PROGRAM:  WILDERNESS SEARCH AND RESCUE  |  THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
                  FAMILY WORKSHOPS  |  SAFETY INFORMATION
                  PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING  |   TESTIMONIALS

Family Workshops

Family workshops address long-standing issues within the family and begin the process of healing.

Family workshops are directed by Clinical Director, Mike Beswick, LCSW, BCD, a highly praised and skilled professional therapist. Mike is known for his gentle and empowering method of engaging groups to do the intensive work that is necessary. Most parents feel that these workshops were not only helpful for their child, but life-changing experiences for the whole family. Each workshop takes place over three days. These intensive workshops are one month apart, and allow time to evaluate progress and integrate changes.

The intensive individual and group work experienced by teens during their time at Alldredge is designed to help them understand the beliefs that they have formed and how these misperceptions have impacted their lives. As such, it frequently emerges that the young person has misinterpreted their parents’ intentions. Once these false beliefs become implanted in their mind, teens seek out evidence that supports their conclusions. Without an intensive forum with family members to investigate these limiting, often inaccurate belief systems, the chance to begin identifying these beliefs and affecting change is limited.

Other primary issues addressed during the family workshops include: loss and grief, unresolved family conflicts and childhood issues, divorce, challenging family dynamics with step-parents and siblings, adoption issues, and effects of addiction or alcohol abuse on the family unit.

A distinctive aspect of Alldredge is the required attendance at two intensive family workshops. The first is a three-day workshop that occurs directly after the Search and Rescue phase. Through this experience, parents and their teen develop empathy for one another and begin the healing process. This workshop also investigates how patterns tend to repeat themselves through multi-generational cycles and provides inspiration for the young person to begin exploring the possibility of ending generational cycles of pain.

Following the Mountain Village experience, students and their families come together again to process and learn. This workshop is geared toward sustaining the momentum of growth and change established at Alldredge and focuses on how they want their family to be in the future.

It is critical that parents of a child attending Alldredge attend at least one workshop. This is because positive results for the student and parents are dependent on reconciling aspects of their relationship. The resulting healing that transpires is profound, and central to the restoration of a healthy family.