Case Study

These are fictional accounts based upon true stories

Jane:

My phone rings and a woman asks, `I am not sure if you can help me but things are out of control in my home." I ask her to tell me a little bit more. Sue proceeds to share with me that her daughter, age 17, has been openly defiant, has gotten into trouble and is now involved in a diversion program because she made threats to another girl, is likely using alcohol, has been sexually active in an unsafe manner. After speaking we decide to set up an appointment to meet.

I met with both of the parents who proceed to explain the growth and development of their daughter, Jane. Jane was always a willful child. Always wanting her own way, mom and dad often gave into her "blackmailing" and "whining". As a result, school has become increasingly difficult and has led to removal to an alternative setting.

They describe how her peers have changed dramatically. Jane is now "hanging out" with a less desirable crowd. They are sure she is using something but don't believe that it is drugs. They are also sure that even after speaking with her about "safe sex" that she has been having relations with her "boyfriend". They tried to take Jane to a counselor but she refused to engage in the therapeutic process.

After getting into legal trouble, Jane was advised to stay out of trouble. However, this had no affect on her and she proceeded to get a speeding ticket and then crash her car. This was the final moment that mom and dad knew that they needed outside help.

We had very little information about why Jane was acting out and failing school. It was also clear that Jane was now "in charge" of the family. Mom and dad described themselves as "hostages". Seeing that Jane was unwilling to attend local therapy we decided to begin with a short term, evaluative placement. After careful consideration of all the factors, recommendations were made for several different types of wilderness programs.

Mom and dad were instructed how to proceed and were provided with information on how to begin evaluating and making their choice. Jane was to begin her treatment in a clinical wilderness program.

Dad decided that he would take Jane to her program. The ride to the airport and on the plane was very quiet. Dad felt heartbroken and guilty that he had to be making this choice. He considered what he could "give" Jane to make her feel better. He knew that he was making the right choice.

Jane enrolled at a clinical wilderness program, located far from home in a new and safe environment. As time passed Jane would come to learn that she was hiding behind her issues and not taking responsibility. Mom and Dad were counseled on how to react and how to begin to change the family patterns. Jane began to learn some new skills and began to realize that she was deeply hurting inside and wanted to make some changes.

Additional evaluation was provided along with the intensive individual and group therapy. We came to realize that Jane had very little confidence in herself, a lack of communication skills, had been using drugs and alcohol as a way to socialize with others and was using her need for material items to blackmail her parents. Jane began the long and difficult process of the first step: moving from externalizing her issues to beginning to internalize them and take personal responsibility. Mom and dad were thrilled with her progress and realized that this was only the first step.

Additional information was gathered and the second part of the process began with recommendations for after care and a therapeutic boarding school. Jane enrolled after 9 weeks in wilderness. She proceeded to work hard with her family and after a year of treatment she graduated with new and important skills. Both Jane and her parents are reunited. They have learned new methods of communicating and Jane has learned new ways to be responsible for herself in a safe and productive manner. She returned to her high school to complete her senior year and then attended college.