Can someone explain how these work? What the structure is? Who leads these seminars?
FLCs are designed to compel parents and students to confront their core issues and, in the process, disclose very intimate detail about their lives. I have no problem with people confronting their issues in a constructive way. But, what I've witnessed at FLCs is nothing short of destructive. No one can deny that what gets talked about in FLCs is very similar to intense group therapy. I've heard complete strangers (Hyde students and parents) reveal the most incredible details about sexual abuse in the family, marital affairs, sex change surgery, drug abuse, suicide attempts, and so on. In some cases the students are hearing these details in these groups for the first time! Imagine that.
Here's one of the most remarkable things (among many): The group facilitators have zero training as mental health counselors or therapists. The ones I've had have been a Hyde English teacher, history teacher, etc. I've been appalled at their inept handling of some of the most challenging exchanges imaginable. I've witnessed screaming matches, threats, and tantrums right smack in the middle of an FLC. During one weekend I heard about a father who threatened suicide because of what happened in an FLC. It amazes me that Hyde is able to function like this. Isn't this like practicing medicine without a license?
This is one of the major reasons we decided to leave Hyde. We were absolutely shocked to see how this process works.