The Interpreted Rock

By Stephen C. Schultz Five Ways to Support Others as They Grow I find it interesting that when someone is remodeling their home, visitors are very tolerant of improvements that are obviously underway. They understand that dust, mess, and exposed beams are part of the process. You might even hear comments like, “It’s going to be beautiful when it’s done!” or “I love seeing the progress!” Yet when someone is remodeling their character , we often don’t extend the same grace. Instead of supporting the process, we sometimes call attention to the “mess” in progress—or worse, we remind them of what their “house” used to look like, as if they’re not allowed to change the floorplan. But here’s the truth: our lives are all Design/Build projects. We learn as we go. We draft blueprints based on what we think will work, and then we tweak them in real time. There’s no perfect plan from the start—only vision, intention, and a whole lot of revision. So how do we show up for others in the middle of...

 By Stephen C. Schultz Teen sexual behavior concerns can be difficult for parents and professionals to navigate. When a teen exhibits problematic sexual behavior (PSB), it may be a sign of deeper emotional struggles, past trauma, or impulse control issues. Recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate therapy for teen sexualized behavior is crucial for their well-being and development. What is Problematic Sexual Behavior in Teens?   Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) refers to actions that are inappropriate for a teen’s developmental stage, violate social norms, or cause harm to themselves or others. This can include excessive sexual curiosity, coercive behaviors, or an inability to respect personal boundaries. Troubled teens with sexual behavior issues may struggle with emotional regulation, past sexual trauma, or underlying mental health conditions. Signs of Problematic Sexual Behavior in Adolescents   Parents and caregivers should be aware of warning signs that ...

 By Stephen C. Schultz From our family to yours, we want you to know—we see you. We know the fear, the exhaustion, the uncertainty. We’ve felt the long nights, the hospital stays, the prayers, and the unwavering hope. Epilepsy is a journey we never expected to walk, but along the way, we’ve found strength we never knew we had. Through this experience, we’ve also come to appreciate the power of compassion, support, and connection. As we’ve navigated this path, we’ve drawn upon not only our personal experiences but also our professional background in the mental health field. Having worked in mental health since 1985, I have encountered many of the great theorists who have shaped psychology and therapeutic care. My formal training as a drug and alcohol counselor has given me the opportunity to run groups, assess individuals in need, and support families through both painful interventions and joyful reunions. One of the pioneers in the field of psychology, Carl Rogers, deeply influence...

 By Stephen C. Schultz The voice was kind but direct and authoritative: “You two… are you together?” There was a look back and forth between the two, speaking volumes in a nonverbal way. “Is she talking to us?” “Come back here with me. Sit right here,” she said. The two young men complied without saying a word and sat right behind me. The woman, most likely in her late forties or early fifties, moved forward a few steps and instinctively reached down to pick up a toddler. The toddler, wide-eyed and looking all around, did not fuss or resist. In fact, she hunkered down on the lady’s hip and made eye contact with everyone as they moved gracefully up and down the aisle. I was impressed with the kindness and decorum demonstrated by this motherly figure, who was comfortable holding a toddler while fulfilling her duties as a flight attendant on a Delta flight from Monroe, Louisiana, to Atlanta, Georgia. She welcomed weary travelers onto the plane without missing a beat. The toddle...

 By Stephen C. Schultz In the field of adolescent mental health, the link between attachment issues and Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) is profound yet often misunderstood. At Oxbow Academy, we recognize that many of the young men we serve struggle with early attachment disruptions that have contributed to their challenges with emotional regulation, relationship-building, and ultimately, sexual behavior. Understanding this connection is essential in providing effective treatment and long-term healing. The Impact of Attachment on Behavior Attachment—the deep, emotional bond formed between a child and their biological parent, adoptive parent, or foster parent—lays the foundation for future relationships, self-regulation, and personal identity. When this attachment is secure, children learn to trust, develop healthy boundaries, and navigate emotions effectively. However, when attachment is disrupted due to neglect, trauma, inconsistent caregiving, or other adverse experiences, ch...

 By Stephen C. Schultz Supporting your teen at Oxbow Academy can be emotionally and mentally challenging for parents and family members. Here are five self-care tips to help navigate this time while staying healthy and grounded: 1. Prioritize Your Mental Health Why it matters: Having a child at Oxbow Academy can stir feelings of guilt, sadness, anxiety, or even past trauma. Addressing your emotions is crucial for maintaining balance and providing stable support for your teen. How to do it: Consider individual or family therapy to process your emotions. Join a support group for parents with children in treatment. Practice mindfulness or meditation to stay present. 2. Educate Yourself About the Oxbow Academy Process Why it matters: Understanding your teen’s treatment plan and Oxbow Academy’s structure reduces uncertainty and fosters a sense of control. How to do it: Stay in regular contact with the Oxbow therapist assigned to your family. Request reading materials or resou...