The Interpreted Rock

 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...