Treatment Philosophy

The treatment program at Turning Winds Therapeutic Program is designed to equip our teens to return to live with their families as soon as possible. Not a short-term treatment option, the Turning Winds Program is based upon the philosophy that a person's character is important, and that lasting behavior change must involve personal growth. Our professional staff purposes are to help residents develop the character virtues of industriousness, conceptualization, direction, environmentalism, integrity, responsibility, respect, and familial connection. Residents learn to appreciate themselves as complete persons, their weakness also being their strengths. They are encouraged to explore their own resources and recycle their strengths into different areas of their lives as they develop a better understanding of themselves, their peers and their environment.

Clinical Services

An indispensable part of Turning Winds Therapeutic Program is the clinical services which are coordinated by a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Upon admission, each resident is assessed for psychosocial and mental health needs. The therapist completes a Clinical Assessment on each resident within two weeks of admission. Then a unique Individual Treatment Plan is created by the treatment team in order to best address the needs of the individual.

Residents have weekly individual counseling sessions with at least a bachelor's-level treatment clinician and monthly therapy sessions with a licensed Therapist. Certain challenges require more frequent interventions; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. As Clinical Director, the licensed therapist works with the treatment clinicians during the weekly counseling sessions with the residents by giving feedback and suggestions for treatment. The treatment Clinician attends the monthly therapy sessions and serves as co-therapist with the licensed treatment coordinator. This arrangement is both efficient and practical. The Treatment Clinician, serving as liaison between childcare staff and therapist as well as between the residents and their families, brings a wealth of knowledge about the residents, their families, and staff perspectives on the day-to-day progress of the residents. The therapist brings knowledge of professional assessment and treatment to bear on the situation.

Yet another treatment modality used at Turning Winds, group therapy is useful in that, within a structured setting, it brings the power of the peer group to bear on the individual. Residents can explore interpersonal relationships and take risks without fear of rejection.

The Turning Winds treatment team values the input of families. Families are the crucible in which residents have become the persons that they are, and are thus crucial in the turnaround process. During family visits at the Turning Winds facility, family therapy sessions with the resident are scheduled in order to work on intra-familial challenges as well as to prepare both residents and their families for reuniting during the Aftercare phase of treatment.