September 12, 2016 | Residential Treatment a Student’s Perspective | Alaina Chatterley

Since its inception in 1984, Heritage has served thousands of young people and their families.  Utilizing a relationship based approach, many troubled teens have come through their doors changing their lives for the better.  But what was it like for them?

Two of our alumni students, Elizabeth and Damon and their therapist, Alaina will share their stories.  What led them to treatment, what was the experience like for them and did it help.  Each student will tell their story and describe what their life is like now.

Heritage’s Elevate Academy is best for bright students with high potential who became lost in traditional academic settings. Heritage is an industry leader treating teenagers with trauma commonly manifesting as attention deficit/hyperactivity, mood disorders, oppositional defiance and substance issues.

Equally unique, Heritage’s Peers Academy focuses on treating teenagers with social and learning disabilities, many of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (high functioning autism formerly known as Asperger’s Syndrome), Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Attention Disorder or Anxiety Disorder. The Peers Academy mentors are the only residential treatment center staff certified in the PEERS Social Skills Model, including the 16 areas of emphasis designed to increase confidence, gain self-awareness, and better manage emotions.

ALAINA CHATTERLY, LCSW & STUDENT GUEST

Alaina Chatterly first worked with teens as a Trailwalker for a wilderness program in Arizona. She enjoyed the intense connections made with these students, and enjoyed the natural consequences that spoke much louder than any “therapy” could. Shortly after that she completed a master’s degree in 2005, she joined Heritage, continuing her emphasis on natural consequences and self-directed change.  She has also worked in substance abuse recovery, outpatient individual and couples counseling and outpatient children’s play therapy. “Teens in residential treatment has by far been my favorite, with the most successful outcomes,” she says.

Alaina believes the long-term nature of Heritage provides an ideal environment for genuine, internal change for teenagers. They can’t fake it and instead have to tap deep within themselves for change that lasts, which means so much more success for them after they leave Heritage.