I have been going back in forth on what to email you in regards to the differences with CALO and where I am currently employed.  I have thought long and hard as to what to write about. More...

We sent out a letter to parents just a few days ago announcing some enhancements to our academic program. That letter came from Wayne, our Academic Director. I am including it here for all to see. I am sure Wayne will have more to say about this on a future blog. Here is the letter we sent out:

Dear CALO Parents,

We have some exciting news for you. As you know, we are constantly evaluating every aspect of our program at CALO. We are always listening to parents and our students to come up with solutions to problems. We have listened to you and are excited about some new developments in academics that will significantly enhance our offering.

CALO has been in development for some time now with an amazing organization called Park City Independent. Park City Independent is a fully accredited school and will partner with CALO in providing classes to our students. This is in addition to our current offerings which include BYU Online, Seminar, art classes, piano classes, history classes, Sunday Science, the Women’s Summit, the Men’s Summit, physical education, and Reading.

Teaching and instruction is web-based. This is not an “on-line” class in the limited, traditional sense.  On-line classes are essentially textbooks on your computer screen.  This is not effective.  It is rather boring and does not hold the attention of students.

Park City delivers web-based, interactive instruction.  Instruction includes streaming video and audio from certified instructors, live chat with instructors, live help with computer issues, and interactive lessons designed with cutting edge technologies. Your child will be provided with an orientation and helped along every step of the way as this is added to our comprehensive academic program.

Park City is nationally accredited through (NAAS) the Northwestern Association of Accredited Schools. Their credits are accepted nationwide.  Your child will be provided a transcript (graduates with a certified diploma) which is fully backed by the NAAS.  CALO academics is committed to providing your student with a variety of methods of instruction delivery.  Your child will continue to experience the traditional classroom, guest speakers, field trips, special programs, one-on-one instruction, and individualized instruction.  Web-based learning will simply be added to this overall approach.

You wanted easily transferable credits. We are delivering on this with Park City. You wanted quick response time as your student’s academic needs demand. We believe Park City will provide that response. You wanted quantitative data on progress. You will see in the near future how Park City facilitates this desire

Warm Regards,

Wayne Juliano, Academic Director

Prior to entering the residential treatment world in 2005 I was an outpatient therapist for 2.5 years.  Frankly, I enjoyed my job—most of it anyways.  I had less stress, worked less hours, and generally speaking, was successful to the extent that I believe I facilitated positive change in many of the clients I worked with. The exception was I was doing little to no good with clients in the 13-18 year-old range. No matter how creative and determined I was to achieve success my outcomes with teens was the same. I also realized most colleagues were going through similar frustrations—teenagers were not resolving their issues in outpatient.

Let me share a few of the reasons why I believe outpatient therapy does not create the environment for change that residential treatment does; especially in regards to trauma, attachment and emotional regulation. More...

Most parents desire to guide their children to healthy emotional regulation.  Some do this by raising the good through identifying and reinforcing positive behaviors, “Sally, thank you for not interrupting.” Others do it through discouraging behaviors, “Tommy, please stop whining.” Some try to do both. 

At CALO, we too wish to focus on healthy emotional regulation but one of the benefits of having the structure of an RTC is our ability to focus on the root of emotion instead of the surface (crying, sad affect, hyperactivity).  We call our approach, “permission to feel without violence.” At CALO, students are given permission to feel their various emotions—depression, happiness, anger, joy and so forth provided their actions are safe (non-violent).  Yes, we provide tools to assist them in regulating their emotions (Trust of Control) but ultimately, as human beings, we need to feel various emotions from time to time and have someone listen and validate some of those feelings (as long all feel safe).  Naturally, most people are most uncomfortable with negative emotions.

Here is a challenge for anyone reading this—the next time your child, spouse, or co-worker shares something emotional such as feeling sad, depressed, or angry, try to really listen, attune, and accept the person’s feelings instead of trying to make the person feel better. You will know when you need to provide feedback or create insight but first allow a safe environment to explore feelings—give permission to feel.