The Interpreted Rock

 By Stephen C. Schultz (Editor's note: This is a very sensitive subject and may be uncomfortable to read. The information in this post is essentially focused on schools and therapeutic programs that have a residential component.) The chairs were all in a half-circle. There must have been over fifty, all filled with students. Banners from various colleges and universities hung from the rafters. The dull roar of multiple conversations, all happening simultaneously, cut through the air and echoed off the walls. I stood in front of the crowd and waited. The conversations and dull roar slowly faded, like a train disappearing into the distance. All eyes were now on me. I asked one question: “Who can tell me what grooming is?” I have spent my career working with families and teens through some very difficult times. I am a partner in a specialty care facility called Oxbow Academy. Oxbow specializes in treating teenage boys from across the globe who are burdened with the socially sensi...

By Stephen C. Schultz In my line of work, I witness daily the struggles that teens endure and the pain that families suffer. At times, it feels as though we are fighting a losing battle. There’s no doubt that everyone carries their own personal struggles and burdens— my family included . However, some individuals seem to navigate these challenges with grace, composure, and a sense of perspective that inspires those around them. The posts below are particularly special to me because four out of the five were written by my daughter. Over the past few years, she has occasionally written pieces and then asked if she could share them on my blog. I’m always happy and proud to do so! I hope you enjoy her thoughtful and heartfelt work. Featured Posts My House Has Stars Perfectly Wicked - A Fractured Fairy Tale I Can Make a Difference by Helping Others! My Experience with Autism Why Should "Bullies" Get All the Attention?

By Stephen C. Schultz I went home today for lunch. There wasn't anything there that a discerning palate would embrace, so I threw the chicken and rice cheddar medley in the microwave and patiently waited for a minute-thirty to pass. I sat down to eat.  My energetic...always on the move…love’s the water... thirteen year old daughter proudly walked in the kitchen and pulled some fresh baked cinnamon rolls out of the oven. She turned, smiled at me and said, “I just made some cinnamon rolls! You want one?” I responded with, “Sure, I would love one,  hon!” She then started telling me that she was “sooooooo excited” for school to start. She must have mentioned three times that it starts in 3 days. She went down the hallway and retrieved a little folding shelf and brought it out to the kitchen counter. She said, “I had this last year. But, since we have a new school, I don’t know if it will fit in my locker. You see, even though my locker is deeper this ...

By Stephen C. Schultz The clouds were white and fluffy, billowing up higher and higher. I could feel humidity in the air and there was the faint sound of thunder rumbling in the distance. I was walking with Christin Prestwich, LAMFT. She is the Director of Admissions at Discovery Academy . The conversation was about the students at DA who desire to live a life of sobriety. There was the usual talk of use and abuse and individualized treatment plans. But, the one thing that stood out to me was the garden. The garden is a great metaphor for life. The students have to work together to prepare the soil. It takes persistence and determination to stay on task and work with the end in mind. They then sow the seeds taking care they are planted at the right depth with appropriate spacing between plants. The plants need nourishment and water on a regular basis. There must be patience, because plants don’t grow overnight. All of these same principles apply when working th...