Response to Sue Scheff – At Wit’s End

Douglas Bodin, CEO

www.thebodingroup.com

http://admittingmistakesasaparent.blogspot.com/

Dear Sue—

That’s a fantastic reminder to desperate parents of the risks associated with getting on the internet. Predatory practices by otherwise reputable organizations, let alone those by the disreputable ones, are outrageously commonplace. As an Educational Consultant I also agree almost entirely with your assessment of educational consultants! My firm is the largest in the country, employing almost exclusively Masters and Ph.D. – level, experienced professionals to act as the guides and planners for families in crisis. It’s the best of both worlds, in my opinion. As trained therapists, they understand the intricacies and nuances of often significantly clinical issues. But as a team of 15, constantly traveling around the country visiting and evaluating hundreds of programs, we bring a level of knowledge and on-the-ground experience that is unmatched. Furthermore, with a diversity of clinical experiences and backgrounds, our team approach allows each consultant to collaborate and derive support and guidance from other members of the team on a regular and routine basis. I further agree that consulting with your therapist is an important component of the process. We get most of our referrals from therapists who may recognize the possible need for a residential placement but rely on our travel, experience and expertise to help determine its necessity and location. Finally, with regard to the politics, I believe you are unfortunately correct that individual practitioners are limited in the number of programs with which they can remain conversant. They have their “favorites” that are often based on factors unrelated to the specific needs of a particular child. And while Wilderness programs are often an extraordinary first step as a preparatory and evaluative tool, they aren’t for everyone. Adhering rigidly to the best interests of the child, advocating for his or her needs and remaining involved throughout placement(s), guiding a family and problem-solving at every step is an essential recipe for successful outcomes. Being more than mere “matchmakers” is what has contributed to our success and growth for 30 years.

Help for your teen

If you are a parent of a struggling teen you may be searching for answers. At Bodin, we firmly believe that there are no general answers to the difficulties families and teens are struggling with. There is not one or even one hundred schools that can solve the problem. Every single family we see is different and every plan we develop is different, too.

The Educational Consultants at Bodin are available to assist families who need help. Our expertise is in creating unique and clinically appropriate plans for success. Our educational consultants travel throughout the U.S. and abroad to evaluate schools and programs. We work hard to stay connected to many local resources within each community we work in so that every plan is developed to support not just the student, but the entire family system.

If you have a struggling teen, please check out www.thebodingroup.com or call 800-874-2124

What is a Troubled Teen?

Most people would use that term to describe the kid down the street known to have troubles with the law or who has a history of using alcohol or pot. For the Educational Consultants at Bodin, we see troubled teens who do fit the typical idea of a troubled teen, but who are not thriving for many reasons other than substance use and troubles with the law. We work with adolescents, young adults and families who need guidance developing appropriate and individualized plans for academic and emotional growth. We have developed relationships with schools, programs and individual resources throughout the country in order to ensure that a plan we create will be successful. Much of our work is with the families in order to maintain the plan and not fall prey to the common parenting pitfalls that can interrupt or setback these plans.

If you think you have a troubled teen and would like to speak to a consultant, call 800-874-2124

Back to school!

The start of new school year is usually an exciting time, but if you have troubled teen or a struggling teen, you may be approaching this time with a high level of anxiety about what this year will bring. Often, parents that call Bodin looking for help from an Educational Consultant have previously thought about calling, but put it off hoping things would get better. That is perfectly fine, there is help for you and your student when you are ready. The plans that our consultants put together are based solely on the individual student and family needs. Whether it’s researching local private school options for a student struggling with learning issues or residential options for a student with a more complex set of issues, we can help.

Check out www.thebodingroup.com or call 800-874-2124 to speak to someone today.

Drug Testing, right or wrong?

Without going into the great detail that many recent articles have on whether or not to drug test your adolescent or young adult, let me just say; if this is an issue in your home, you may need to start thinking about outside intervention and assessment. Educate yourself about drugs of abuse and the options available should you decide to seek help for your family. There are so many options and so many underlying issues that need to be addressed when a young person begins using substances. An Educational Consultant can educate you and help you. Whether it’s early intervention through parent coaching or a crisis intervention through treatment planning, the Educational Consultants at Bodin have experience, knowledge and compassion and are ready to help today!

Check out www.thebodingroup.com or call 800-874-2124