Our Therapeutic Model
Our therapy involves identifying why inappropriate behaviors are occurring and then addressing erroneous assumptions that may be in place. Through our discipleship curriculum and ongoing pastoral counseling relative to the curriculum content, the students can discover their incorrect assumptions and replace them with new more positive thoughts and actions.
Boys come to us typically with a careless attitude about life. Many have acquired dysfunctional routes, behaviors, and attitudes to satisfy primary needs of security and significance. We have seen that a proper focus on the future and a relationship with God will change their focus in life toward excitement for their future.
Counseling here generally involves the integration of principles from various psychological disciplines and varying philosophical underpinnings, plus nature therapy. We embrace the appropriation of this information where it can facilitate discipleship. Most Christian therapists would state that, indeed, the goal of any good therapeutic process is life and spiritual mentoring and discipleship.
Each evening, we have a time of sharing that is staff directed and designed to promote growth and unity in the dorm. Some of the topics that may be discussed include Positive Peer Influence, Accountability, Personal Responsibility, Peer Reconciliation, and Conflict Resolution.
Therapy
Individual Counseling
Each Student is specially assigned to the caseload of a Pine Mountain Boys Academy on-site Counselor. Along with individual and group counseling, this Counselor is responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of all of Pine Mountain Boys Academy’s services to the student and family. The counselor is the point of contact for the family, available to answer questions and give updates on the student’s progress.
Group Counseling
Group counseling occurs regularly, guided by the pastoral counselors on staff at Pine Mountain Boys Academy. This time is utilized to allow students an opportunity to grapple with and resolve commonly faced issues. Students learn to constructively express their thoughts, ideas, and questions in an environment where each member is accepted and respected. Group counseling is not utilized to scrutinize individual members or to glorify past poor decisions. The focus in Pine Mountain Boys Academy group sessions is on change and growth.
Topics or Resources used may include:
- Anger and Personal Rights, Dave Batty
- Breaking Free, Beth Moore
- Growing Through Failure, Dave Batty
- Pathway to Christian Character, Insight Group
- Seeing Yourself in God’s Image, Dave Batty
- Total Forgiveness, R.T. Kendall
Therapeutic Curriculum
The first hour of each school day is devoted to a therapeutic focus. Our therapeutic curriculum is designed in such a way to emphasize introspective thinking and works hand-in-hand with our Christian counseling. Tailored for the individual student, the work required encourages our students to examine areas of their lives that need change, change that comes through knowing God – His character and His word. Students are required to complete 11 units before graduation from our program, which is accomplished through meeting daily and weekly goals. The curriculum has several different components with many tailored options, the following examples name just a few:
Character Quality Studies, including topics such as:
- Obedience
- Humility
- Self Control
- Courage
- Responsibility
- Special studies such as: God’s Plan for the Family, Does God Have Plans for My World?, and A New Way of Talking
- Forgiveness
Book Reports on Books such as:
- Search for Significance
- Safe People
- Boundaries
Evening Sharing Time
This particular time of sharing is staff directed and designed to promote growth and unity in the dorm. Some of the topics that may be discussed include:
- Positive Peer Influence
- Accountability
- Personal Responsibility
- Peer Reconciliation/Conflict Resolution
Nature Therapy
We take a therapeutic approach that harnesses the healing and restorative power of God’s creation world to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It involves immersing the boy in natural environments such as forests, parks, gardens, or other natural settings to improve one’s mental health and overall quality of life. Here are some key aspects of nature therapy:
Outdoor Exposure: Nature therapy encourages individuals to spend time outdoors and connect with the natural world. This can include activities like hiking, camping, gardening, or simply sitting in a natural setting.
Mindfulness and Presence: Practitioners of nature therapy often emphasize mindfulness and being fully present in the moment while in nature. This means paying close attention to sensory experiences, such as the sounds, scents, textures, and sights of the natural environment.
Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels. Nature therapy can help lower cortisol (a stress hormone) levels, leading to increased relaxation and a sense of calm.
Improved Mental Health: Nature therapy is often used as a complementary treatment for various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. It can promote emotional well-being and enhance mood.
Physical Health Benefits: Being in nature can also have physical health benefits. It encourages physical activity, which can lead to improved fitness and cardiovascular health.
Overall, nature therapy recognizes the therapeutic potential of the natural world and encourages the boys to engage with it intentionally to enhance their well-being and connection to the environment.
Our Aftercare Program
Pine Mountain Boys Academy is committed to the continued success of our students. Before completion of the program, a Parent/Student contract will be developed by the counselor, student, and family. The goal of the contract will be to define and uphold the boundaries within the home. Topics in the contract include the re-establishment of trust, specific responsibilities, guidelines, conflict resolution, educational goals, and spiritual commitments. Pine Mountain Boys Academy will work with the student and family to set up a support system at home before the student graduates the program.
Upon graduation, we will periodically contact the graduate and welcome the graduate and their family to connect with their counselor for further help or guidance.
