Dr. Murray Bowen, the father of family systems theory, suggests that individuals cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but need to be evaluated as a whole family unit. Therefore, our family systems program assesses how the client and the family interact in and out of their environment to identify new systems, tools, and goals for future interactions.

Our goal is not to assign blame. Rather, our goal is to help chart a new way forward.

Simply, in our experience, without changes back at home, the success at blueFire rarely lasts once a child returns.

Upon enrollment, parents receive a book to help them recognize possible actions, behaviors, or changes that need to take place within the family system. Parents will also be on a weekly phone call with their child’s therapist and be active members of the treatment team. In addition, parents can participate in a monthly, therapist lead, parent support group, and a monthly webinar offered by our therapists.

Family therapy, with your child, starts at weeks 3-4 via phone and video conference during the therapeutic wilderness program and is then every other week after that.  Huge changes and shifts are seen by the parents and the clients during these sessions.  Family systems work continues at the Family Spark Workshop near the end of the program. In addition to the great work that will be done on-site during this workshop, families enjoy reconnecting with their child, witnessing the changes underway, work on conflict resolution, have a better understanding of the roles that everyone plays within the family system and then being a part of their child's graduation.

Helping Families

Part of the goal of Family Spark is to help parents identify what they can do to shift the dynamics of their families to be a healthier, more supportive environment for their children. Therapists provide models and examples that help parents assess and practice changes with the support and guidance of staff. Families will get to a place of empowerment where they are able to communicate effectively. 

Family Spark gives families the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations and helps them know they are not alone. Building connections, getting feedback and exploring new ideas on parenting provide valuable insight to families that they will take with them post treatment.

At the end of Family Spark, families will enjoy intentional, positive family time. With the support of clinicians, families can begin to explore the changing dynamics in a guided environment. Rebuilding these connections is vital to a positive, effective transition home or onto other treatment programs. 

During the Family Spark Workshop, we work on:

• Family reunification
• Equine therapy
• Adventure activities and processing
• Family therapy with primary therapist
• Parent workshop to provide tools for future success
• Review of psychological testing when appropriate
• Comfortable overnight camping
• Evaluation and planning for future plans

Repairing and Rebuilding Family Relationships

The family is the core unit. Our blueFire team starts with the child to help rebuild their relationships. Then, we work to repair family relations and strive to reintegrate clients into the family unit. We do this with weekly video journaling with clients to communicate the successes and struggles that they’ve had while participating in the different activities. Parents get to see and hear the changes that are occurring week to week. Parents are asked to participate in weekly phone calls with the primary therapist, as well as correspond with their child through video messages and letters.

The Family Spark therapeutic wilderness program is an integral part of rebuilding the family dynamic and beginning the changes that can occur after the blueFire therapeutic wilderness program experience ends.

We seldom see lasting change occur without strong family involvement.  No one exists in a vacuum; therefore, it is by the support of family members that the individual is able to carry the change that happens at blueFire onto the next chapter of their life.