Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness is expanding its family therapy approach to create a stronger connection between the work students, parents, and therapists are doing throughout treatment.
As part of this expanded approach, Kathy Donovan, LCSW, will visit the field one to two times each month, working directly with students while continuing to provide weekly parent coaching and direct supervision to Blue Ridge therapists.
Many Blue Ridge parents already know Kathy through parent coaching. Now, students will have the opportunity to work with her directly as well. During field visits, Kathy will join groups, work with students on family-focused assignments and conversations, and collaborate closely with Primary Therapists, including Ellianna and Logan.
When clinically appropriate, Kathy may also help facilitate student impact letters to parents, support parents in writing letters of awareness and accountability to their child, and join Primary Therapists for important family conversations.
The expanded role is designed to create greater continuity across the family’s experience at Blue Ridge. By developing relationships with parents and students while working closely with their therapist, Kathy can help connect what is happening on both sides of the family system in real time.
“Our therapists and Kathy are excited about what this makes possible,” said Dan McDougal, owner and founder of Blue Ridge. “We want parents and students to have meaningful opportunities to understand one another, take responsibility, and work through difficult family dynamics with direct clinical support.”
This expansion builds on Blue Ridge’s existing family therapy model while making the work between parents, students, and therapists even more connected and integrated throughout treatment.
About Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness:
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness works with adolescent girls and boys ages 12-18 who are navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, family conflict, low motivation, school refusal, substance use concerns, trauma, identity development, and difficulties with communication, self-esteem, and peer relationships. Those interested in learning more about Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness or making a referral are encouraged to reach out to the admissions team by calling 888-914-1050, emailing admissions@blueridgewilderness.com, or visiting blueridgewilderness.com.