Journey Toward Peace Journey Toward Peace

Blog

Welcome to our blog where we keep you informed of the paths we are taking to pave the way for your family.

April is National Stress Month

April is National Stress Month. I had no idea there was such a thing, until I saw it in a headline last week. Since it seems that everyone is a bundle of stress these days, it is not surprising that we have a month dedicated to it. I know that parents are stressed, trying to manage kids, work, sports, social activities; it seems it never ends. Kids are stressed trying to balance their school assignments, sports/extracurricular practice(s), writing essays for college, and so many other things.

A Guide to Paying for Therapeutic Boarding School or Residential Treatment for Your Child

If you have a child that is really struggling in school, at home, or making bad choices in social situations, and you are considering a therapeutic boarding school or residential treatment center, it can be overwhelming. The first thoughts are often, how will you possibly pay for it and how much will it cost. I work with parents every day that are faced with this challenge and I make the following suggestions so parents understand what options are available.

Parenting, Child Mental Health, ,

Exploring the Benefits of Program Visits for Parents of Troubled Teens

Since the beginning of 2019, I have been traveling a lot! I have made it a priority to visit as many programs as I possibly can, so that I can learn as much as possible about how things are changing and how treatments are evolving. I feel it is important for me to really get to know different programs–the facility, the ammenities, the staff, even the food provided. Each has something that makes it different than the others.

Parenting, Teen Mental Health,

Comprehensive Program Descriptions for Teens with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders

After visiting a wide range of therapeutic programs, families can rely on an IECA member to guide them through the critical process of finding the right program for their child. The level of placement recommendation is determined by a very thorough process that includes the independent educational consultant working with the family, records review, and speaking with professionals that are involved with the case. Listed below are program descriptors for the continuum of care that is available.

Teen Mental Health, Parenting,

Understanding and Addressing Adolescent Porn Addiction

Studies indicate that for many, sexual problematic behavior first begins during the adolescent years. According to Youth First, the average age of a child the first time they see internet pornography is 11 years. Some studies indicate the actual age may be as young as 7 years. Early intervention is essential for avoiding a lifetime of future problems from untreated compulsive sexual behavior. Psychotherapy and the development of values-based characteristics are key aspects to treating these issues in teens and young children.

Teen Mental Health, Parenting,

The Benefits of Working with an IECA Member Educational Consultant

IECA member consultants who specialize in therapeutic placements have extensive experience with mental health diagnoses, adolescent behaviors, substance abuse, emotional disabilities, and learning differences. They are able to help families during a time of crisis and offer support and direction to recommend the best intervention and solution. When your child, adolescent, or young adult is not succeeding in their current school, college, or home environment, IECA member educational consultants can assist with these common concerns:

Education, Therapeutic Placement,

The Emotional ABCs of Parents of a Struggling Adolescent or Teen

If you are a parent of a struggling child, you may be reeling with emotions. You are NOT alone! Many parents have been in the same position and find themselves seeking the assistance of an Educational Consultant. Some of the emotions parents say they feel… Angry Battered Confused Desparate Embarrassed Frustrated Guilt Ridden Hopeless Isolated Jittery Kicked in the gut Lost Mad Nervous Overwhelmed Powerless Questioning options Resentful Scared Traumatized

Parenting, Teen Mental Health,

The Joy of Education Consulting: Helping Families Find the Right Path

I have just placed a client in a wonderful residential treatment center, after working diligently to find just the right fit. I say it that way, because this was an exceptionally challenging case for several reasons. The timing was difficult, the age of the client was tricky, and several other factors came in to consideration during the process. I enter in to each of my placements with one objective…to do the very best I can to find the best treatment facility for the specific individual.

Education, Consulting,

How to Find the Best Therapeutic Program for Your Child: A Guide for Parents

If you are a parent considering a therapeutic program for your child, it can be overwhelming! There are so many programs available. It is difficult to get much information from a school’s website, because often programs have similar information posted. However, each program has its own personality and speciality, just as each child has a unique personality and talents. Journey Toward Peace helps parents of struggling adolescents/teens find a program that is best for their specific needs and individual situations.

Parenting, Child Mental Health,

Willing to Do Whatever it Takes: A Parent's Journey to Help Their Struggling Teen

I was watching an episode of Dr. Phil the other day, and is often the case, the show was about an out of control teen and the resulting chaos within the family. I have to be honest, I am sucked in to these particular stories, because of my own experience with an out of control teen. I have such empathy for the families and the teens. I must admit, I have a tendency to compare the situation I was in, with the stories I am watching.

Parenting, Teen Mental Health,

Understanding Self-Harm: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

What is self-harm? Why would anyone hurt themselves? What do you do if someone you care about is self-harming? Understanding self-harm is difficult for most people. Often, those engaging in self -harm, keep it a secret, because it causes them to feel shame and they are afraid of the reaction they will get if they share it with someone. The behavior is quite common with adolescents and young adults. Self-harm is confusing to parents and if they discover their child is self-harming, they don’t know how to react and don’t know how to deal with it properly.

Teen Mental Health, Parenting,

10 Tips for Visiting Therapeutic Programs for Your Troubled Teen

An onsite visit will help you evaluate whether a particular therapeutic program is a good fit for your child and your family. Below are 10 tips to consider when visiting: Learn about the program prior to your visit. Check out the program’s website. If you are visiting multiple programs, make sure to have notes available to refresh your memory about each just before you arrive. Reserve time to spend at least a half day at each location.

Parenting, Child Mental Health,

Trauma and Healing: Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Adolescent Mental Health

When speaking with mental health professionals, the discussion often involves trauma as a factor in mental health and addiction. The research from ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study, indicates that the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma is significant. The need to uncover the underlying trauma is critical in treating addiction and mental illness successfully. It is very important for clients to have a safe therapeutic environment, so they will be able to reveal their trauma history, and start the healing process.

Parenting, Child Mental Health,

"What If?" Navigating the Uncertainty of Parenting a Troubled Teen

I recently received a call from by best friend. She lives in Virginia, where we met 19 years ago. We have lived in different states for 17 of the 19 years we have known each other. However, we have remained close. We share our fears for our children, our aging parents, extended family, etc. We also talk about mutual friends we have from when we lived in the same area.

Parenting,

Setting Boundaries with Your Troubled Teen: A Guide for Parents

Setting boundaries with our children is one of the most important things we can do for them. It is our responsibility as parents. However, setting firm boundaries with our children, especially our teen children, is very difficult! We have to follow some basic rules when setting boundaries for our children, as well as others: Know your limits and your expectations. If you feel strongly about certain things such as academics, chores, peer relationships, etc.

Parenting, Teen Mental Health,

The Benefits of a Therapeutic Boarding School for Troubled Teens

Therapeutic boarding schools are residential facilities designed to house struggling teens or adolescents while they get intensive, ongoing help with a range of issues. The benefits of a therapeutic school are many, because the facilities provide everything a teen, and their family, need to support recovery. It may seem drastic for parents to place their child in a boarding school, but often it is the best solution for the family. It is important for a family to compare therapeutic boarding school programs, because they offer different programs for therapy, academics, and family involvement.

Parenting, Child Mental Health,