The definition of insanity…the sanity of recovery!

By Stephen C. Schultz

We have all heard the old saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again, expecting a different result."

As I work with teens and families that struggle with a myriad of problems, the one thing that amazes me is the tendency for families to keep thinking and behaving in the same ways and expecting positive changes to take effect. How often do we hope to change our destination in life, but fail to change the route?

Here is fun story with a great message!

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

By Portia Nelson

Chapter One
I walk down the street.
     There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
     I fall in.
     I am lost...I am helpless
     It is not my fault.
     It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two
I walk down the same street.
     There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
     I pretend I do not see it.
     I fall in again
     I cannot believe I am in the same place.
     But...it is not my fault.
     It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter Three
I walk down the same street.
     There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
     I see it is there.
     I still fall in...it is a habit.
     My eyes are open.
     I know where I am.
     It is my fault.
     I get out immediately.

Chapter Four
I walk down the same street.
     There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
     I walk around it.

Chapter Five
I walk down another street.

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Oxbow Academy – Unintended Consequences

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors Note: This post started as an email I sent to a couple of Educational Consultants . It was the culmination of several conversations. I think there is some genuinely good information here that the general public, clinicians and allied health professionals could benefit from.) As helping professionals, we often find ourselves in teaching opportunities. We consult with clients, students, families and even others in our profession. The phrase, “Strength in the Struggle” is prominent at Discovery Ranch (A sister treatment program to Oxbow Academy ). Clinton Dorny, the Executive Director, mentioned to me the other day that they often tell parents, “If your child isn't struggling here at Discovery Ranch, then we're not doing our job.” Much of what we do as treatment programs and the value you provide as a therapist, counselor, coach and educational consultant is to assist families in managing “Unintended Consequences”. There isn't a parent

The Interpreted Rock

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