Homing Instinct

Ciara Fanlo is a former “troubled teen” who now supports struggling adolescents and their families. As a teen, she went through inpatient, wilderness therapy, and therapeutic boarding school. Her time in the wilderness changed her life and inspired her calling to work with young people.

What began as free support groups 🤝 and families reaching out 📞 eventually grew into a full-time practice: HOMING INSTINCT. Ciara has since worked as a mentor and guide 🌟 for teens—offering compassionate, down-to-earth support for those navigating mental health challenges, feeling misunderstood at home, or moving through big life transitions. With presence, creativity, and deep understanding, Ciara helps them reconnect with their inner compass and begin building a meaningful, grounded life.

Who It's For:

🌀 Teens & young adults stepping down from RTC, wilderness, TBS, or IOP

🧩 Young people who aren’t connecting with traditional therapy or need support between sessions

💗 Sensitive, emotionally intense teens who experience deep feelings, struggle with stable identity, or fear abandonment in relationships (may present with BPD symptoms)

🌟 Bright, curious, and perceptive teens who feel socially isolated—often creative, neurodivergent, or deeply thoughtful

Services Offered:

🌱 1:1 Mentorship
Ciara offers personalized mentorship for teens and young adults who need a steady, supportive presence. Mentorship is relational, creative, and tailored to each teen’s needs. In addition to individual sessions, care plans can be created, that can include:

📱 7-day-a-week access for real-time support and ongoing connection
📝 Personalized assignments based on goals and learning style
🎨 Interest-based work (e.g., co-developing a book and tying it to their therapeutic journey)
🌄 In-person visits, either in Colorado or the teen’s hometown, to deepen trust through shared experience

In addition to ongoing mentorship, Ciara offers flexible involvement as part of a broader support team. She has helped families navigate school transitions, treatment step-downs, and even interventions—providing grounded guidance during times of change.

👥 Virtual Peer Support Groups
Ciara and her co-facilitator Erica Sung, MSW, lead two small, supportive groups designed to help teens find connection and encouragement:

1️⃣ Post-Treatment Group
For teens returning from residential or wilderness treatment. A mix of real talk, reflection, and creative activities. Teens say it becomes the highlight of their week—where they feel seen, motivated, and grounded.

2️⃣ Non-Traditional / Homeschool Group
For teens on an alternative learning path, this group offers meaningful connection with like-minded peers—especially those who are thoughtful, curious, and craving deeper conversations.

In both groups, teens:
✔️ Build peer connection
✔️ Practice emotional tools
✔️ Share openly in a safe space
✔️ Support one another through growth

To learn more or make a referral, visit www.hominginstinct.org
Or contact Ciara directly at: ciara@hominginstinct.org