Glenhaven Academy is committed to providing each student with the clinical services necessary to help her achieve her goals. We are trauma informed in all areas of our program which serves to support the work that students do in individual, family and group therapy. Glenhaven Academy therapists are all masters level or doctorate level clinicians who use a wise variety of clinical approaches and techniques in order to best meet the needs of all students. Clinical caseloads are low (about 6 to 7 students per therapist) to allow for intensive treatment and case management services.

The ARC (Attachment, Regulation and Competency) model, developed by the world renowned Trauma Center in Boston is the Primary model of treatment used. This model focuses on helping students build strong, positive attachment skills, self regulation skills and competency. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (called DBT) informed treatment is also used, specifically as it relates to helping students develop distress tolerance skills and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Treatment is always tailored to meet the individual needs of students and special behavioral or incentive programming is utilized as needed to support students in progressing.

The frequency, type and format for family treatment is determined on an individual basis. As we get to know new students, we work with families to determine the specific role family treatment will play in each students overall treatment plan. Clinicians maintain regular phone contact with families and formal treatment planning meetings are held at least quarterly so that goals and progress can be assessed on an ongoing basis.

Group treatment is required for all students at Glenhaven Academy. Some clinical groups are psychoeducational and time limited while others are longer running groups with more of a processing focus. Groups rotate throughout the academic year so that a variety is offered to all students. Each individual clinician works with students and families to determine which groups will be move effective and helpful to the treatment process. Some (but not all) of the groups that run at Glenhaven Academy are:

Stepping Stones is a group which was developed by the intensively trauma trained therapists at Glenhaven Academy in partnership with the world renowned Trauma Center in Boston. This group focuses on learning effective self-regulation skills, building confidence, and competency, safety, and self-care. This group runs for 22 weeks and is specifically aimed at addressing the needs of traumatized adolescents at Glenhaven Academy.

Creative Self-Expression provides an arena for a nonverbal method of improving self-awareness, self-care, and emotion regulation through the use of various art mediums.

Healthy Choices focuses on educating group members around making safe choices in the relationships and life style choices. There is also a focus on sexuality and safe sex practices.

All About Me group allows members to explore their sense of self and their current and future identities. Discussions, arts/crafts, and other activities will assist group members with exploring who they are.

Chicken Soup uses teen stories to provide an avenue for emotional identification and expression, exploration of values, development of empathy, processing common issues facing group members, and practice appropriate social skills with their peers.

Mind, Body & Spirit focuses on increasing group member’s awareness of their bodies, feelings, and personality and how they combine to create a healthy person. Yoga and meditation will be utilized to explore various physical and emotional states.

Teen Issues combines psycho-education with a safe space to discuss topics relevant to adolescent experiences and how they impact their daily living through the use of movies, articles and discussion.

States of Mind focuses on teaching group members distress tolerance. Specifically, members will learn ways to manage stress by exploring different techniques involving self-soothing, mindfulness, and distraction.

The Anti-Violence Project uses music, movies, and other projects to explore the impact that violence has on each group member as well as the role it plays in the world.

Reality Check focuses on substance abuse and its impact on individual, family and community functioning. Group members will also learn about the physiological impact that using drugs and alcohol has.

DBT skills groups are designed to teach students the necessary skills to manage overwhelming emotions, develop and protect healthy relationships, and improve quality of life

Substance Abuse Education is a group which focuses on educating students about different substances, the dangers of drug use, and the effects of drugs on the body. One does not need a history of substance abuse as this group is educationally based.

Grief and Loss is a group which addresses loss and the associated grieving process using both discussion and activities. Students will be able to address their own losses as well as learn to understand the different steps associated with grief.

Flying the Coop is a group which teaches students the necessary independent living skills such as opening a bank account, obtaining employment, creating a resume, and using public transportation. This group will also explore the related anxiety associated with these increased responsibilities.

Taming the Tiger is a structured group which teaches students ways to recognize and manage their anger, frustration, and other feelings that cause them to loose internal control. Self soothing techniques along with conflict resolution skills will be taught through discussion, assignments, and role plays.

Direct Connect is a group which teaches interpersonal effectiveness skills such as communication, boundaries, healthy choices, developing friendships, maintaining relationships, and getting your needs met of their treatment team

Drama Therapy is designed to teach students to express themselves using movement and acting. Students perform weekly exercises as well as a long-term project.