Residential & Family Counselling Programs
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
OUTREACH FAMILY COUNSELLING
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
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For many families in difficulty, the family situation has reached a critical point, and a time of reflection for the teen and respite for the parents would be the perfect remedy. The residential program for teens offers that safe, secure and supportive environment needed for this time of reflection.
Parents appreciate the opportunity to take a deep breath, and the chance to regain the physical and emotional energy needed to continue to deal with their adolescents. Often the environment in the home has deteriorated to the point that the only focus for the family is the "crisis of the day" with the teen.
As a result, the emotional well-being of the other siblings may be neglected, and parents become emotionally and physically exhausted. They wake up each morning feeling that they are preparing for the next battle.
If you recognize any one of those problems, Amcal’s confidential residential program may be the answer for your family. This could be the first step in a new direction for both parents and teens.
What will happen in the Residence?
During the teen’s eight week stay in the residential program, they will attend their local high school, and participate in discussion and skill-building groups. As academic performance is often a primary concern for parents, school attendance and homework are monitored on a daily basis.
Teens will participate in a structured program that will facilitate their personal growth and they will be held accountable for their daily decisions. Families will receive 1.5 hours of family counseling per week with a Family worker who works in regular consultation with a psychologist.
Who is the Residence intended for?
This is a voluntary program designed for families who have a teenager (between the ages of 12 and 17 years) in high school full-time, who feel that a more involved intervention is necessary to help the teen through the challenging adolescent years. |
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Our program is offered to both the male and female population, who are able to return home on the weekends. Parents of this program are obliged to attend a weekly Parents' Support Group for the duration of their child’s stay in the residential portion of the program. This is an integral part of our program, designed to offer families a sense of hope and support, and an opportunity for sharing. Parents are encouraged to explore their own value systems and model a consistent message for their teens.
Additional follow-up family counselling is also available when the residential portion of the program has been completed.
Ten SIGNS your family might need Amcal's intervention:
Are you wondering if your adolescent is experiencing normal teen angst, or whether outside counselling, or a residential treatment program such as Amcal’s, may be indicated? Ask yourself if you have noticed more than four or five of the following “red flags”—suggesting that potentially dangerous boundaries are being crossed:
- At school: your teen’s grades suddenly drop, or s/he starts failing courses
- From school or home: your teen is chronically absent, or running away—to escape dealing with issues
- At home: your teen refuses to participate in family events/chores, or to adhere to family rules (e.g. curfews)
- After school: your teen stops participating in activities s/he previously enjoyed (e.g. sports): research suggests that especially between 3 and 6 p.m., teens often become involved in situations their parents would not approve
In their behaviour:
- Do you have concerns about their use/abuse of drugs (i.e. cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and other drugs), despite their denials?
- Are they associating with a peer group you worry will be a negative influence on them?
- Are they becoming more secretive, deceptive, lying in their responses?
- Are they becoming more verbally aggressive (e.g. screaming, using obscenities)?
- Are they becoming more physically aggressive (e.g. pushing and shoving parents or siblings)—suggesting anger which is being displaced onto others?
- Have you noticed a dramatic change in their personalities, or personal hygiene?
If you are concerned that your situation may soon spiral out of control: remember that teen issues are not a sign of your failure as a parent, but an opportunity for a new beginning. And remember our mantra at Amcal: parents who change have kids who change.
Duration
From Monday to Thursday for eight weeks.
Where will the sessions take place?
The sessions are held at the Amcal Residence on 7 Ste-Anne Street in Pointe-Claire.
Cost
Costs will be discussed at the information meeting.
To arrange an information meeting, or for more information
about this program, contact:
Delia Noel
Telephone: (514) 694-3161 ext. 223
Email: delia@amcal.ca
OUTREACH FAMILY COUNSELLING
This service is offered to families experiencing difficulty with their child or teen who feel their situation does not warrant a stay in residence.
This unique family intervention counselling program offered by Amcal is based on parenting techniques and behavior modification, and aims to build better relationships between parents and their children.
Amcal responds to counseling requests in a timely fashion. We believe that responding quickly to families in their time of need can effect the greatest change.
Who is the service intended for?
Families with children ranging in age from 7 to 17 years.
Duration
Meetings are scheduled on a weekly basis, for a minimum of four weeks and a maximum period of 12 weeks.
Where will the sessions take place?
The sessions are held at the Amcal Residence on 7 Ste-Anne Street in Pointe-Claire.
Cost
This service is offered on a contractual, fee-for-service basis.
To arrange for an information meeting, or for more information
about this program, contact:
Delia Noel
Telephone: (514) 694-3161 ext. 223
Email: delia@amcal.ca
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