Solstice East is delighted to announce a series of substantial changes to Family Services Programming, demonstrating the forward-thinking, intentional leadership of Carla Shorts and her team. From extensive research, the team at Solstice East knows that the best way to foster deep and lasting change is to work from a family systems perspective. 

Family engagement plays a pivotal role in the success of our students’ healing journeys. Those who experience the most profound and meaningful transformation are often the ones with parents deeply engaged in their parallel change process. With this understanding, Solstice East made it a priority to enhance the Family Services Program, providing the best possible support to students and their families.

What’s New in Family Services:

Monthly Family Services Calendar: Parents are provided with a monthly Family Services Calendar outlining the virtual support groups offered each month.

New Parent Orientation: In the crucial first five weeks following enrollment, Solstice East encourages all parents to attend the New Parent Orientation. Over this period, parents cover five modules designed to help them better understand the program and learn how to best support their student’s journey.

Individualized Parent Coaching:  To better support families, parents are invited to sign up for one-on-one coaching sessions with Meg Narea, Family Services Director.

Parent Support Groups: Many parents have described feelings of isolation in their struggles at home, and as a result, they often lose a sense of community and belonging. The weekly Parent Support Group provides a nurturing space for families to connect, share experiences, and support each other as they navigate this transformative journey.

Parent Education Classes: Every week, parents have the opportunity to engage in in-depth psychoeducational discussions covering a wide range of mental health topics. These sessions are a great opportunity to expand and build not only their knowledge base but also acquire practical parenting skills that will be useful on their child’s treatment journey. 

Moms and Dads Support Groups: Each month, moms and dads are separated into groups, providing a safe and supportive environment to connect, heal, and process their unique experiences.

In-Person Family Seminars: The quarterly family seminars offer parents the chance to visit campus, unplug from daily life, and spend two days immersed in learning and connecting with other parents. The Thursday portion of the seminar is designed for parents to learn and acquire new skills, and the Friday portion is intended to be an active, fun day to practice new skills as a family. 

Quarterly Retreats: Starting in early 2024, Solstice East will introduce an optional quarterly retreat for parents who feel they would benefit from additional support. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting addition.

“I see this as a space for families to delve deeper into their work together, where they can freely express their thoughts and frustrations and explore what’s working and what isn’t,” says Family Services Director, Meg Narea. “These coaching sessions provide a haven for parents to share their doubts, process their experiences, and nurture the family system. It’s an abundant, open space where they can practice and grow while being supported by a caring community. Our Family Services menu offers a balanced mix of relaxation and challenge, cultivating a thriving support system for our parents.” 

Solstice East is dedicated to providing families with the highest level of care and support throughout this transformative process. These updates in Family Services Programming reflect a deep commitment to holistic healing and growth for both students and their families.

About Solstice East

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-17 nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Solstice East is committed to treating each student through a combination of individual, family, equine, and adventure therapies as well as treating and diagnosing a range of issues including (but not limited to) trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, attachment, and identity issues. Solstice East assists adolescents and their families in developing excellence in relationships, influence, character, and health throughout their life journey. Our holistic approach acknowledges that mental health diagnoses are only one piece of the puzzle; we strive to help young women succeed in multiple areas of their lives.