Families That Fit Well with Homeward Bound

Listed below are the types of family dynamics and transitional challenges our team specializes in helping. Our approach provides families with concrete plans, essential skills, and peace of mind for creating a soft landing for teens returning home.

MANIPULATIVE TEENS
If manipulation has worked in the past, it's pretty hard to give up – especially when they can't have something they want. We provide practical, effective strategies for identifying and handling manipulation. We anticipate and plan for it, and then give in-the-moment support to help parents follow through with the plan. Instead of experiencing blow ups and break downs, a sense of peace and calmness returns to the home.

OVERINDULGED TEENS
Teens that have gotten used to getting what they want become somewhat drunk with power. Even when they relinquish that power during treatment, they almost always attempt to reclaim it upon returning home. We help parents respond to this without using force or threats. We help teens let go of their superficial power in exchange for the genuine power that comes through earned trust and responsibility.

TEENS IN RECOVERY
Returning home brings a myriad of new triggers and temptations, even for teens committed to recovery. Our coaches help parents and teens create a structure that minimizes the risk of relapse. And, if a lapse does occur, we know the best responses to inviting a quick return to recovery.

YOUNG ADULTS
This scenario can involve a teen living away from home or at home, but ultimately working toward independence through attending college or full-time work. We help parents learn how to loosen the reins and transition responsibility onto their teens without completely letting go. We also help them realize that while their teen is older, they are still entitled to maintaining expectations and boundaries.

PARENTAL CONFLICT
We have great success bringing parents together around a core parenting philosophy and plan. Whether they are married or divorced, having mild conflict or scarred from years of battle, we find that our model helps unify parents around core principles.

ANXIOUS PARENTS
Naturally, parents are extremely anxious about their teen's return home. Our process was created from years of addressing parents' concerns and putting in place a customized blueprint for their transition. This, along with our "in-the-moment" support, gives parents confidence and puts their mind at ease knowing that they have a solid plan and expert coaching.

PARENTS WHO OVER-REACT
OR UNDER-REACT
Because of our experience with hundreds of teens and families through the transition process, we help parents understand when to stand strong, when to be flexible, when to be concerned and step in, and when to relax and step back. In short, we know what's normal and what's not, and coach parents on how to respond.

COMPLICATED TRANSITIONS
Many teens need on-going individual therapy, along with participation in family therapy. Where multiple professionals are involved, our coaches help organize and coordinate treatment so that all involved are "pulling" in the same direction.