Troubled Teens Resources

Sometimes you wonder if public schools ought to consider implementing some of the programs employed at schools for troubled teens. Listen to a description of Tipton Academy’s “cognitive self change”. Surely the lesson has value beyond the walls of institutions that work with troubled teens. It is a prescription for how to avoid becoming one.

“This discipline is remarkably distinct in that it teaches how to dramatically alter one’s belief that he is the victim of his own feelings and circumstances. In this discipline, excuses are not accepted. Change takes place when a person makes a conscious decision to think differently about himself and the world in which he exists. The program is an integrated, cognitive behavior change program for youth which includes cognitive restructuring, social skills development, and development of problem-solving skills. It is presented in the format of a small group setting”

I’ve seen the same principle successfully employed at a local teen program that I have done volunteer work with. In that program the teen is guided towards recognizing “their story”. Everyone has a story as to why their life is how it is. Too often the stories that teens tell themselves make everyone else the problem. The stories are usually focused on pain, loss and hurt rather than solutions, strengths and hope. The teens were taught how to re-write that story to reflect the facts, not the drama.

Teaching a teen to look for solutions instead of nurse his or her wounds can turn that teen towards constructive behavior , leading the teen to seek solutions instead of looking for someone to blame.

Schools for troubled teens do not represent a last option or a desperate choice. Quite the opposite, given prescription drug abuse, meth labs, binge drinking, internet addiction and a whole host of other obstacles a teen must run, if that teen demonstrates behavior that indicates he is likely to stumble, a military boarding school or specialty school can assure that the teen at risk will finish the race.

“Youth need programs designed not to punish, but to heal and equip them to be valued by, and to value, themselves, their families, and others. The Helping Disciplines incorporated in the Tipton Academy include but are not limited to “Animal Assistance”, “Structure”, “Positive Peer Culture”, “Cognitive Self Change”, and an “Individualized Educational Program”. These disciplines are widely recognized as some of the most successful difference makers for troubled teens and adults.”

Each program listed above equips the teens with the tools that he will need to thwart peer pressure, succeed academically, manage emotions and chart a course for the future.

Cognitive Self Change is a prime example.

“This discipline is remarkably distinct in that it teaches how to dramatically alter one’s belief that he is the victim of his own feelings and circumstances. In this discipline, excuses are not accepted. Change takes place when a person makes a conscious decision to think differently about himself and the world in which he exists. The program is an integrated, cognitive behavior change program for youth which includes cognitive restructuring, social skills development, and development of problem-solving skills. It is presented in the format of a small group setting (PPC groups).”

Tipton Academy for Boys