Communication

Rather than creating a wedge or fanning the flames of anger toward family, wilderness therapy becomes a catalyst for family cohesion and intimacy. Parents and children report feeling closer to each other during and after the wilderness experience. Although the journey that led to an out-of-home placement was not anticipated, families often express gratitude and joy after the experience, stating the belief that all families and children would benefit from a wilderness therapy experience.

Weekly phone calls with the therapist focus on a narrative, updated diagnosis and prognosis, as well as discussions about future assignments and recommendations. These weekly phone calls, letter writing, and updates combined with family therapy assignments, give way to family phone therapy and, in many cases, mid-program visits. Initial admission into the wilderness begins with limited and directed communication with your child through weekly letters. Increased contact typically results as the child progresses from the position of blame and manipulation to accountability and respect. As appropriate, enrolling families will receive a call from a former Second Nature family who will serve as a mentor, seeking to “give back” by providing parent-to-parent support and leadership. These mentors volunteer to help new families adjust to challenges throughout the journey.

Second Nature's weekly webinars offer additional contact and support, providing open-forum sessions where participants enjoy anonymous, interactive participation. Webinars are internet-based video lectures and Q & A sessions facilitated by Co-Founder, Dr. Brad Reedy and Second Nature therapists. Parents can take advantage of this unique experience during the live sessions or access an expansive library of archived sessions.

Impact Letter

This is the first letter your child receives from you, which outlines the reasons you chose to enroll him/her in the Footsteps Program. The Impact Letter is composed and sent within your child's first week at Footsteps. You will be given more specific instructions and guidance on the Impact Letter after your child's enrollment.

Weekly Letters

(to and from your child)

Weekly Letters are reviewed by your child’s therapist, who will help direct content based on weekly student sessions and parent calls. Siblings are also encouraged to write letters during the program stay with the timing and nature of these communications guided by the therapist. Parents are asked to write regularly (a minimum of two letters per week) and that the letters be sent as directed by your therapist to ensure timely communication.

Parent and Child Assignments

Each family receives a Footsteps Parent Journey Packet. As each child works through his/her program phases and curriculum packets, parents are able to parallel their child's progress with their own compatible curriculum and companion assignments, providing points of common ground for discussion in parent/child letters.

Reading Assignments

Each Footsteps student reads The Knight in Rusty Armor by Robert Fisher. Parents are asked to read their own copy of the book (provided by our office upon enrollment) as soon as possible. Both student and family assignments refer heavily to the Knight's journey on "The Path of Truth." Sharing insight from these assignments will enhance the student's work. Your child will also see that you are working alongside him/her and are supportive of his/her process.

Parent Mentor

Parents of former Footsteps students volunteer to reach out and provide support to new families entering the Footsteps program. In the first few weeks of the program, with your permission, the parent of a former Footsteps student will contact you to offer support, guidance, and mentorship. Current parents will have access to their mentor throughout the duration of the program.

Program-Facilitated Parent Education

Additionally, parents will find extensive resources accessing the Footsteps’ Parent Portal on the Second Nature website (www.snwp.com). Highlighted among these web-linked resources is the bi-weekly webinar, led by Second Nature clinicians. Weekly webinar topics include discussion of common themes central to parenting and wilderness therapy treatment. Parents find support and education through these weekly online webinars. Second Nature also hosts regional Parent Support Groups, gathering current and alumni families for a day of education, support, and parent networking.

Parent Field Visits

As students approach the end of their Footsteps Program they actively prepare to say goodbye to their experience at Footsteps, and prepare for the next step in their treatment, whether returning to their home environment or enrolling in an aftercare boarding school. Parents have their own work to do in preparation for the transition, such as establishing support systems and appropriate structure at home.

If indicated by your child's treatment team, the transition process may include a two-day transition camp where parents reunite with their child in the field and have a family therapy experience in the wilderness environment. (Note: because of the intense nature of transition camp, siblings are not invited). When clinically indicated, parents may be invited to visit their child in the field mid-program to achieve specific therapeutic goals.