Therapeutic Boarding School – How to Get Your Child the Help They Need

As a parent of a teen who is struggling, you face a myriad of emotions. Your love for your child makes it hard to see the struggles until you face explosive or dangerous behaviors. Therapeutic boarding school can give your child the help they desperately need, but making the decision to place your child in a program isn’t easy. Many parents wonder what to expect from boarding school and question whether it is the right choice for their child. A closer look at what to expect can help you prepare for the next steps as you seek to get your child the right help.

Zion Educational Systems offers a directory of boarding schools that can connect you to the right one. We also offer counseling × Counseling
coun·sel·ing The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines counseling as the provision of assistance and guidance in resolving personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties, especially by a professional. Counseling can come in many different forms. These forms include, but are not limited to, child development, eating disorder, substance abuse, rehabilitation, mental health and educational counseling. The type of counseling needed for an individual depends on the type of issues or problems he/she happens to be facing. Counseling Troubled Youth Counseling offers hope to all kinds of troubled youth. Teens who struggle with personality disorders, emotional trauma, psychological disorders and/or learning disabilities, are all great candidates for counseling. These types of teens are often times, in desperate need for some type of counseling, and if some form of counseling is not achieved, are at high risk of fateful, dire consequences. These consequences may include drug addiction, imprisonment, or in some cases, even death.
services to parents of 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.
. Let us know how we can help you and your child through these difficult days.

Therapeutic Boarding School – Not a New Concept

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.
, and boarding schools in general, are not new. While it may seem like a noel concept in your efforts to help your child, truthfully these programs have been around for decades.

In the mid- to late-1800s, boarding schools were primarily religious in nature. These early boarding schools, like St. George’s School in Rhode Island and St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts, focused on training character through rigorous academics × Academics
Academics /ac·a·dem·ics/ n. Noun Academics is related to education. Its definition is anything relating to studies that are liberal or classical rather and also technical or vocational. Today in the world of academia new demands for structure and curriculum are a usual case. The Academic programs today are constantly being improved. However, academics will always relate somehow to the self-improvement of a person's mind through the use of different types of studying and also through technical and practical work. Academics also relates to the belonging to or the relating to a place of learning more specifically: college, university or academy and also any place of the furthering towards a higher education of any degree.
and religious instruction.

These religious boarding schools set the foundation for the therapeutic schools of today. Today’s schools use psychology and behavioral 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.
, rather than religious training, as the primary means of helping their students. But the idea of sending children to a boarding school has been part of society for over 100 years.

How Boarding Schools Help Students

Today’s therapeutic boarding schools focus on helping children struggling with behavioral issues learn to regulate their emotions and control their behavior, all while also providing a solid academic education. They do this in several ways, including:

Therapeutic Treatment

These programs for troubled teens use a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to teach students the tools they need to overcome behavioral challenges. Therapeutic boarding schools are also equipped to help teens who have co-occurring disorders, such as 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.
, depression × Depression
Depression /de·pres·sion/ Depression is defined as a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep. Statistics has shown that diagnosis of depression is growing at a very dangerous rate. Globally, depression affects over 350 million people of all ages. Depression has been linked to other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Compared to those not affected by depression those who face it are more likely to be unemployed and have a higher chance of divorce. Most people that suffer from depression do not seek care or attention. Since this is a global issue, many efforts are made to help those who are suffering depression. It is important for those that face depression to find help so that they can overcome this plague that millions of people face.
, or learning disabilities, that make their behavioral issues worse. With a team of professionals assisting every step of the way, the right boarding school can help your child not only heal but eventually thrive.

Controlled Environment

As a parent, you know that your child is often pulled into negative behaviors because of the influence of friends and peers × Peers
Peers /peer/ Peers are the people of which a person associates. Peers have a strong influence on person’s thoughts, actions, and will also play a key part in how a person develops and will determine who a person will become. Peers always have an influence but occur especially in a person’s youth. Parents should make it a priority to inform children of how important their peer group is on them. Discussions about this topic can help to prevent children from choosing friends that could lead them down dangerous paths. Peers who involve themselves in negative behaviors will begin to oppose school and parents and can also influence others in the peer group to do the same. It is important to support the finding of positively influential peers for children. However, peers can also help uplift others to strive to become better and want success. Those are the peers you should surround yourself with and also your children.
. Therapeutic boarding school removes this. The 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.
is safe and controlled, so your teen is less likely to fall into negative behaviors or get involved with the wrong friends.

Family Support and Counseling

Therapeutic boarding schools also help families. Removing the child from the home is not an easy decision to make, but it provides separation needed to allow the child and the child’s family to heal. While your teen is at boarding school, the staff will work with you to assist in treatment. They will provide you with the tools you need as a parent to help your child thrive when you transition back to living together at home. In the meantime, you are able to focus on restoring the areas of your life that your child’s behavior has affected.

Types of Therapeutic Boarding Schools

Therapeutic boarding schools do not all use the same techniques to help the students in their care. What works best for one student may not be what works best for you. As you search for the right solution for your child, consider the different options available to you.

Some types of programs include:

• All-girls or all-boys schools – Boys and girls have different physical and emotional needs, especially in the adolescent years. These schools are gender-specific, giving staff the opportunity to address those unique needs.
• Religious-based boarding schools – Religious-based boarding schools, including Catholic and other Christian denominations, use religious teaching and training alongside therapies and counseling to help students overcome behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Therapeutic Boarding Schools – These schools are co-ed and non-religious. They have strong academics combined with counseling and therapy to address the behavioral issues.

Which program is right for your child? That’s not always an easy question to answer, but Zion Education Systems can help. We will coach you and help you choose a successful therapeutic school for your student that will bring the best results.

How Effective Are Boarding Schools?

Parents who are considering therapeutic boarding schools have usually tried many options to help their troubled child. Counseling and therapy, punishments at home, and other interventions can often work well, bus sometimes they just aren’t enough. Parents who have tried other treatments without success often question whether or not residential schooling could help. So is therapeutic boarding school effective when other methods haven’t worked?

The answer is yes. Therapeutic boarding school removes the temptations and stresses of daily life for your teen and surrounds your child with caring and properly trained professionals who can manage a wide range of behavior issues.

In 2013, a multi-phase study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of residential treatment and education for youth. After reviewing appropriate evidence, the study found that these programs were effective at changing behavior in the adolescents × Adolescents
Adolescents /ad.o.les.cent/ n.Noun The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the term adolescent as a young person living in the transitional period between the years of puberty and adulthood until they reach the age of full maturity. Adolescents or teenagers, are living in a turbulent and trying time in a person's lifetime. If ill prepared, teens may flounder or display negative behaviors at home. Adolescents are prone to negative behaviors such as, drug and alcohol abuse and other chemical dependencies, sexual misconduct or acting out, failing grades at school and disrespect towards authority. It is for this reason that parents of adolescents need to be particularly mindful when they reach their teenage years. If a teenager is struggling during thus time of adolescence it, is crucial for parents to seek the right care for their son or daughter.    During this time, people are typically more susceptible to negative behaviors and dangerous habits.
who participated in them, even with different types of therapy used.

Why do these programs work? Therapeutic boarding school helps by:

1. Teaching students to change their mindset
2. Giving students behavioral and emotional tools for success
3. Providing students with individualized attention, so they don’t fall through the cracks
4. Ensuring students stay with their academic progress even while making changes to their behavior
5. Allowing students to have access to counseling, therapy, and psychological help as needed

There’s simply more time and attention available in a boarding school setting than is available through outpatient therapy done through home, and this helps set your child up for success.

Types of Therapy and Treatment at Boarding School

If you choose to enroll your troubled teen in therapeutic boarding school the type of treatment used will directly impact the effectiveness of the program. While each school is different, some common types of treatment and therapy include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy – This therapy challenges your child’s unhealthy thinking to change behavior and improve emotional regulation by improving the person’s thinking.
• Psychotherapy – This approach seeks to address behavior and attitudes through psychology, often through talk therapy. The goal of psychotherapy is usually to dig deep and find the root of the behavioral issues. One-on-one psychotherapy is common in a residential school setting.
• Counseling – Counseling is similar to psychotherapy, but with a more personal than clinical approach. Students may need counseling if dealing with trauma or struggling with substance abuse.
• Animal therapy program – Animal therapy, including pet therapy and equine therapy, is effective with teens. When a young person is responsible to care for and bond with an animal, they are able to take their minds off of their own troubles for a bit. Clinical studies have found equine therapy, in particular, to be highly effective with troubled teens.
• Wilderness therapy × Wilderness therapy
  Wilderness therapy programs are a therapeutic option for troubled teens located outdoors, that assist youth in treating various behavioral and psychological disorders. One expert describes wilderness therapy: "wilderness therapy is the use adventure-based activities and/or adventure-based theory to provide people with emotional and/or behavioral problems with experiences which lead to positive change in their lives." Wilderness therapy is relatively popular among parents of troubled teens, and is considered alternate choice to services such as, programs and boarding schools for troubled teens. Wilderness therapy is becoming an increasingly popular choice among parents of troubled teens. However, like most treatment options, one size does not fit all. Parents interested in sending their child to a wilderness program need to be aware of other options as well. It is crucial to do all the research necessary when deciding on a treatment for troubled teens.
  program – A wilderness therapy program connects your troubled teen with nature. By taking part in adventure challenges in a wooded or wilderness setting, your child can address the frustrations and emotional concerns they face in a structured setting.

Zion Education Systems offers coaching services to concerned parents who wish to find the best programs for troubled teens. Our trained family counselors will help direct you toward resources for parents of troubled teenage boys and girls that can help your child, and your entire family, find healing.

Is It Time to Consider Therapeutic Boarding School?

Is it time to consider a therapeutic boarding school for your child? If your child’s behavior is out of control, they’re harming others or themselves, or your family life has been upended because of your troubled teen, a residential school setting can give both of you the right chance to heal. These schools understand teenagers, 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.
strong academics, and know how to reach teens socially and emotionally to address the issues they face. This can be your child’s best chance at overcoming the challenges they face on a daily basis.

You don’t need to fear the therapeutic school setting. Enrolling in one means you deeply love your child and want what’s best for them. Our education counselors are here to help you assess your child’s needs and choose a residential program that will effectively address them. Help is available. Zion Educational Systems will help you and your child find it. Reach out to our family counselors today to see if therapeutic boarding school is right for you.