Skip to main content

Teen Sexual Concerns & Therapeutic Insight

By Stephen C. Schultz


Todd Spaulding, LCSW, CSAT is also the Clinical Director at Oxbow Academy. Recently he presented at the International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP) conference in Arizona. Therapists from around the globe gathered to discuss and learn the latest therapeutic techniques and interventions for those who struggle with sexual trauma and addiction concerns. Todd was able to train specifically on working with adolescents.

For those colleagues who specialize in adolescent treatment, Oxbow Academy represents a blending of best practices and philosophy from RedCliff AscentDiscovery AcademyDiscovery Ranch to serve the sexually dependent and reactive teen population. Oxbow Academy provides a customized and personalized intervention for students suffering with very sensitive and emotional issues.

(www.oxbowacademy.net)

Students struggling with Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) in a general therapeutic residential setting tend to isolate themselves, cause "Behind the Scenes" disruption in the program culture and they struggle to adequately deal with their treatment issues. They also pose some liability concerns for the program should they decide to act out with other students. These students need a very specific treatment regimen.

Oxbow Academy


About half of our current student population comes to us from other treatment facilities or wilderness programs. Often, the educational consultants, outpatient therapists and other treating professionals mention that the parents didn't identify any sexual issues or volunteer information concerning any misconduct. The truth is, the parents may not have known.  

Our experience has shown that these students are great at playing “information poker”. They may lay down one card, but will hold many more close to their chest. So, we work with these students through a very specific disclosure process. This disclosure combined with psychological and sexual risk assessment testing, provides the treatment team, student and family the necessary knowledge and trust to start the healing process.

We know from experience that this treatment issue is a sensitive one for all involved, especially the parents. The parents we are currently working with have concerns about their son being labeled and only wish for him to live a happy normal life. That is why we use an experiential, relationship based approach at Oxbow so each student has a well rounded therapeutic and educational experience with us.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Tiffany Silva, LCSW with any questions. Tiffany is also willing to staff a case with you if needed. Oxbow regularly manages a waiting list because of the small population and personalized service. So, clinicians and other allied professionals can be assured there will be no pressure for “admission”. 

Tiffany can be reached at 435-469-0683 or by email at Tiffanys@oxbowacademy.net.  

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Young Boy and the Rattlesnake

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program for Young Adults . Many come to this program having struggled with substance abuse and interacting with unsavory friends.)   Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long journey alone.” The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly re...

Video Games, Anxiety and ADHD - Free Family Resources

 By Stephen C. Schultz This guide provides resources for parents navigating the challenges of ADHD, anxiety, and video game management in their teens and young adults. ADHD Resources The following books and websites can help you better understand and manage ADHD: Recommended Books: Russell Barkley : Taking Charge of ADHD Hallowell & Ratey : Delivered from Distraction Harvey Parker : The ADD Hyperactivity Workbook for Parents, Teachers, & Kids Bradley & Giedd : Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind Michael Gurian : The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life Mohab Hanna : Making the Connection: A Parents’ Guide to Medication in AD/HD Helpful Websites: CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Help for ADHD American Academy of Pediatrics American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Anxiety Resources: The following websites provide support and information for mana...

When Seizures Strike: A Story of Resilience, Love, and Hope

 By Stephen C. Schultz  As a father, I never anticipated seeing and emotionally supporting my daughter through 50 seizures a day, for days on end. Each seizure brings with it a stiffened left arm and leg, convulsing motions, eyes rolling back to the left, and her head contorting to the right. Her breathing stops for the duration. The most harrowing aspect is that she remains conscious and aware of her surroundings. She can hear people talking, but her body simply does what it does. After 15 to 30 seconds of not breathing, a panic begins to set in. What if the seizure doesn’t stop? It’s a horrific experience to endure time and time again. It is nothing short of torture, with the emotional and psychological trauma that accompanies it. There were four seizures in the car on the way to the emergency room, all within about 20 minutes. After 10 hours in the emergency room, she was admitted and immediately hooked up to an EEG. There was a computer screen displaying graphs and a video...