10 Challenges of Transition/Aftercare
- Unawareness of the “culture shock” of being home; the elasticity of home environment, the multitude of options and choices
- Push/pull of the family system (in an attempt to reach maintain homeostasis) to have things go back to “normal”
- Not establishing a supportive and understanding academic setting for the student. School should be an “informed” location for student to learn
- Transition or transition plan commencing “too late.” Ideally the discussion and specifics of Home Agreement are 6-8 weeks prior to graduation (though transition begins at admission!)
- Vetting and determining differences and options of a program transition plan versus a home (local, community) transition program
- Needing to familiarize home therapist about modality, curriculum, efficacy and philosophy of wilderness and residential treatment programs.
- Students missing the company of and or access to peers and staff (which they are accustomed to having nearly 24/7)
- Students feel “over – therapized” and disinterested in therapy or counseling upon returning home.
- Students saying that while certain supports were effective while in treatment (journaling, using DBT skills, taking PRT) they don’t want to have to use them at home.
- The realization upon return that student has when parents have not “done their own work.” Resentment, frustration and temporary setback in commitment to adhering to Home Agreement.
