Few association meetings are as important to licensed educational consultants as the annual NATSAP conference. It allows scholarly individuals and practitioners to confer and learn what works and what doesn’t in the therapeutic settings apart from home environments. The intent is certainly always “when the youth comes home” and the curriculum and philosophy guide the practice. Dr Burdick has found in his work spanning 30 years that one thing is true: When people feel “heard”, it makes a difference, and changes the perception for the individual in need of treatment. That’s true of the IP (identified patient or person) directly participating in a treatment intervention, as well as the other family members indirectly participating in the same. The “art” comes into knowing when timing is right to bring those two parties back in touch in demonstrating the maturity with newly learned communication skills and the strength to make it happen. Dr Burdick has traveled literally millions of miles to find “the right staff” in the “right place” to reach the needs of his individuals in need of treatment. If it’s in their own backyard, then, the plan to work with the individual and the family will will be coordinated and effective. Dr Burdick has recently authored a new test to assist in the determination of necessity of out of home vs. in home treatment. And, at NATSAP he will be sharing that test with others in similar practice.

In finding the correct school options, the company you keep is most important, and so many great partnerships are created here in Berlin with international as well as domestic schools and programs. Steve Blanchard of Wasatch Academy and Tom Sheppard of Robert Lewis Stevenson and myself had time to spend during this conference to fill me in on the new construction at both of their schools. As a TASIS alumnus, it was great to connect with admissions, Helen Roowalla and learn she is a Banana Slug!

Something to yodel about here in Switzerland with a new partners from our Oct 2011 WEBA event. Beyond the Swiss cow bells and chocolate, one thing is clear: For those who allow themselves to think outside the box, there are international educational opportunities at a reasonable investment with life long payoff. Keep in mind with British and EU programs there is the heavy reliance on “practical” application, i.e., jobs. No matter what higher education promises in the US, ask about the statistics of job placements and how they track that information. It’s not only in the UK or EU. At record pace, the Chinese are designing universities with British and American help, and hiring those graduates. Give us that opportunity to introduce you to some options you might not otherwise have considered. For international business focus, think about learning another language and the cultural and vocational opportunities that can emerge from such a commitment. For example, how about a small group French course in Lausanne in a two or three week course, and putting that on your resume?

If you have the chance to visit the Grand Canyon, do it. The North Rim in October is a perfect time. In visiting with wilderness staff from Wingate the importance of experiencing the expanse of nature for youth is the perfect window of opportunity for treatment. The Grand Canyon is a metaphor for deep the abyss can run between parents and their son or daughter, and wilderness treatment can be an incredibly healing solution. However, let’s be clear: It’s more than the geography, it’s the trained and licensed staff. Dr Burdick only uses wilderness programs that visibly promote their licensure and ongoing training, and Wingate is a partner from that perspective. Their use of Native American culture is fundamental to their mission of rebuilding spirit and meaning for families, as their therapists and field staff support the work of the youth in outdoor setting. Ask yourself: Could my daughter / son use a “jump start” in rebuilding their lives and relationships? Let us help you today to start the solution.