New Here. Have a ?

[Anonymous]

I was wondering the panel's thoughts on going into wilderness before a TBS. Is ther a benefit to go wildernes first. Any experiences by anyone?

[Anonymous]

Why don't YOU go try it and see for yourself? Then YOU report back here and let us know how YOUR little adventure worked out?

[Anonymous]

But, don't send YOUR KID, OK?
YOU GO YOURSELF.
We want a first-hand report on how YOU liked it.

[Anonymous]

helpful, considered responses are so nice.

of course, the "panel" here is essentially (few exceptions) anti any program.

IF a tbs is in order, know that some schools require wilderness first.  BUT sometimes it is not a good idea - depends on the kid

[AtomicAnt]

It doesn't make sense to me to ask this question on this forum. Wilderness first? Do you think that a general answer is sufficient? No one here knows anything about the specific case (teen) in question. There is no diagnosis. There is no background.

You could walk up to any random stranger on the street and ask this question and get a response that is just as valid as anything you would find on the Internet.

Seek profressional help and guidance, use your own judgement, but do not solicit advice from strangers on the Internet to make such an important decision.

Also, do not depend on one source. Check all angles of this and explore all the alternatives. Do not rush, no matter how urgent you think, or others try to make you think, the situation is.

[Anonymous]

Wilderness first is almost always a good plan. It allows the therapists in wilderness to get at some of the core issues in a safe environment without the distractions of normal life. No music, friends, family, drugs, alcohol, cell phones etc.  Wilderness programs are excellent, for the most part. The therapists will give you good advice on the next step.  The kid will be less likely to resist the placement at the boarding school or treatment center if he/she works through some things in wilderness.

[Anonymous]

On 2006-05-27 11:05:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Wilderness first is almost always a good plan. It allows the therapists in wilderness to get at some of the core issues in a safe environment without the distractions of normal life. No music, friends, family, drugs, alcohol, cell phones etc.  Wilderness programs are excellent, for the most part. The therapists will give you good advice on the next step.  The kid will be less likely to resist the placement at the boarding school or treatment center if he/she works through some things in wilderness."

I think a wilderness program or tbs MAY be good in some circumstances.  BUT the comment quoted is irresponsibly general.  Wilderness programs, like tbs, cars, shirts and people are not all the same, and are not all good.  Therapists need not be in a wilderness to address "core issues".  You don't necessarily need a wilderness program to advise on the "next step" if he/she "needs" wilderness at all.  And using a wilderness program to break down resistance to a further placement is really stupid, imo.

[Anonymous]

Wilderness programs DO vary in quality. Second Nature is excellent- both Utah and Georgia. There are many other excellent programs. Do some research.
I think on the whole, wilderness programs are better in quality and therapeutic benefit than the therapeutic schools. However, the programs are expensive and are not meant to be a long term placement.

[Anonymous]

It's our resident Second Nature troll again! :wave:

Do you get paid in money or teenagers?

[Badpuppy]

Has an independant adolescnt mental health professional reccommended this? Did you have your kid examined? Why don't you have your adolescent specialist explain the research?  Between the wilderness and TBS placement you are going to spend $100,000. Your relationship with your kid lasts a lifetime. Don't be the instrumentality of his incarceration, unless you are looking to dump your kid. The staff at TBS are far less qualified than you can get in your community. Be swayed by professional guidance not parent testimonials.

[Anonymous]

A hundred THOUSAND dollars?

That's batshit insane!!

[Deborah]

On 2006-05-27 19:48:00, Anonymous wrote:

"A hundred THOUSAND dollars?



That's batshit insane!!"

Depends on the program. The program I'm most familiar with was $110,000 if pre-paid, in 2000. Add Wilderness and you're looking at closer to $150,000.
I've read that some kids repeat Wilderness and/or TBS.

[Nihilanthic]

On 2006-05-27 07:14:00, Anonymous wrote:

"helpful, considered responses are so nice.



of course, the "panel" here is essentially (few exceptions) anti any program.



IF a tbs is in order, know that some schools require wilderness first.  BUT sometimes it is not a good idea - depends on the kid"

Um, "the panel" here is the way it is for a reason:

• Theres zero proof any program works
• Theres plenty that piecewise debunks the entire program bit by bit
• They cost way too much
• There is no actual evaulation of the children to see if they have anything wrong or need any therapy - but even if they DID, programs dont provide that therapy.

Basically, the program is for the parent, not the kid, and nobody has demonstrated otherwise.

I like the arguement about calling us 'anti program' as if that has anything to do with the fact that they dont work...

[Anonymous]

On 2006-05-27 07:14:00, Anonymous wrote:

"helpful, considered responses are so nice.



of course, the "panel" here is essentially (few exceptions) anti any program.



IF a tbs is in order, know that some schools require wilderness first.  BUT sometimes it is not a good idea - depends on the kid"

Nope, it depends on the parents bank account.

[Anonymous]

A hundred and fifty... THOUSAND... dollars.

I could make your kid a young god with that and still have enough left over to buy a new Dodge Viper.

In fact, you can buy it for him. Make a simple deal: "Stay off the drugs, stop skipping school, and you get to drive the car." Teenage boys may argue with you. They do not argue with 0-60 in four seconds. Be sure to buy him several packs of condoms while you're at it.

And then send him to college on the other half of the money.

What the fuck is wrong with these parents?