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Thinking for a Change
Cognitive behavioral training and interpersonal communication skills development have been identified as the therapeutic interventions that are most often associated with individual success. Thinking For A Change (T4C) is a cognitive behavioral program that integrates the principles of cognitive self-change and cognitive skill training to provide a multi-dimensional approach to learning thinking skills. The program helps youth explore and change thinking patterns, develop appropriate interpersonal skills, learn problem-solving techniques, and interact in a pro-social manner. There are three components of T4C. The cognitive intervention section of T4C is based on the principle that thinking controls behavior and emotions. The T4C curriculum assists residents in developing self-control over maladaptive thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. The skills package provides baseline social skills, while the problem-solving piece teaches a five-step process for handling difficulties. The three components are then integrated into a total cognitive skills package. Chemical Dependency Many residents have serious substance abuse problems that need to be addressed in the course of treatment. Each resident will receive a substance abuse evaluation to determine treatment needs. Although substance issues can be dealt with in all treatment modalities, special counseling groups are important in the effort to overcome these problems. The groups are organized and facilitated by the designated substance abuse counselor. This program component may include a substance abuse education, support group (AA/NA model), the 12-Steps, Big Book Study, and group therapy. Eating Disorders Teton Peaks provides a specialized treatment track for adolescents diagnosed with eating disorders. Residents learn to channel the need for perfection and control into self-respect and a renewed sense of trust in self and others. The treatment of eating disorders is multi-faceted and addresses the complex factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders: cultural environment, family environment, history of dieting, genetic predisposition, history of abuse, age and developmental concerns, length of time in eating disorder, immediate stressors, emotional factors, and spiritual factors. Individual, family, and group therapy are offered to address the above factors. After-meal processing groups and educational presentations are also included in the treatment plan. The medical needs of residents are addressed through frequent visits with their attending doctor and round-the-clock nursing supervision. A dietitian works with residents to develop and maintain a healthy eating plan that can be followed during treatment and after discharge. Skill and Knowledge Development Groups Residents in the program frequently need to develop specific skills to adjust adaptively to their environment. The program periodically offers training in areas such as:
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