The advantages of cultural immersion in a therapeutic environment abroad, to concerns of how risks are minimized, and the specifics parents should do to make a placement with a successful outcome.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2012 -- Today's guests on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens included Heather Tracy, Executive Director and one of the founders of New Summit Academy Costa Rica; Karen Nelson, Executive Director and Clinical Director of Coral Reef Academy in Samoa and Bryan Marks, a former student of Coral Reef Academy and currently the Intake Coordinator and Admissions at Coral Reef, discussing the pro's and con's of students attending schools and therapeutic programs abroad. When asked what the therapeutic benefits of special programs abroad had to offer, all three guests agreed that students are given the opportunity to live "an experientially way" to see how others live and to immerse themselves in a different culture with a whole set of different values. They get beyond seeing things in their own "immediate world of IPods and I Phones" and learn to focus on the "community" rather than themselves, or as Lon stated "more of a world view."

As part of this daily immergence, students participate in community service and learn that the "local people" live quite happily with less and that relationships are prioritized. "The focus is shifted to collaboration rather than competition" and quality time with family members (such as Costa Rican locals) allow the students to become comfortable with diversity, which they will carry with them when they return to the US.

Brian shared his personal experience of feeling homesick and missing the "normal" teenage things like prom and graduation, yet being far away also gave him the opportunity to miss doing those things, which he may have missed altogether considering the path he was on. "I did get the opportunity to get healthy and to fill myself with things I learned, though." So, eventually the pros outweigh the cons.

To minimize the risks of enrolling a student in a "seedy program abroad" there are precautions parents can and should take. Number one- parents need to ask questions and educate themselves on the different rules and policies of the other countries, specifically on immigration and child welfare, the need for a visa, what happens if their child gets into legal trouble, where is the nearest American Embassy and airport? What medical services in the country are available and what are the health risks in that country? What are the program policies for medical care, and making sure to ask about the credentials of the programs therapists and clinicians. All information about the program and staff needs to be transparent.

In order to keep the families involved and work on rebuilding the unity, programs abroad depend on working with family members through phone calls, video calls and Skype, letters and emails. Family visits are encouraged in addition to family workshops that are offered. All agreed that a huge emphasis on communication is the key.

When asked how these programs work on re-integrating the students back to the states and reduce the stress of returning home, both Heather and Karen explained that students work on transition planning and goals when it is the appropriate time before returning. "We want them to be proud of their experiences here, to leave with a sense of pride. The journey they have completed in these countries abroad is something their peers in the states will never get to experience."

To listen to the full interview on Pros and Cons of a Therapeutic Experience Abroad on LATalkRadio go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-052112.shtml.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00pm, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Heather Tracy is the Executive Director and co-founder of New Summit Academy Costa Rica. She is a psychologists and educator who has been working with at-risk adolescents for the past 12 years. Ms. Tracy has a Master's in Education in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard Graduate School and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree. Having lived in Costa Rica for the past 11 years, Heather believes that cultural immersion is one way to reach bright, creative, non-traditional learners.

Karen Nelson is the Executive Director and Clinical Director at Coral Reef Academy in Samoa. Karen graduated with a B.A. degree from the Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas in 1988 and after a 2 year stint with the US Peace Corps, she returned to the University of Houston, Texas where she completed her Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. During her years of clinical work, she has supervised and taught Master's and Doctoral level therapists at various stages of training. Prior to joining Coral Reef Academy, she was lecturing at the National University of Samoa.

Bryan Marks is the Intake Coordinator and Admissions staff at Coral Reef Academy in Samoa. Bryan, also a graduate of Coral Reef, is able to work with students and their families at the time of admission, coming from a point of care and understanding as a former graduate himself.

This segment was sponsored by Spring Ridge Academy, 928-632-4602, http://www.springridgeacademy.com, a Therapeutic Boarding School for Girls in Arizona.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path.

For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

With 20 years in law enforcement and a major focus on online criminal behavior, Detective Wistocki talks about the various criminal behavior on the Internet from Bullying to Sex Trafficking, and numerous scams in between.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/07/2012 -- Today's guest on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens, was Detective Rich Wistocki, a Special Investigator and a member of ICAC- Internet Crimes Against Children, who discussed with Lon a topic, both interesting and terrifying for parents on the "online dangers for kids". Throughout the show, Detective Wistocki vigilantly stated "parents must check and monitor their kid's online world." With 80% of kid's grades 6-12, the number one problem our kids are getting into trouble with is video chatting and Skype usage.

"Kids are so out there and so easy for traffickers. They (traffickers) are using FaceBook and other social Medias, to entice young girls to move out of state and then they are being used as escorts. Kids think they are really safe behind their computers and yet on Craigslist, young boys are being victimized so quickly. I tell them, "Until you can verify them (their name, address and school) they are liars."

With the use of "file sharing networks" perpetrators take advantage of kids, stalking them through FB and Twitter, whereas these kids become victims of a "sweetheart scam". ..Girls go on dating sites; offshore (overseas) predators steal their identities, gather credit card numbers and scam thousands of dollars from them and their parents. Other ways predators nowadays are stalking our children is through internet gaming with multi players. The predator will get the kids to go to Instant Messaging or phone texting to find out more about them, using their online gaming connections as an 'in' with them. And the list goes on and on including sexting: teen boys becoming collectors of these pictures and using intimidation and threats to expose the pictures via email to everyone; hijacking: where a teen/child uses their friends computer to check their social networks, and then having their password stolen by "said" friends and having their accounts taken over- causing slander, bullying, deleting or adding inappropriate pictures to the site and then locking the original owner out and ruining their reputations.

Once again, Detective Rich stressed- "Parent's, you are responsible for your children-both in their physical life and in their online life. Parents have to be parents and not friends with their kids. There is no such thing as privacy with your kids. You need to start monitoring with your kids at a young age 8-9, as soon as you give your child the ability to text or explore online and let them know "I monitor your online world because I love you and I am responsible for you." When you walk into their room and they X out of their computers- you know there is something there they don't want you to see. This is the time to lay down the law."

Detective Wistocki conducts internet safety courses across the country for parents and faculty, through churches and schools, with the belief that 'education is key'. "Parents are hungry for this information and shared with Lon that there is a growing effort through legislations, special tasks forces and police within the communities to crack down on the victimization of our children. I show them how to navigate FaceBook and give them tools to use to monitor their kids."

On his website, Detective Wistocki has listed several software options that parents can get to monitor their child's phone and online usage and also recommends the movie 'Trust' to see how internet predators go out and get children.

To listen to the full interview go to: Protecting Kids From Online Predators on LATalkRadio. Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00pm, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Detective Rich Wistocki is the president of Be Sure Consulting Corporation and currently on the High Technology Crimes Unit in IL, a Special Investigator with the Will County State's Attorney's Office, a Special Response Team Sniper and a member of: the IL Tactical Officers Association (ITOA), the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), The High Tech Criminal Investigators Association (HTCIA) and (CECTF).

This segment of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens was sponsored by Spring Ridge Academy, http://www.springridgeacademy.com , a therapeutic boarding school for girls, ages 13-17, located in Arizona.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Rob Neilson talks about how his interest in Karate, hypnotherapy and teens with emotional and behavioral problems led him to establish Cedar Ridge Academy 16 years ago, a therapeutic boarding school.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/07/2012 -- At Cedar Ridge Academy, mindfulness, structure, karate and therapy work together as students take on the challenge of "little acts of courage"…the small steps it takes to tackle old negative beliefs and fears.

On today's Parent Choices for Struggling Teens, Rob Nielson, founder and Clinical Director of Cedar Ridge Academy shared with Lon, how his program works with teenagers to change the negative feelings from early childhood that have become their core beliefs and help them to move forward through self awareness. "For many of these kids, those negative feelings (not good enough, etc) or something that hurt their feelings at a young age, are the feelings they try desperately to avoid and we teach them how to work through them, to notice the feelings, to be mindful of what is going on and to recognize the physiological reaction."

"We take them out of their comfort zone and break it down into small steps because it takes time to desensitize these feelings. We teach them deep breathing, positive affirmations and inspire them, that the process is good for them. We also believe an environment with a tight structure helps to create the safety they need to deal with the fears. "There is a good catharsis from a process like this, yet it is a lifelong process, Rob shared, along with his favorite quote: "When you avoid, you attract what you are afraid of."

In teaching karate, Rob explained that it is the opposite of what people think…"it is not about violence, it is about self discipline and self control, which take an enormous amount of energy to do and the students benefit from it tremendously. We teach them form, paying attention to how you hold your body and are encouraging and nurturing within our teaching. Physical development, mindfulness and learning to be centered and focused help our students move forward."

"I want them to recognize their "triggers" so they don't go back to old patterns. If they know this, I know I have done my job!"

To listen to the full interview go to: Little Acts of Courage on LATalkRadio. Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00pm, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Robert Nielson is the founder of Cedar Ridge Academy. Rob earned his BS in psychology from Southern Utah State College and his MS in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada. Rob has worked with adolescents and their families since 1990. Cedar Ridge Academy is a co-ed therapeutic boarding school for teen's ages 13-17 years old, which utilizes karate as an adjunctive to therapy. Rob has nearly fifty years of training and experience teaching traditional Karate and over twenty years as a practicing therapist in a treatment setting.

This segment of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens is sponsored in part by Spring Ridge Academy, Spring Valley; AZ. Spring Ridge Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for girls ages 13-17. http://www.springridgeacademy.com, 928-632-4602.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path.

For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Allen Cordoza of West Shield Investigations recalls his early career experience as a 19-year-old discovering a runaway girl being exploited by the sex trade in this country.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/07/2012 -- During the second hour of a two hour special, Lon Woodbury's guest on Places for Struggling Teens was Allen Cardoza, President and Founder of West Shield Adolescent Services, West Shield Investigations and Answers 4 the Family. Allen shared with Lon his recollection of his early career experience as a 19-year-old discovering a runaway girl being exploited by the sex trade in this country. He then explained how his business is involved in transporting teens to and from schools and programs, busting sex trade operations, and recovering abducted children.

With an estimate of over 29 million people enslaved today world-wide, be it labor or sex trade, Allen explained that most times a child starts out as a runaway and then someone "takes them in- feeding and clothing them, taking care of them, and as a repayment, they are forced into prostitution." When asked why these children don't simply just runaway? He further went on to explain that many of these children are brought over from other countries are threatened with harm to their family members if they do not repay their debt, or will have their passports held. International human trafficking is more prevalent in 3rd world countries due to poverty and there are people out there who prey on them: offering the families they will take care of the children, to educate them in a trained profession and some of these are transported to the United States. They are simply exploiting these poor families for the false promise of a better future in the US.

When asked who these traffickers are, Allen explained they are either part of a large criminal syndicate or mom and pop criminals, street criminals recruiting these runaway children, using the boys for petty crimes and the girls for prostitution. As juveniles, these children are trained to keep their mouths shut if caught by law enforcement, knowing the consequences are lighter for them and soon they will be back out on the street working again. Yet, today's law enforcement and the many task forces specially trained in human trafficking are trained to recognize when someone is a victim and what they can do to help them. There are numerous programs available to help these children, including those that re-train them into other professions, counseling and schooling.

In transporting teens to special needs schools and programs, Allen firmly believes that they (the transport agents) are the first step for that child's journey. Therefore, to make the transport go as smoothly as possible, they talk to the parents at length, getting to know the child's likes and dislikes in order to match them up with an agent they can relate to. And most importantly, "we treat them with respect."

In summing up what the future holds for this real life detective, Allen shared "This is my calling…returning a child. The love I see in each other's eyes when they are reunited is a high you cannot explain. It is so rewarding. Even if I won the lottery, I would do this."

To listen to the full interview go to: Transporting Teens to a Better Future on LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury, MA is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and StrugglingTeens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00pm, Pacific Time on Channel One.

Allen Cardoza is the President and founder of West Shield Adolescent Services, West Shield Investigations and Answers 4 the Family, a LA Talk Radio Show, every Monday at 11:00 am (PST). Through his speeches and articles, Allen offers practical solutions for parents and teens, as well as raises awareness about the secret underground world of human trafficking and child slavery. He is a co-author with world renowned motivational speaker Les Brown on the book Fight for Your Dreams which was released April 2011 and his book Running Away In America is currently available in eBook format for free on his website.

This segment was sponsored by Spring Ridge Academy, http://www.springridgeacademy.com , a therapeutic boarding school for girls in Arizona.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Sanchez and Olsen talk about their pioneering experience in developing the basic concepts of wilderness therapy in a BYU program in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their work is usually credited as the original work developing wilderness therapy programs.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/17/2012 -- Today's guests on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens with Lon Woodbury were two of the "pioneers" of wilderness therapy: Larry Dean Olsen and Ezekiel Sanchez, Founders of Anasazi Foundation, located in Mesa, Arizona. Larry, who started this adventure back in the late 60's, was taking groups out to learn to live off the land and found that positive patterns were emerging, as grade point averages went up and the students were having positive attitudes at home. Soon after, Larry was hired as an instructor for groups of students who were flunking out of college at BYU. He would take a group of students on a semester long expedition to learn survival skills out in the desert and if they completed the course, they were welcomed back to school.

Ezekiel, who also studied survival skills as a young man, was one of Larry's first "guinea pigs" as he puts it and soon admired the skills Larry had to offer. "Larry looked like Clark Kent but was more like Superman out there" Ezekiel laughingly shared. And at the end of the first group trip, Larry asked Ezekiel to be his assistant. After six years and 10,000 participants in the program later (many of which by then had been court ordered juvenile delinquents in addition to failing students and others who just wanted the survival experience) Larry and Ezekiel parted ways, Each going on their own church mission. Larry went private and worked with many organizations within the wilderness field including serving as the Board of Directors for the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps (NATWC). Ezekiel came back from his mission, got married and taught on the Navajo reservation. Later, the two joined forces again after much praying, "The sacred wind brought the answers they were looking for" and Anasazi Foundation was started in 1988.

As it was then and is still now: "the children come first at Anasazi. The mission is to prepare the parents and the children to turn their hearts to one another, begin anew and walk in harmony in the wilderness of the world". The program follows the 10 Guiding Principles and the Anasazi Way, which were created by Larry, Ezekiel and his wife Pauline, who is fluent in Navajo. There are three sequential "walkings" that the YoungWalkers (students) participate in: the RabbitStick Walking, the BadgerStone Walking and the DawnStar Walking. These walks, added to the series of ceremonies, are all created to start a new beginning, awaken the heart and to celebrate the "seed of Greatness" inside each of them.

In response to Lon's question to both Larry and Ezekiel about "how do parents choose the right program (or Anasazi) for their child?" both guests had some great answers: Is it a punitive experience or a loving one? Will my child be treated with dignity and respect? How safe is the program? What is the philosophy being taught? And what kind of people "walk" with the children? Can they be trusted? As Larry adamantly put it…Parents need to question every aspect of the program".

"Larry and Ezekiel are often referred to as the grandfathers of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry."

To listen to the full interview go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-040912.shtml on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com to listen to The Miracle of Wilderness Therapy.

Lon Woodbury as an Independent Educational Consultant is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Larry D. Olsen founded ANASAZI Foundation with his long-time friend and partner Ezekiel Sanchez, which was the first program of its kind to be licensed and later nationally accredited as a behavioral healthcare provider. Larry completed a bachelor's degree in Education at BYU with graduate studies in English. He is a Wood Badge trained "Scouter" and has written instructional manuals for the Boy Scouts of America. Larry is married to Sherrel Eslinger of Twin Falls, Idaho, and they are the parents of ten children.

Ezekiel Sanchez, a Totonac Indian from Mexico, is the second oldest of sixteen children, and co-founder of the ANASAZI Foundation, Today, Ezekiel's knowledge of plants and ancient skills is unparalleled, and is known for his exceptional skill to track (even at night). Ezekiel is married to Pauline Martin, a beautiful Navajo from The Gap, Arizona. They are the parents of seven children and were honored as the 2001 Arizona's Parents of the Year and in 2002 received the Excellence in Parenting 2002 National Award from The National Parents' Day Council, A Project of the American Family Coalition and The Washington Times Foundation.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

How the basics of professionalism in working with struggling teens is putting the needs of the child first, and the ways that NATSAP and IECA are enhancing professional conduct to the members.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/06/2012 -- Today's guests, Cliff Brownstein, Executive Director of NATSAP and Mark Sklarow, Executive Director of IECA, joined Lon Woodbury to discuss "professionalism" in the network of private therapeutic schools and programs, and Educational Consultants working with children struggling with emotional, behavioral and learning problems, on "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens". "The term professional has come into question in some people's minds due to some professionals in the public eye who have done some unethical activities, so the first question of the day presented to Cliff and Mark, was their definition of professional. Quick to reply, Cliff and Mark both stated "a professional puts the client first and foremost. The public trusts this is so, especially in working with adolescents, so a top priority for our members is to the needs of the kids and putting the needs of the children first."

Cliff explained NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs) oversees the standards of its members of private programs for youth and adolescents. These standards include a therapeutic licensure, accreditation by one of the four major accreditation bodies and at the time of joining and every year thereafter, they must sign off on the current code of ethics and best practices. Mark explained that IECA (Independent Educational Consultant Association- and for the purpose of this interview, focused on 'special needs consultants') work directly for the family to "find the right path for the child." Both organizations take their rules very seriously, whereas any complaints are investigated immediately and if there is evidence of misbehavior, the consequences can be severe, ultimately with memberships expelled. "Ethics, trust, principals of good practice and education are a priority" stated Mark.

When broached with the question of negative reports from the media or internet about abuse, Lon asked both guests what they do to counteract the allegations or claims. Both Cliff and Mark advise their members to share the good outcome stories, the success stories of these programs, of which there are hundreds of success stories. They also felt it was important to know how to balance the information out there. "It is not going to be full sailing all the time- we are working with schools working with problem kids. There is going to be a problem once in a while." Negativity and false allegations sometimes come from kids who are or have been placed in a program and are resentful to everyone who sent them away. These often are kids who were pulled before completion from the program or school, or the child that has returned home and has gone back to all the old negative dangerous patterns.

With the odds of "slim to none" in finding a good program directly off the internet, it was highly suggested that parents need to do the research. "We advise the parents to check their state licensing bureau to see if there are any complaints filed against a program they may be interested in and to be sure a program is 'legitimate'. "Many sites are run to "recruit parents" or the website will deceive the public, by posting the NATSAP or IECA logo's on their site (even though they are NOT members). Once again…parents need to do the research. And with so many programs and schools to choose from and the thousand educational consultants out there, it is very important that parents find someone they can trust.

To listen to the full interview on Professionals: A Matter of Public Trust go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-040212.shtml on LATalkRadio.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00pm, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Clifford Brownstein is currently in his fourth year as the Executive Director of NATSAP and has spent his entire career working with trade and professional not-for-profit associations representing such diverse fields as accounting, law, medicine, banking, building inspection, scientific research, and motorcycling, boating, and private vocational schools, among others. He has served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Institute of Association Management Companies, has been a conference speaker on various association management topics, and has authored numerous articles for professional journals.

Mark Sklarow has served as Executive Director of the Independent Educational Consultants Association for nearly 20 years. He is a former civics teacher, dean of students at a Philadelphia High School, and Political Science instructor at Temple University.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A studio grade Olympic Freedom Kiln was delivered to the Sober College Visual Arts Studio beginning the Ceramics Therapy Program. Art therapy is used to take a student out of the "traditional" therapeutic environment of one-on-one or group therapy.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/05/2012 -- Woodbury Reports is pleased to announce on behalf of Sober College that on Friday, March 16, 2012, Sarah Frank, Creative Arts Director, received an exciting delivery that would launch a new era in the Art Therapy Program.. Weighing 510 lbs., a studio grade Olympic Freedom Kiln was delivered to the Sober College Visual Arts Studio, and the much anticipated Ceramics Therapy Program was scheduled to begin.

Since the opening of our professional Visual Arts Studio , we have been able to bring many fine arts lessons, community projects, and art therapy groups to all Sober College students. "This student population is extremely creative, ranging from beginning to advanced artistic capabilities," Frank says. From metal work and jewelry making, to impressionistic paintings, and now ceramics, students are provided millions of outlets for self-expression, a key component in a young adult's recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

"The one major art technique we were missing, which had been requested over and over by residents, was ceramics," Frank says. "Working with clay can be both therapeutic and enjoyable, providing endless project possibilities that create feelings of healthy gratification and accomplishment. I cannot wait to host my first ceramics group with the students."

The addition of ceramics therapy to the Sober College curriculum is the most recent testament to our constantly evolving program designed to keep young adults engaged in sobriety and the recovery process. The clinical program at Sober College utilizes urban experiential therapies, such as equine, trapeze, indoor skydiving, and surf therapy, in order to tap into the stunted emotional capacity of the young adult population in early recovery. Similarly, art therapy is used to take a student out of the "traditional" therapeutic environment of one-on-one or group therapy and give them a new canvas with which to express their emotions.

"There have been several occasions where I have encouraged a student to show their art project to their therapist," Frank says. "A student's art project can show how they are feeling, whether they are doing well, or if they are struggling. The art studio is a place where students can express themselves with something other than words… It may be easier for these young adults to draw a person in a box alone than to say I'm feeling lonely."

The Sober College Program was designed and operates with the understanding that all young adults are different and require an individualized treatment plan. In addition to ceramics and a number of visual art options, the Sober College Creative Arts Program includes an on-site, professional-grade recording studio where students can sing, play instruments, record, edit, and produce music.

We also have a fully equipped Film Department, where students have the opportunity to learn different acting techniques, work in front or behind the camera, and edit and produce films from beginning to end. By providing our students with a variety of creative arts options, all students are able to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits that creativity-whether it is through painting, singing, or acting-can have on their mind, body and spirit during the early stages of their recovery process.

Creative arts classes are held twice a week and give students the opportunity to try new forms of expression and get involved in music, film, or art. In addition, all students participate in weekly art therapy groups focused on increasing their understanding of mindfulness, relapse-prevention, and gender roles. On Wednesdays, the entire Creative Arts Department comes together to collaborate on projects that include all three aspects of our arts program. Combining film, music, and art creates collaborative projects that bring the community together in a creative way, allowing student to express themselves as well as learn leadership skills and what it's like to work as a team. In addition to these three afternoons, we offer a lunchtime creative writing club for those who want to express themselves in a new way as well as a textile arts club where residents can create their own piece of art they use on a day to day basis.

The Creative Arts Therapy Program at Sober College is designed to encourage our young adults to express themselves, find their passion, deal with the emotions that arise during early recovery, and teach them healthy outlets where they can express their emotions that they can take with them when they leave treatment. Sober College is always looking for new ways to engage our students in self-expression, and new additions, like the kiln and ceramics therapy, will continue to develop as the young adult community grows and changes with the individual need of our population.

Check out Sober College's Creative Arts Department in action with a film done by Sober College's Film Department. http://youtu.be/M95PyOYRKp4

For additional information, please contact Julie Goodman, Marketing & Communications Coordinator at 818-274-0304 ext. 107 or visit the website at www.sobercollege.com.

Sober College, headquartered in Southern California, is a small private institution providing alcohol and drug treatment environments for young adults age 17 to 25. The Sober College curriculum builds core competencies in life skills, employment, academics, emotional well-being and fitness.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information visit http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The myth that military schools are for misbehaving teens and that the mission of military schools is to take kids who are floundering and using a military structure to provide quality academics and leadership skills in preparation for college.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- One of the myths or misconceptions that parents use to "scare their misbehaving children" is to threaten them with "military school if they don't straighten up." Also along the same lines, is the wrong perception the media has generated, a misconception that has never gone away since the 60s, when it was "socially uncool" to be at a military school during the wake of the Vietnam war. Today's guest on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens, hosted by Lon Woodbury, was Al Heminger, the Director of Admissions for the Howe School in Howe, IN, dispelling the common myths of military schools and the visions of a boot camp setting with yelling and screaming by some very large drill sergeant.

The Howe School in actuality is a small, co-ed, residential boarding school that follows a military model that focuses on academics, athletics and leadership development. Through three major steps: character development, knowledge and application, this 127 year old program works with "bright but lazy or underachieving students" by putting them in positions of leadership, holding them accountable and assisting them with mentorship. These are the building blocks of their leadership structure. Al shared that many times "alumni will call and talk about the advantage they had going into college, not just with academics, which Howe takes very seriously, but with leading their peers, whether in the dorms or classroom. These are the precision leadership skills that will make them successful."

By working on time management, study skills, 'getting the work done' and focusing on academics, a military school can be another option or step down school for a student that has successfully completed a wilderness program or therapeutic boarding school. Because a military school offers structure and predictability, a student who is struggling with leadership will receive "a lot of time and experience leading peers", in addition, for those needing structured discipline, a merit/demerit system will teach students to do the right thing and to be a good person, as Lon put it "a natural cause and effect."

To listen to the full interview on Academics in a Therapeutic Setting go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-031912.shtml on LATalkRadio.

Lon Woodbury as an Independent Educational Consultant is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Al Heminger is the Director of Admissions and Head Football Coach at The Howe School located in Howe, IN and has been with them since 2009.

Prior to his work at Howe School, Al was a public school teacher in Virginia, taught college courses at Olivet College and Liberty University, holds a certificate as a athletic trainer (ATC) and has worked with several professional teams, in addition to serving as the Assistant Athletic Trainer at both Olivet and Liberty. Mr. Heminger holds a BS from Manchester College in Athletic Training and a MS in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Idaho.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Bryan Tomes, Executive Director of Asheville Academy for Girls defines academics and therapeutics, and explains how they are integrated so academics is a priority in its own right and does not take a back seat to therapeutics.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/12/2012 -- To get the discussion started today on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" January 16, 2012 on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com, Lon shared with today's guest, Bryan Tomes, the Executive Director of Asheville Academy for Girls that in the past academics at therapeutic boarding schools have "taken a backseat" or been somewhat mediocre, with an exception to a very few. But as Bryan shared, "there has been a historic shift in therapeutic schools and programs offering more sophisticated academics, in addition to seeing that "school" is one of the many areas in which the student's behaviors arise."

As Bryan stated "a school/program needs to identify a mission or vision for learning, in addition to looking at the class schedule, curriculum and accreditation process, a therapeutic setting looks at a student's broad range of issues and their social and behavioral differences. "What is referred to as a whole child approach. Size of the school and number of students per class in a therapeutic school is so important, because it is built on relationship building, added to the factor that students receive an individualized program, and also necessitates the size being small."

"It is so important to make sure the academic staff receives therapeutic training and are included in the therapeutic team meetings. They hear the goals for the child, and can utilize interventions and skill building techniques in the areas of their classrooms. The students therefore receive continuity in all areas and it normalizes the process. Students need to see success in their academics as well as their successes in relationships with their families and peers for a smooth successful transition after they leave a therapeutic school" shared Bryan. As Lon pointed out, "sounds like a conductor of an orchestra, synchronizing all the factors, needs, textbooks, sports, arts and therapy needs."

With homework being the number one problem in creating a dysfunction in families, parents and an Educational Consultant can help find the proper placement for a student needing the small size or specialized classes some students need to obtain academic success. In a therapeutic setting, students looking to transition or graduation are given core study and organization skills they vastly need to learn how to prepare to use their time wisely with homework, to take a learning style assessment to find out what kind of "learner" they are and to build an academic plan utilizing their strengths and weaknesses.

To sum up the advantages in working with students in a therapeutic school, with a class size of 1-8, Bryan shared "you don't have to push a kid into a mold; you let the kid create their own mold."

To listen to the full interview on Academics in a Therapeutic Setting go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-030512.shtml on LATalkRadio.

Lon Woodbury as an Independent Educational Consultant is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Bryan Tomes is the Executive Director for Asheville Academy For Girls, in Weaverville, North Carolina, a Therapeutic Middle School for girls ages 10-14. This new therapeutic boarding school was founded December 1, 2011. Bryan has been working in the therapeutic school environment for over 7 years and beforehand worked in the public school sector in both traditional and special education. Bryan can be contacted at 828-484-9901 or by email at bryan@ashevilleacademy.com.

This Segment is sponsored by Grand River Academy, http://www.grandriver.org, a transition boarding school for boys in Northeast Ohio.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Family Therapist and Parent Educator at Trails Carolina, a Wilderness Therapy Program in North Carolina, talk about how adolescent substance abuse impacts the whole family and the help the rest of the family need for everyone to heal.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/05/2012 -- Starting out on today's program, Lon asked his guests: Mary Flora, a therapist at Trails Carolina and Jason McKeown, a Family Therapist and Parent Educator, also with Trails Carolina, "Why do teens abuse or use drugs?" Mary started out the conversation with at least three primary issues or reasons why they do: peer acceptance to fit in and the "rite of passage" teens face from adolescents to their teen peer group; a cry for help through substance abuse, perhaps even leaving a trail (liquor bottles or drug paraphernalia) in order to get caught, or for attention seeking. Jason added "another reason teens will use drugs is to 'self medicate', to numb themselves from the intense emotions and feelings they are having." And thus the topic of Treating the Whole Family for Adolescent Substance Abuse began on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" January 16, 2012 on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

When asked why and the significance of treating the whole family, both Mary and Jason agreed that in doing so, the child's treatment will be more successful. The family needs to know what to do, to support the child/sibling in treatment, in addition the family suffers just as much as the child in treatment and they need to feel and deal with their own feelings. "Through parent support groups, Moms and Dads are able to talk to other Moms and Dads, they begin to feel they are not alone and that there is hope." Parent workshops allow the parents to work on healthy communication skills and to learn how to set limits and create structure so that when their child returns home, they are all on the same page. Parents and teens work on "parallel programs", each working on their own stuff, with the goal of reuniting as a family. Once they see the work that has been done and the change that has occurred, it makes each family member feel hopeful and openness to doing the work. "There will be a better outcome all the way around if the whole family is invested in a successful outcome."

"The wilderness has a unique way of helping families. By slowing down and becoming aware of what is going on internally. The students go through a "digital detox", which is quite difficult for them. They have to sit with their own thoughts and feelings, to take stock in the enormity of their consequences and the losses in their lives due to their addictions. They learn to live on life's terms in the wilderness, reconnect with nature and find that they are in a peer culture that is invested in being sober."

To listen to the full interview on Treating the Family for Adolescent Substance Abuse go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-022712.shtml on LATalkRadio.

Lon Woodbury as an Independent Educational Consultant is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Mary Flora is a primary therapist at Trails Carolina and has a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, dual licensure in Professional Counseling and Clinical Addictions in the State of North Carolina, has trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with an emphasis in Dually Diagnosed mental health issues co-occurring with substance misuse, abuse and dependency.

Jason McKeown is the Family Therapist and Parent Educator at Trails Carolina. Specializing in co-parenting divorced and blended family issues and family history of addiction codependency, Jason also is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and has been with Trails Carolina since 2009.

This Segment is sponsored by Grand River Academy, http://www.grandriver.org , a transition boarding school for boys in NE Ohio.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Equine Therapy programs can be healing to help a student or adult develop a relationship with a horse. In a real sense, horses can be considered therapists.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/27/2012 -- Today's guest on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio, Kristie Seymour, a certified Clinical and EAGALA therapist, was asked "Do horses really know what you are thinking?" Kristie's answer immediately, was yes, "they (the horses) read our body language and are very intuitive. They can read or sense how a person is." And so began an interesting segment today with co-host Larry Stednitz, PhD.

Kristie uses an 'on the ground modality' EAGALA model in her work with teens and young adults, which is experiential and solution focused. When asked if there was a difference between "breaking in a horse and equine therapy", Kristie responded "we use horses to build relationships and help them (the horses) to help us, unlike a 'cowboy' who will try to dominate the animal. I look at horses as co-facilitators in the work we do and they are taken care of as much as any staff member."

"The best part of working with horses is that they are in the present and those in therapy with them need to adjust their ways of communication in order to work with them. Additionally, the horses have their own personalities and issues that they bring to the relationships, so it can get very interesting and you get to see how they can draw out some unusual behaviors." As the clients and horses work together over time, relationships are built and, as Lon shared, "the healing within grows."

Much like the fabled 'Horse Whisperers' equine therapists work with both the clients and the horses, with small baby steps. It takes patience to build the relationships.

To listen to the whole interview on The Horses Know What I'm Thinking!, go to LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-022012.shtml.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Larry Stednitz Ph.D., is an Independent Educational Consultant and an affiliate of Woodbury Reports. He is located in Moro Bay, California and co-hosts some of the Parent Choices for Struggling Teens Internet Talk Radio Shows.

Kristie Seymour, LPC, MBA and certified EAGALA therapist has fourteen years experience working with children and adults in the behavioral health field and over 36 years experience in equestrian activities and equine therapy. Kristie has just recently re-located to Anchorage, AK to work with the Hope Community Resources.

This Segment is sponsored by Grand River Academy, http://www.grandriver.org, a transition boarding school for boys in NE Ohio.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Educator and therapist, James Krehbiel shares about his book Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life: Healing from the Battle Scars of Youth. Discussing the “magical illusion” children often have when raised in dysfunctional families carried with them into their adult life.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2012 -- Author of his newest book, 'Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life: Healing from the Battle Scars of Youth', James P. Krehbiel shared his thoughts and how he came to write this book today on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

After working in schools as a guidance counselor and teacher for over 30 years, James changed direction of his course, became a therapist and soon noticed that his adult clients "felt stuck and were haunted by past behaviors, whereas old patterns and scripts from childhood were coming into play in their own parenting strategies." He saw that underlying core beliefs (Often childhood magical illusions) needed to be addressed, and that these patterns and responses came from growing up in a dysfunctional family. "Habits that are deep and yet they keep having poor results, Lon agreed."

James works with clients on how to respond to "core wounds and core feelings or scars" in the here and now. "My job is to help these people feel the full emotional impact of their ordeal instead of continuing their ineffective coping strategies." To further this discussion, Lon asked James to define what he means by the "Magical Illusion" that these parents hold on to. In response, James shared that clients would rather cling to the illusion that their parents will morph into the super parents they always wanted and they will continue to perform and please to get this result. Furthermore, they will replicate or fix the relationships they go into as a continuance of these old patterns.

"Processing is the key to overcoming trauma. Some of the behaviors to overcome include self doubt, avoidance of conflict, passive aggressive, loss of self confidence, wanting to continually please others and even addictions."

Triumph at Life, James explained, is when these "adults learn to let go of these past hurts and learn to express their feelings, assert themselves, to feel empowered, to forgive themselves and to live in the moment by mindfulness, learning to relax their bodies and the use of meditation." At which point they can truly parent effectively. Areas in which to do so include being involved and spending time with their kids, nurturing, comforting and soothing their kids when they are upset and having a hard time, genuinely encouraging them, exploring issues with them and coaching them. "Discipline doesn't have to be punitive, shared James. Consequences should be logical and parents need to remember to reinforce the behavior when they are doing the right thing. Unfortunately we sometimes tend to become punitive and get into power struggles." Or as Lon so eloquently put it "Instead, pick your battles!"

To listen to the full interview on Healing From the Battle Scars of Youth go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-020612.shtml on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

James P. Krehbiel, Ed S, LPC, CCBT is an author, freelance writer, licensed counselor and nationally certified cognitive behavioral therapist. James is a member of the National Mental Health Counselor's Association and the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists. His books include: Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy and Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life: Healing from the Battle Scars of Youth.

This segment of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens was sponsored by Grand River Academy, http://www.grandriver.org, a transition boarding school for boys in NE Ohio.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Social Worker and author of the book The Sacred Work of Grandparents raising Grandchildren, Elaine Williams discusses the almost ten percent of children in this country being raised by their Grandparents or other relatives.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2012 -- "The number of grandparents raising their grandchildren in this country today has more than doubled in the last ten years, and grandparents sacrifice so much, to be able to give their grandchildren a stable home, often giving up their dreams and struggling with a lack of resources and support" shared guest, Elaine William, author of the book: 'Sacred Work of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren', today on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

A large percentage of these children living with their grandparents are due to several factors including, behavioral problems and mental illness, alienation of the parent/parents due to their children's out of control behavior, pregnancy, or juvenile delinquency or arrests. Yet the biggest percentage of children having to relocate to their grandparents is due to parents being in jail and these incarcerations are mainly due to drugs. Elaine addresses this issue in her book for grandparents by saying "it is important to be honest with your grandchildren, but also let them know 'I am going to love you and take care of you'."

Elaine also discussed some of the difficulties grandparents face in raising their grandchildren, the lack of privacy they were used to, the fatigue of raising young children again as an older parent and the differences in culture (of when they were that age) the internet, technology and all the social media that they do not know how to use or access. "Make a point of having your grandchildren teach you the new technology."

"It is important to share their life stories with their grandchildren and the kids love it. They get to understand their grandparents in a different era. Grandparents have a vast amount of wisdom accumulated from their life experiences, share that portion of you, teach values and have fun!"

When asked what she hoped to accomplish with this book, Elaine shared that while researching and interviewing grandparents from across the country, she saw and felt the kind of courage, strength and love these people had for their grandchildren and how it inspired her. "Grandparents are important and they matter!"

To listen to the full interview on Sacred Work of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-021312.shtml on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Elaine Williams has a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan and has spent her career working with children, adolescents, and older adults. Along with her degree, Elaine became a certified hypnotherapist in 2006. Her expertise is in the areas of trauma, loss, life transitions, and inter-generational communication. Elaine is the mother of three daughters and has five grandchildren. She is the author of the book The Sacred Work of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren published in 2011.

This segment of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens was sponsored by Grand River Academy, http://www.grandriver.org, a transition boarding school for boys in NE Ohio.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The many meanings and understandings of the terms therapy and therapeutic, and what is really meant when someone talks about therapy and therapeutic.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2012 -- The topic of therapy and therapeutic boarding schools was discussed today on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com with his guests Dr. Phillip Spiva, Ph D, Director and founder of Valley View School and the Associate Director, Rick Bulger, MSW. Dr. Spiva shared " that parents are confronted with a child who is oppositional, un- cooperative or doing poorly at home or in school and they are told that he/or she needs to go to a therapeutic program, yet there is no magic to it." Rick quickly pointed out that "therapy is based on trust and building relationships, and the person working with the child must have the ability to 'relate' to a child." And as Dr. Spiva interjected "the trust can be built with a soccer coach, a teacher, a cook or a maintenance man, and the level of trust is the need the child has to feel secure and positive, and this can happen in a number of arenas." "A good match can happen by chance" Rick agreed.

"Students learn to take risks or engage in the different areas of our school, whether it is sports, drama or in one of the several clubs we have here and this is where the success starts. These boys learn tools to take with them and the staff and therapists who are mentoring in these areas are the conduit for their success. A therapeutic boarding school differs from an ordinary boarding school based on the milieu, or 'stew' (as Dr. Spiva calls it) in addition to the program and experiences that are provided, that push the perimeters of the student's comfort zone to gain self confidence. Also, the structure and organized rules are put into place to create safety for these experiences.

Therapies, both individual and group, coupled with the experiential experiences allow the students to identify their issues and gain the tools to deal with these as they occur. Rick also shared "that a therapeutic boarding school heals and manages the students. The mentors and staff know how to work with these young boys. They know how to mentor and they know how to communicate with them, yet they need to also be willing to learn from the students and listen to their feedback, because these boys are really very bright."

To listen to the full interview on What Do We Mean By Therapeutic? Go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-013012.shtml on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Dr. Phillip Spiva, Ph D is the founder and Director of Valley View School and the Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Rick Bulger, MSW, has been with Valley View School since 1992 and is the Associate Director.

This segment of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens was sponsored by Grand River Academy, http://www.grandriver.org, a transition boarding school for boys in NE Ohio.

Woodbury Reports
Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

TRAILS Carolina Journey’s, Youth Program for Boys ages 10 -14 providing young boys with a empowering and nurturing environment. Equine Assisted Therapy is a primary component of working with our younger boys.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/30/2012 -- Woodbury Reports is pleased to announce on behalf of TRAILS Carolina the Journey's, Youth Program for Boys ages 10 -14. It provides an empowering and nurturing environment for the young boys. The students experience a therapeutic adventure that combines individualized treatment, small groups, skilled therapists, school and flexible lengths of stay in our program. A primary component of the Journeys program is working with our equine therapy at TRAILS Carolina.

Equine Assisted Therapy is where the children learn about themselves, other people and interacting with the world. It's not about teaching the child riding or horse care skills and the children don't need any previous experience of horses. Children, even those with emotional or mental disorders, can often manage a horse more easily and more quickly than adults. Children accept things at face value and are more open to developing an equal relationship rather than trying to control it.

"For children with mental and emotional disorders the positive benefits of getting a horse to carry out these commands are often profound." says, Graham Shannonhouse, Executive Director of Trails Carolina. "Once children realize what they can achieve, their self-esteem increases in leaps and bounds. Imagine what it must feel like to lead a horse through an obstacle course, stopping and starting when you want to, when you usually find it difficult to concentrate, communicate or just stay in control?"

Designed for struggling adolescents ages 10 to 17, TRAILS Carolina integrates clinically sophisticated and research-based modalities including equine therapy (EAP), group and individual therapy with licensed therapists, structured academics with a certified teacher, and comprehensive family inclusion to provide students with an impactful experience that encourages and supports self-awareness and confidence and develops unique and effective tools to ensure continued post-program success.

To learn more information about TRAILS Carolina please visit the website at http://www.trailscarolina.com or contact admissions at 888-387-2457.

About Woodbury Reports
Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path.

For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The changes shown by students, school staff and parents and how to overcome that resistance to help them change their thinking and take better advantage of the positive environment maintained by the school for the benefit of the children.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/26/2012 -- "Human nature is to be cautious and there is a natural resistance to change" stated Sharon Laney, the Executive Director of Lake House Academy today on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com. Co-hosting on today's show was Larry Stednitz, PhD, an affiliate of Woodbury Reports, Inc, joining in on the topic of change and how effective leadership helps students and staff overcome the resistance to change.

"How important is the 'culture' of the school or program in order to move forward with change?" Lon posed Sharon. "If a positive culture is in place, the students will blossom and bloom. If it is not sound, it is very difficult for change. In my career, I have had to go into a program with an open mind, be able to assess what is going on and identify the weaknesses and strengths and recognize what we do great and what do we need to do to move forward. It is important to show support and care for both students and staff (in regards to change), be visible and lead by example."

"It is very critical to clearly articulate the vision of the program's mission statement and that staff see it posted and that it is talked about and discussed. Engaging the staff with humor helps also", Sharon replied to Larry's question on: how does the mission statement play into a positive peer culture. Working with staff, holding others accountable and supervising (by managers and supervisors) is important in creating a healthy community. With a structured balance and a safe nurturing environment, getting back to the fundamentals of our standards, in addition to consistency, allows for the security the students (and staff) need when there is change." As Sharon shared "not only talk the talk, you need to walk the walk, own the program and others will follow."

To listen to the full interview on Overcoming Resistance to change go to http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-012312.shtml on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Larry Stednitz Ph.D., is an Independent Educational Consultant and an affiliate of Woodbury Reports. He is located in Moro Bay, California and co-hosts some of the Parent Choices for Struggling Teens Internet Talk Radio Shows.

Sharon Laney is the Executive Director of Lake House Academy in North Carolina and has 24 years experience working with adolescents at Three Springs Management, a group of Therapeutic Boarding Schools. She was also the President of NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs).

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Malcolm Gauld of Hyde Schools explains the importance of integrating character education in with academics so the students can be properly prepared to have a successful career and life.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/18/2012 -- In describing what Character Education means, Malcolm Gauld, President of Hyde Schools, stated very simply "who we are matters more than what we can do. Placing and recognizing values and qualities such as courage, leadership, curiosity and concern for others is important here, along with attitude over aptitude." Malcolm Gauld, a Hyde graduate himself and the oldest child of Hyde's founder, Joseph Gauld, is a Harvard graduate with a master's in Education, the co-author with his wife Laura, of The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have and the author of College Success Guaranteed- 5 Rules to Make it Happen, was today's guest on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" January 16, 2012 on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

A key "secret weapon" in building character at the Hyde Schools is the use of the "Brother's Keeper" concept or in lay mans terms, an honor code, but at a much deeper level. Malcolm believes this is perhaps one of the hardest concepts for the students to adopt, but is certainly the most important. In putting this concept to use, students help each other achieve their personal best. "You can't go through this life alone; we need others to help push us to where we want to go." Utilizing the Brother's Keeper concept, students are challenged to do their best by their peers and themselves, and by participating in academics, athletics, performing arts and community service, getting out of their comfort zones and being encouraged by their peers. As Malcolm states "character is inspired, not imparted, giving values by forming challenges and to show each kid what their best is, if they choose to do it. Most importantly, teachers and parents need to be honest as role models; it is a critical element in getting kids to change."

When asked about parenting skills, Malcolm referred to his book "The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have" and believes the number one priority is truth over harmony. "I see that parents are very concerned with having a relationship with their kids, and place more value on the harmony, or being their friend or buddy, rather than being "the Parent." They need to stop focusing on the kids and focus on themselves as people." Jokingly he shared with Lon, "we have gone beyond helicopter parents, now they are being called Snow Plow parents."

To listen to the whole interview, on Character Education go to LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-011612.shtml.

Lon Woodbury as an Independent Educational Consultant is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Malcolm Gauld is the President of the Hyde Schools, located in Bathe, Maine and Woodstock, Connecticut, the Hyde Public Charter Schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn and New Haven and facilitates The Biggest Job Parent and Teacher Workshops. He is also the author of The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have and College Success Guaranteed- 5 Rules to make it Happen. Malcolm has just completed a series on the concepts of the Brothers Keeper on his blog, available on his website.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/05/2012 -- Expanding knowledge of how the brain operates can be used to treat young children who previously were considered too damaged for healing. Using sophisticated brain mapping techniques, healing therapies like music, drumming, riding and grooming horses, immersion tank, neuro-feedback and more traditional therapies can be focused on specific weaknesses in the brain to strengthen self regulation abilities.

"The brain is like the proverbial black box" stated Lon to his guest's Linda Zimmerman, founder of the Sandhill Child Center and Clinical Director, Dr. Kurt Wulfekuhler. "The brain has been a mystery for so long and ever since the 90's; there has been an explosion of research" Linda agreed. And so began today's topic: Reaching the Unreachable Brain, on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" January 2, 2012 on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

With both of today's guest's having about thirty years experience working with struggling and emotionally challenged adolescents, both Linda and Dr. Kurt have been using new and cutting edge techniques in working with children who were unreachable before. With the use of key principals from brain research, they have found that 1) the brain is hardwired based on past experiences, 2) the brain develops from the bottom up and 3) the brain develops sequentially. From there, a functional brain map is created by looking at the different areas of the brain that haven't been developed or are in need of repair. The use of repetitive interventions are used to create new patterns, with some actually duplicating a maternal heart rate, such as drumming, touch, swimming and the use of a recently acquired floatation tank, which duplicates the sensory input of the womb. As Lon pointed out "this type of technique can be quite beneficial for those children who are hypersensitive to even the feel of their clothing."

Other techniques that are quite successful in working with children include neurofeedback units that simulate video games, but use the child's brainwave patterns instead of the use of joy sticks. These brain wave patterns are used as EEG readings that can be monitored by therapists on the computer. Music, movement, yoga, exercise and guided imagery are also positive forms of self regulatory intervention methods. Relational interventions include animal assisted therapy with the use of horses, cats and dogs and cognitive therapies focus on speech and language techniques. Once again, Dr. Kurt explained "this framework of interventions start at the bottom of the brain stem", or as Linda phrased it "it is comparable to the foundation of a house, the bottom needs to function correctly in order to work."

On closing, Linda shared "that working and developing the models used at Sandhill Child Development Center has been a very rewarding experience and it is fascinating how the brain impacts everything we do."

To listen to the whole interview on Reaching the Unreachable Brain, go to LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-010212.shtml.

Lon Woodbury as an Independent Educational Consultant is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Linda Zimmerman, MA, LPCC, is the founder/CEO of Sandhill Child Development Center, located in New Mexico. Linda has a long history of working in and managing programs for young children. Linda has worked in various residential treatment programs, was director of another residential center and director of social services in a hospital setting. Sandhill Child Development Center was founded in 2004.

Dr. Kurt Wulfekuhler, PhD, is the Clinical Director for Sandhill Child Development Center and has 30 years experience working with emotionally disturbed children and is a specialist in attachment disorders. Dr. Wulfekuhler has been in private practice for many years and has been with Sandhill for three years.

About Woodbury Reports
Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Life Empowerment Coach and Huffington Post Blogger Ken Rabow talks about his work using different therapies that helps self-sabotaging teens and young adults, and with all the new communication technologies that are changing so fast the younger generation seems to be adopting a new way of thinking about how to adjust to the world.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/29/2011 -- When asked to define what mentoring means to him, Ken Rabow, a life empowerment coach, who has been working with "self-sabotaging teens" for the past 11 years, described a mentor as "a person who imparts wisdom and life ideas and values and yet allows a person to walk the path ahead, while helping to guide them." As Ken puts it "I am a tourist guide on the map of life." This fascinating subject was the feature on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" December 26, 2011 on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

Ken specializes in working with struggling teens, ages 13-25, who need help in connecting and finding their way in life through a four part process: getting off the "treadmill", start a daily routine of meditation to silence the mind, get physical…take a walk, working out or take a bike ride and get creative, through a daily journal, blogging, creating or working on music or art. Ken feels creating and using music changes us and can affect others.

When asked why he focuses on this particular age group, Ken replied "this is an amazing generation. Everything in their lives changes, everything they do or what defines them changes every 2 years. Their lives are changing at a rapid pace, a pace that has never happened in the history of the world." Agreeably so, shared Lon "these kids have to figure out their lives when everything is changing." And both believe there is a "need for new ways of mentoring and working with these teens in this rapidly changing world."

When Lon asked Ken if there a sense of feeling unsafe for these teens" Ken shared "these kids are living in their bedrooms where they have everything they need: a flat screen TV, a computer, music. These are their boxes of safety. And our job is to help them create small boxes of safety outside in the world."

To listen to the whole interview, on Mentoring Teens Through Life Coaching, go to LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-122611.shtml.

Ken Rabow lives in Toronto, Canada and is a Life Empowerment Coach and Huffington Post Blogger. Ken started his career as a music specialist and talks about his work through using many alternative therapies to help self-sabotaging teens and young adults.

Lon Woodbury as an Independent Educational Consultant is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

The guests next Monday, Jan 2, 2011 are Linda Zimmerman, Founder and Director and Dr. Kurt Wulfekuhler, Clinical Director of Sandhill Child Development Center in New Mexico, talking on the topic of Reaching the Unreachable Brain. They will discuss how advancements in the understanding of the brain have revolutionized treatment for children and provided hope in treating some children that, in the past, may have been seen as too damaged. Questions for this interview are welcome and should be sent to lonwoodbury@gmail.com, or during the interview through twitter account Lon Woodbury.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Saving Teens in Crisis helps assist troubled teens and their families struggling with substance abuse and other emotional issues that need financial resources for interventions. They need your help in the upcoming year to continue with their mission of providing these scholarships to families in need.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/19/2011 -- Woodbury Reports would like to announce on behalf of Saving Teens in Crisis Collaborative, a non-profit organization that assists troubled teens and their families struggling with substance abuse and other emotional issues who don't have the financial resources for quality intervention, the accomplishments of the 2011 year. "The goal is to get all of the scholarships that are available in one place so that people in need will have a single place to go to ascertain whether there is appropriate help available. This could be a family or perhaps an IECA member that is working pro Bono on behalf of a needy family. The key is that there is one reliable source for both for a complete list of options and a procedure for mapping those needs with a solution. Saving Teens will then use their methodology and volunteer consultants to match the families with the scholarships that are available, says John Reuben, Founder of Saving Teens in Crisis Collaborative."

Organizations offering scholarships are featured on their website as collaborators if the donating programs desire it but the list of scholarships will be only accessible to the educational consultants looking for help for a particular family. That way STICC will insure that they have kids placed in programs based on the "fit" rather than the scholarship. Rueben says, "We hope you will contact us with any scholarship that you are aware of. The larger the pool of alternatives we have the more families we will be able to match with appropriate providers."

Saving Teens has come a long way since our inception in 2004. Some of our accomplishments in our mission to help families include the following:

- We have fully funded several disadvantaged families through an entire continuum of care spanning over 12-18 months.

- We have fully funded over 60 aftercare scholarships to help needy families adjust after their child comes back from treatment.

- We have helped many other families with partial scholarships along with free or reduced service fees.

- We have received and managed a large grant from the United States Department of Justice.

- We have been selected as the official charity for The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP).

- We are the recognized resource for families, professionals, and programs attempting to assist teenagers in crisis.

John Reuben says "Saving Teens is where families turn when they have given up all hope for providing their children the help they deserve but cannot afford. Thank you for making this all possible. Much has been accomplished as the result of your support. Will you make a gift today so that much more can be realized?" Please sign on to the STICC website and make a donation at http://www.savingteens.org.

Saving Teens® In Crisis Collaborative is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that assists troubled teens and their families struggling with substance abuse and other emotional issues who don't have the financial resources for quality intervention. If you have any questions please feel free to contact John D. Reuben, Chairman and Founder at 978-852-2144 or by email at
jreuben@savingteens.org.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The increasing trend of young adults, known as Boomerang Kids are failing to establish themselves as mature functioning adults by their 20s, having little motivation, and living with their parents.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/19/2011 -- They are referred to as boomerang kids, endless adolescence, perma kids or twixters. These are that large number of young adults, roughly in the age group of 18-25 years old, that are taking a long time to grow up, thus the term "failure to launch". This was the featured topic today on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com with guests: Doug Kim Brown, Founder and Director of Echo Springs Transition Study Center in Bonners Ferry, ID and Brandi Elliott, Marketing and Admissions for Northwest Academy in Naples, ID and co-owner of Powell and Elliott Collaborative.

"With a dropout rate of college students high in the first 15-16 months of college and the growing technology making unskilled jobs sparse, there is a lot of anxiety and fear in kids today" shared Doug. "To put it in a nutshell this is the age group at the highest risk for mental behaviors that include drug and alcohol abuse and suicide risks, which creates a double edged sword with the economy and recession." shared Brandi. All three agree, because of cuts in extracurricular activities, and minimized courses in life skills, along with many adults forgetting common sense and teaching 'cause and effect'; these young adults are ill equipped for the future.

Another source that is keeping these kids from launching is reality TV. "These kids are being brought up on reality TV and are being desensitized to 'real life'," shared Brandi. Also, Doug added that many of these young adults "prefer to live their lives online, where they can craft their identity or delete who they don't want to interact with."

Overall, it was agreed that down the line, "we are going to see bigger issues that will arise." And as Doug stated "it is a difficult world to figure out right now" and as one of his students shared "I don't want to grow up!"

To listen to the full interview go to Failure to Launch at http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-121211.shtml on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Next week, Dec. 19th will feature Joel Horowitz, a parent of an ex-student in a Therapeutic Boarding School and Founder of Friends of Families providing scholarships to families with a placed student.

Doug Kim-Brown is the Founder/Director of Echo Springs, a post-graduate program for 18 to 24 year old men and women looking for new direction. These young adults typically doubt their abilities and talents and are often stuck in self sabotaging patterns of isolation, fear, and lack a sense safety and success. They also are usually confused, challenging, and have not yet acquired the ability to practice the skills and behaviors that lead them to independence and clearer identity.

Brandi Elliott does Marketing for Northwest Academy, located in North Idaho. NWA is an accredited therapeutic boarding school serving older adolescents, between the ages of 16-18. As a part of Powell-Elliott Consulting, she also does consulting work for Friends of Families, which provides scholarships for families needing financial help in placing their child in a therapeutic school or program.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Parent Choices for Struggling Teens guest Katie Gill, actress and star of Lifeline Made for TV movie “Betrayed at 17.” talks about this movie that revisits the issues in the popular movie of a few years ago, Mean Girls. It has been updated for the age of the Internet, and discusses the role of her character and the other characters about cyber bullying.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/09/2011 -- Twenty first century bullying has been dubbed"cyber bullying" and everywhere you look today, you see young teen's texting, face booking and tweeting. And all of these mediums of electronic text have become the new way to spread the bullying around. This hot topic was featured today on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio, with special guest: actress, Katie Gill. Katie stars in the Lifetime Television movie" Betrayed at 17", which premiered on October 9, 2011.

"Betrayed at 17", focuses on this subject, wherein an innocent high school girl has a sex tape go viral after the popular jock charms her into bed and tapes the whole thing. Carleigh (played by Katie Gill) is a jealous ex-girlfriend who decides that cyber bullying is the path to happiness and high school power.

Asked how it felt to play a bully, Katie shared "I felt awful saying mean things in the movie. I wasn't a bully in school, but I did experience bullying myself when I was younger. Girls would tease me and make fun of me because of my clothing." And in doing this particular movie, "I learned how prevalent (cyber bullying) was in Jr. High and middle school."

The statistics show nearly 42% of kids ages 11-19 have been bullied online, 9 out of 10 middle school students have been hurt by online bullying, 21% have received mean or threatening emails and the increase in bullying continues with over 84% of adolescents using cell phones weekly. Text messaging and sending photos/pictures via cell phone and the use of FaceBook are the most popular devices to use.

Girls are twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying. Girls tend to spread rumors, make fun of someone or exclude others, whereas boys tend to threaten to fight or hurt someone or send messages of a sexual nature. The appealing part of cyber bullying is the anonymity of it; a person can "hide" behind screen names and email addresses.

"How do you think schools and parents should handle this?" asked Lon and Katie replied "it is so important that these young kids talk to someone, like a parent, a friend, a guidance counselor…someone. And parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing. My mom was a good support for me when I was going through it myself."

To listen to the full interview go to: Mean Girls 2.0: Cyber Bullying, at http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-120511.shtml on LATalkRadio.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens at http://www.latalkradio.com/Lon.php on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Actress Katie Gill started her career in show business in the 1995 film: Money Train. Since then, she has appeared in a number of films and TV shows including episodes of: CSI, CSI: NY, CSI: Miami; Bones, The Cleaner, The Mentalist and Days of Our Lives. Katie's film work includes: Date Night, Ay Lav Yu, An American Carol, Drillbit Taylor and Family Man. Katie Gill is the daughter of actress Morgan Brittany (Dallas) and veteran stuntman and action director Jack Gill.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Kelley King, Associate Director of The Gurian Institute, explains how some of the problems of boys can be traced to an inadequate knowledge of the differences in the brains of boys and girls and what parents and other adults can do to help boys.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/05/2011 -- In cutting to the chase, Lon Woodbury asked today's guest on his Internet Talk Radio Show: "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio, "What is the status of boys today?" In response, Kelley King, Associate Director of Gurian Institute, shared an amazing list of considerable gaps that today's boys are facing in education and learning. These gaps include: significant reading gaps, higher discipline reports, more learning disabilities among boys, substance abuse, more D's and F's for boy's, higher retention in school, more drop-outs and a significant drop in enrollment in college (with girls at 60% and boys at 40%).

Simply stated, "we need to turn some things around" said Kelley. "Due to budget cuts at some schools, hands on learning experiences like arts and woodworking are being dropped from the curriculum. These are critical activities for boys. We need to start to adjust the way we deal with and educate boys".

"Why are boys doing so poorly?" asked Lon. Kelley shared that in talking to teachers around the country, there are some root causes: the lack of male educators (teachers are predominately female), teachers have not been trained in new "brain-based" scientific techniques, and the "traditional classrooms" are generally female based learning centered whereas more boys have additional problems with sitting and listening compared to girls, verbal instruction makes boys "zone out or become fidgety" and there is a lack of male (fathers) participating at school, by volunteering in the classrooms.

Another significant downfall for males to succeed in school is peer influence. Within the culture of boys, the motto "It isn't cool to do good in school" is having a direct impact on boys achieving higher marks. Peers recognize "good in school" as being popular in sports, or being captain of the team. "This can cause a burden for smart boys", shared Lon. It goes with the old adage "boys don't cry". Kelley agreed and shared that girls will turn to others for support, but boys will isolate and that they need to learn how to verbalize their feelings.

When asked what can families and teachers can do to help their male child, Kelley suggests that boys need to get up and move their bodies in the classroom, they need physical activity. Before writing a report or story, have the boys draw or sketch pictures of what they are going to write about first. Create curriculum with more game formats, that healthy competition is good for both boys and girls. And lastly, find ways to make the whole school more male oriented…from the playground to the lunchroom and even the library, by stocking it with books that are of interest to boys.

To listen to the full interview go to Educating the Adolescent Male Brain http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-112811.shtml on LATalkRadio.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens at http://www.latalkradio.com/Lon.php on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Kelley King has been with the Gurian Institute for six years and is the Associate Director. She is a 25 year veteran of the public school system, an international speaker and an author, As a Master Trainer for the Gurian Institute; Kelley travels widely to deliver keynotes, teacher workshops, and consultation to educators and parents.

Founded in 1996, the Gurian Institute is committed to helping boys and girls reach their full potential by providing professional development that increases student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and parent involvement.

Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

How would you define Nature? John Winton, Founder of Breakwater Expeditions talks about how effective an exposure to nature can be toward healing families on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/26/2011 -- "When you get down to the brass roots of it, nature is earth and sky and land untouched by humans…something we really cherish" stated today's guest John Winton, the founder of Breakwater Expeditions on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio. Co-hosting on today's show was Larry Stednitz, PhD, an affiliate of Woodbury Reports, Inc, joining in the talk about using nature to rebuild families.

Breakwater Expeditions provides short-term adventures for individual families and groups of families, sometimes for existing schools and programs with the purpose of reuniting family units and building a sense of community. "The sounds of birds and water, the sight of animals roaming free or a huge starry sky at night, this is when you realize how big this world is" Winton shared, "it is bigger than us and we get to experience it in its truest form. And nature in its purest sense pulls us out of the vortex of human kind and the fast paced world we live in and allows us to gain value from it".

When asked "how does a family learn and heal from nature?" John shared some experiences of past trips he has guided with parents and their children, and how by the end of the trip there was deep sharing between parent and child, closeness and a feeling of opening up, a connectedness that happens. "Intimacy occurs, by slowing down and allows for healing" shared Larry Stednitz. "You get to a place of being vulnerable, which sometimes can be scary" said Lon.

"How can parents bring nature into their normal lives?" asked Lon to John. Simply stated "turn off the TV, go for a bike ride with your child, take a walk, a hike or just go out and share some time together. Nature brings value to our lives in many ways…it is big, it is small, it's bold, it's beautiful, it's simple, it's pure, it has rhythm, it has music and it has its own voice."

To listen to the full interview go to: Using Nature to Rebuild Families on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-112111.shtml.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com/Lon.php Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time.

John Winton is the Founder/Director of Breakwater Expeditions and has spent 15 years as a wilderness guide for at risk teens and families.

John is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Swift Water Rescuer, an ACA Sea Kayak Instructor, Lead Climbing Instructor, and Professional Ski Instructor of America with an Avalanche Level 1 certificate, in addition to being an American Red Cross Lifeguard.

About Woodbury Reports
Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Lisa Sinsheimer M.D., Clinical Consultant, Admissions and Parent Liaison for John Dewey Academy talks about her concerns with our society increasingly looking to psychotropic medications to solve normal problems of life for our kids.

Bonners Ferry, ID -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/18/2011 -- "In the past half century, the use of psychotropic medications has grown dramatically, with the biggest rise in usage over the past 15 years.

Currently, for example, about 11% of the US adult population uses anti-depressant medication," Sinsheimer M.D., explained on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on November 7, 2011 on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com." In recent years, that explosion in the use of psychiatric medications has trickled down to younger populations in the US as well."

"The motive for medicating both adults and teens has always been to help," said Sinsheimer, "but other societal factors have also contributed to this rapid increase including: the low cost of medication in comparison to other treatment modalities, the intersection between psychiatric diagnosis/labeling via the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and third party payments, the decision of Congress to allow commercial advertising for prescription medications. In addition, prevailing societal attitudes have played a role as Americans look for quick fixes to emotional and life problems. The medicalization of our emotional states has led to over-diagnosis of mood and other psychiatric disorders, and to the use of these diagnostic labels as excuses for dysfunctional behaviors."

Sinsheimer noted that "Medications are inevitably accompanied by side effects such as weight gain, the blunting of both positive and negative emotions, and movement disorders, to name only a few of the most important. These side effects can in some ways be worse for adolescents, who have more fragile self esteem and whose developing brains may be negatively impacted by the long term use of mind altering drugs. In addition, teaching adolescents to use legal drugs to alter their emotional states can promote the idea that this should be the norm—which can give teenagers a ready excuse for their use of illegal drugs for the same purpose. With the proliferation of information on the Internet, adolescents are learning how to manipulate doctors in order to obtain prescriptions for anti-depressants, anxiolytics, and ADHD medications—which they may simply sell or trade for illicit drugs."

She warned against over-reliance on DSM diagnoses, since these constructs were designed as descriptors to aid in professional communication." For example, the constellation of signs of depression MAY be a sign of a "chemical imbalance, but it may also be a sign of a rational response to a bad situation. Adolescents who are engaging in self-defeating behaviors are usually both depressed and anxious; both of these emotional responses may simply be indicators that behaviors need to change, and usually become manageable as the adolescent functions better."

Sinsheimer concluded by summarizing the experience at John Dewey Academy,"… where students do better—and feel better—when they are weaned off their medications in combination with a positive peer culture and high academic and therapeutic standards." She mentioned the increase in self esteem when students realize they don't need to be medicated in order to be OK.

To listen to the full interview go to Medications: Are We Turning Our Kids Into Mental Patients? on LATalkRadio at http://www.latalkradio.com/Players/Lon-110711.shtml.

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and http://www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens http://www.latalkradio.com/Lon.php on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One, immediately after Allen Cardoza's Answers4theFamily show.

Lisa Sinsheimer M.D. is a psychiatrist and is the Parent Coordinator, Admissions Director and Clinical Consultant for John Dewey Academy, a therapeutic boarding school in Massachusetts.

About Woodbury Reports
Woodbury Reports was founded in November 1989, by Lon Woodbury, MA, IECA, CEP, as an Independent Educational Consulting firm to help parents of teens making poor decisions select a private, parent choice program that would help return the family to normalcy. Through interviews with parents, communication with professionals who know your child well, and then thoroughly researching viable options, we can help parents make the right choices that will help your child get back on the right path. For more information about Woodbury Reports Inc., call 208-267-5550, or email to lon@woodbury.com, or visit the web site http://www.strugglingteens.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm