Seeking and Finding Help for Troubled Teens

Well, it’s about that time again. Time for parents to join us for our February Parent Seminar.  Our families come from all over the U.S. and some from different places around the world. They come to Utah in the middle of winter, not to ski, but to show love and support to their sons who are struggling with a very specific kind of behavioral issue.

Most of our parents would never have dreamt that this would be a part of their lives. Most of our parents would never have imagined needing support for the emotional rollercoaster they have been doing riding.

As we embark on another parent seminar, this time on Valentine’s Day of all days, I am moved almost to tears. I think of the beautiful families I have had the privilege of working with over the years. I remember what they have endured as they venture through this process of healing. The love they have shown each other, and most especially their sons – who have often been the cause of so much heartache – is truly heroic.

It takes an unimaginable amount of courage to be a parent to one of the boys that finds his way to Oxbow. At the end of it all, as they emerge from the struggle, I have seen an even more unimaginable force of love between these parents and their sons.

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”   ― Lao Tzu

I recently filmed a small introduction for our website, encouraging people to call if they need help. I felt awkward, less than confident and a bit of a bumbler/ As I reviewed the video and scrutinized myself I realized that none of that matters as long as the message came through loud and clear.

My hope is that if there are families out there struggling with a child with sexual behavior issues they will call and ask for help. And if our families are in need of support, they will look to us and each other for courage to continue their fight. -Oxbow Admissions Director