

Many parents with a struggling teen wonder if what they’re dealing with is “just a phase” or a normal part of teenage development, or if it’s a true problem. Society has trained parents to expect children to have some rebellious tendencies in the teen years. Yet there’s a difference between normal teen behavior and serious issues that indicate you’re dealing with a troubled teen.

Our educational counselors can help you dive into the answer to this question as it applies to your teen, but some common signs that your problem is a bit larger than normal include:

• Aggressive behavior
• Dangerous or self-harming behavior
• Diagnosed psychological disorders
• Addiction issues
• Drug abuse
• Social disorders
• Violent tenancies
• Rage
• Extreme entitlement and disrespect
• Extreme defiance × Defiance
  /de·fi·ance/ n.Noun Defiance is defined as an open resistance or bold disobedience.  Defiance is a common act among young teens and children.  Defiance can come in many different forms and different levels. An act of defiance doesn't always mean that there are bigger problems at hands but it is important to pay attention if defiance becomes a big part in a teens behavior.  Defiance can be the cause of many different things often times small but sometimes the problem may be much larger.  Defiant behavior come from problems such as a predisposition or disorder in the brain to a problem of substance abuse.  Smaller acts of defiance can just be the cause of lack of sleep or food or also from problems such as bullying. Defiance can be a good indicator of a more serious problem in a teens life.  It is important to ask questions when signs of defiance are used frequently.
  
• Lack of healthy personal relationships

Compare this to the behavior of normal teenagers. While strong attitudes and negative behaviors can occur with all teens, healthy teenagers are able to care for others and treat them with respect. Even in difficult times, they are able to maintain relationships with the people in their lives. They’re able to care for their own personal needs, and don’t resort to violent behaviors to get what they think they need or want. They have realistic thoughts about and hope for the future.

So what happens if you see these negative behaviors, but choose to wait it out and don’t take action now? At best, you and your teen continue to struggle with the existing behaviors. More likely than not, you will find that the behaviors worsen, becoming more dangerous for both your teen and your family. Either way, without professional help, the issues facing your child and your family are not going to improve.

Does a teen residential boarding school really work?

If you’ve reached this point in your journey towards helping your child, chances are you’ve spent quite a bit of time and money on therapies that haven’t worked. We understand that you’re skeptical about the effectiveness of teen boarding school programs.

Rest assured therapeutic boarding school, when done well, works. Zion Educational Systems has an online directory of therapeutic boarding schools × Therapeutic boarding schools
Therapeutic boarding schools are A therapeutic boarding school (TBS), alternatively known as boarding schools for troubled teens, is a boarding school based on the therapeutic community model that offers an educational program together with specialized structure and supervision for students with emotional and behavioral problems, substance abuse problems, or learning difficulties. Therapeutic boarding schools for troubled teens, much like a regular boarding school, require students to stay for a duration of 9- 12 months out of the year. While focusing on therapeutic rehabilitation, students also participate with their studies, as they would at a traditional boarding school. As of 2005, the United states reportedly had 140 therapeutic boarding schools. As of today, there are close to 300. Therapeutic boarding schools are widely considered to be the teenage equivalent of residential treatment centers. The main difference between the two is therapeutic boarding schools' emphasis on education as well as therapeutic and behavioral rehabilitation.
that have proven systems in place to support × Support
Support / sup·port/ n. Noun Support is defined as the act or instance of supporting; serve as a foundation for something else. Support can be given to many different ways. Through the encouragement to perform and progress and also through being there for someone who needs help. Support is usually shown through family and peers but can come from anywhere from support centers, rehab centers, and treatment centers. Without a support, confidence would be very difficult to find. Support is key to getting through trials and problems. The ability to have someone that is supporting you and encouraging you to move forward and progress is important to growth and change. Especially with youth, that as they are trying to find out who they are that they feel supported in all of their doings. This is important because as support and encouragement is shown the youth feel confident to become the best they can be.
struggling teens.

Whether your child is dealing with anger issues × Anger issues
Anger issues / an·ger/ / is·sue/ Anger issues can be classified as either a personal problem or also an emotional disorder through a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility. Anger can be the cause of many different situations and events. Feeling anger is a normal emotion that people feel in many ways. However, there comes a point where the feeling of anger in a person can become a problem. When anger becomes uncontrollable or is very frequent, it can cause different problems. In the process of trying to correct anger disorders, a person can become involved in other problems as well. Problems such as eating disorders, depression, and risky behavior like refusing to go to school, becoming isolated, harming others or even substance abuse. These things may seem to remove focus from the anger issues but are greater issues in themselves. It is important that as you discover signs of anger issues that you find the right help immediately through the help of counseling, therapy, or other related treatment programs.
, has an underlying mood or behavioral condition, or struggles with substance abuse × Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse /sub.stance/ /a.buse/ Substance abuse is defined as the use of a chemical substance that has an effect on humans or animals improperly or in a negative view or purpose. Substances involve different types of drugs and also alcohol.  The misuse of a chemical substance can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different types of problems such as impairment and also distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent substance abuse, there are many  other problems that can occur.  A lack of interest in schooling and work can lead to failure fulfillment of roles and obligations in different settings of life.  Also, a poor performance in daily actions can be a cause. Substance abuse is a problem that is important to deal with in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life. More information about substance abuse in the US The national institute on drug abuse characterize substance abuse as, "as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.' When pertaining to the adolescent brain and psyche, substance abuse and addiction is one of the most dangerous and common negative behaviors in troubled youth. Teenagers who participate in drug abuse are either not aware of the potential permanent damage they are causing themselves, or simply don't care. It is because of this reason that parents of substance abusing teens need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter. Fortunately for parents, there is a multitude and increasing number of options to choose from in terms of rehabilitation. Furthermore, parents of substance abusing teens need to seek treatment for their teens promptly.
, these schools have therapies that work. By setting your child apart in a dedicated setting, you can get that help without distractions. Studies have found a high degree of success for troubled teens who attend therapy in a boarding school setting. Hope for your child is out there.

Isn’t sending my child to boarding school too drastic?

Before you answer this, take a closer look at what is happening in your child’s life. Do you see any signs of hope that your troubled teen is improving, or is the behavior spiraling out of both of your control? If you are honest, you will likely admit that the problems have gotten too hard for your family to manage.

Teens dealing with behavioral problems and other co-occurring disorders need specialized care. A residential environment × Environment
n.noun en·vi·ron·ment The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines environment as the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. A person's environment, or social surroundings, have an enormous impact on the way that person thinks and operates. If a person is surrounded by negativity, he/she is more likely to replicate that negativity and display negative behaviors in other areas of life. The environment of a troubled teen can often be the root cause or factor in the troubled adolescent's negative behavior. When an impressionable teenage boy or girl is surrounded by negative peers, it is common for these teens to develop negative behaviors themselves. It is for this reason that parents should be aware of their child's social surroundings and environmental influences. If a teenage boy or girl is troubled, a total change in their environment may be in order. By replacing a troubled teen's negative environment with that of a therapeutic, nurturing and rehabilitative environment, troubled adolescents are able to emotional, therapeutic and behavioral restoration.
ensures they have that care at all times, surrounded by licensed professionals, so they can learn to change their thinking and grow into healthy adults.

We understand that you love your child. Sending a child that you love to boarding school is hard. Yet that love should propel you to action to get the best possible help for your child. For many, that help is in a residential therapeutic setting with licensed and trained professionals who can help.

How will I pay for boarding school?

Boarding school does represent a financial investment. First, if your child has a medical or mental health × Mental health
Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”1 It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health. The mental health in teenage boys and girls is a crucial issue and concern for parents. Teens, for a variety of reasons, tend to struggle with mental health more than adults or children who have not yet reached their teens. This is because of the turbulent time that comes with adolescence and the individual teen's inability to cope with said turbulence. Parents of troubled teens who struggle with mental health issues, actually have a plethora of treatment options to choose from. The type of treatment option that best fits the individual teen, greatly depends on the individual teens mental health issues.
diagnosis, your insurance plan may help cover some of the costs of therapy and treatment, which is included in the cost of boarding school. Our counselors can help you navigate your benefits to determent what is or is not covered. Other financial aid may be available as well, and we can help you find these options. In the end, your child’s future is worth the financial investment necessary to get the right help.

My teen is struggling because of mistakes I made. Why should I punish her for those mistakes?

Sending your child to a therapeutic boarding school is not a punishment. It gives your teen the best chance at success both now as a teenager and in the future as an adult. All parents make mistakes, but if your child is struggling with serious behavioral or emotional issues, you need to get them the right help.

How can I find the right program? The options are overwhelming!

This is where we can help. Our team has a database of therapeutic boarding schools and other programs for troubled teens that we can tap to find the right program for your family. We know that each family and each teenager face a unique set of circumstances, and we will work hard to ensure you get in contact with the right facility to help your child grow into a healthy adult.

You Have a Limited Amount of Time to Get the Right Help

When you parent a teenager, you only have a few years to ensure they have the tools they need for success as adults. If you don’t act quickly when your teen is struggling, the repercussions can last a lifetime. As your child’s parent, you are in a unique position to make a life-changing decision by partnering with skilled professionals to help your child. Don’t wait. Reach out to Zion Educational Systems to learn more about the options available to you to advocate for and help your child.