The treatment philosophy of ABW is a three tiered approach. The staff at ABW understands that before one can change or learn, one must first experience personal safety. It stands to reason that until one's personal safety is assured there will be no energy for exploring and resolving more cognitive kinds of issues. To this end, a strong behavioral management component has been developed and implemented. Once safety, for the student and the community, has been established, treatment at ABW moves to an insight producing, experiential mode.
Groups focus on education, and personal insight.
Please know that our program is not all therapy and process. The third component is one of hands-on experience. It is here that youth move from behavior to motivation, from repression to expression. Whether working at community service projects or taking part in job skills training our students will have an abundance of real life opportunities. Opportunities that will be taken home in the form of increased responsibility, improved social awareness and a new appreciation for work.