For many children and adolescents, the passage into adulthood is marked by loneliness, upheaval, and uncertainty. Each child responds to this turmoil differently. Some blame themselves, adopting self-destructive lifestyles. For others, whose lives are complicated by circumstances beyond their control, withdrawal or aggression becomes apart of everyday life. Children learn to adapt, even at their own expense.
There are many warning signs that signal a youngster is in trouble. Warning signs can be seen in poor peer relationships, inadequate school performance, or difficulty functioning in their living environment. some youngsters have problems academically because of special needs, while some youngsters may be responding to the effects of drugs and alcohol in their lives. Some youngsters attempt to control aspects of their lives with eating disorders, while others may adopt very unhealthy interpersonal relationships.
The number of children who experience sexual and/or physical abuse is startling. The continual nightmare of not knowing what to expect from the environment settles into a child’s core. It can progress into a tough outer core that protects their innermost feelings and sense of being. The resolution of these critical issues represents a challenge for youngsters who incorporate this experience into their fabric of life. Too frequently, the result is a cycle that involves self-destructive and painful lifestyles.
This is where Abbott House begins its healing process. The program is an adaptation of current thinking and evidence based research in the ever-changing practice of residential treatment programs for youth. At its core, Abbott House has built a program using concepts grounded in trauma informed care while following a medical model. The framework focuses on natural and logical consequences, paired with building and modeling healthy relationships. The concept begins the internal healing of the tumultuous past. Learning occurs within a strong collaboration between the clinical, residential and education staff and the child.
The program includes:
- Individual/Family Therapy and Psychiatric & Psychological Services
- Group Therapy including Circle of Courage, Living Skills, Sexual Abuse, Anger and Mood Management and many others
- Sensory programming