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Among the most frustrating situations that parents encounter with teens is knowing there is a problem, but being unable to talk with them about the issues. This dilemma is compounded when the issues are sexual problems including pornography addiction, sexual abuse, and cyber-sexual activity including soliciting sex on the internet.
Often teens are unwilling to engage in dialogue about any problems with their parents, but even more so when the issues include sexual acting out behavior. Recent research uncocered that a majority of youth have never openly participated in dialogue about sexual themes with their parents. For too many parents and youth, sexual themes continue to be too uncomfortable to address. When a teen begins to encounter issues pertaining to sexual behaviors, many will go to great lengths to conceal it from their parents.
When discovered, often times well intended parents will seek counseling or psychotherapy services for their teen in an effort to provide their child with the chance to talk about sexual issues in a safe setting with a caring professional. In some cases, the teen is ready to talk about these issues, but what do parents do when their child won’t talk to the therapist? Outpatient counseling is only effective when communication occurs between the client and the therapist and a treatment resistant teen can’t be forced to talk. Parents often feel powerless to help their child under these circumstances and are unsure where to turn for help.
So back to the question of what can parents do if their child is struggling with sexual behavior problems, but is resistant to help? Consider Star Guides wilderness therapy program. The first of its kind nationally, Star Guides provides specialized treatment for teens and young adults who are struggling with any number of sexual behavior problems. Its mission statement is “Navigation to Healthy Sexuality”. No matter what the problems have been, Star Guides believes that all youth can learn to achieve healthy sexuality. Star Guides believes strongly in early intervention.
Unlike outpatient counseling or even residential treatment, Star guides Wilderness therapy approach is uniquely effective for the following reasons:
Matt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the field of youth treatment and psychotherapy since 1995. He did his undergraduate work at BYU and earned his M.S.W. at the University of Utah. He has worked in a variety of treatment setting in his career ranging from wilderness therapy and residential treatment to outpatient treatment and state government.