Our Therapeutic Model

Troubled boys who come to the New Hope Boys Home program are often angry and defiant.  Our licensed therapists first identify why inappropriate behaviors that are occurring.  We address erroneous assumptions that may be in place that lead the boy to these behaviors.  The students then discover their inappropriate behaviors and replace them with a better behavior and respect for those around them.

Boys also come to us in various states of meaninglessness. They have acquired dysfunctional routes, behaviors, and attitudes to satisfy primary needs of security and significance. Counseling and education here generally involve the integration of principles from various psychological disciplines and with varying philosophical underpinnings. We embrace the appropriation of this information where it can facilitate discipleship. Most Christian therapists would state with certainty that the foundation of any sound therapeutic process is finding one’s God-given purpose in this world.

Counseling to Promote Healthy Choices

Group and individual counseling occurs on a regular basis under the direction of our licensed family therapist. This time is utilized to allow students an opportunity to grapple with and resolve commonly faced issues. Students learn to constructively express their thoughts, ideas, and questions in an environment where each member is accepted and respected. Group counseling is not utilized to scrutinize individual members or to glorify past poor decisions.

Our Bible-honoring curriculum is designed in such a way to emphasize introspective thinking and works hand-in-hand with our therapy. Tailored for the individual student, the work required encourages our students to examine areas of their lives that are in need of change.

Each evening, we hold a group time. This special time of sharing is staff-directed and designed to promote growth and unity within the dorm. 

Therapeutic Activities

Individual Counseling

Each student is specially assigned to the caseload of a New Hope Boys Home on-site licensed therapist. Along with individual and group counseling, this Counselor is also responsible to ensure a smooth delivery of all of New Hope Boys Home’s services to the student and family. The counselor is the point of contact for the family, available to answer questions and give updates on the student’s progress.

Group Counseling

Group counseling occurs on a regular basis, guided by our pastoral counselors. This time is utilized to allow students an opportunity to grapple with and resolve commonly faced issues. Students learn to constructively express their thoughts, ideas, and questions in an environment where each member is accepted and respected. Group counseling is not utilized to scrutinize individual members or to glorify past poor decisions. The focus in group sessions is on behavior and respect.

Topics or Resources Used May Include:

• Anger and Personal Rights, by Dave Batty
• Breaking Free, by Beth Moore
• Growing Through Failure, by Dave Batty
• Pathway to Christian Character, by Insight Group
• Seeing Yourself in God’s Image, by Dave Batty
• Total Forgiveness, by R.T. Kendall

Therapeutic Curriculum

The first hour of each school day is devoted to a therapeutic focus. Our therapeutic curriculum is designed in such a way to emphasize introspective thinking and works hand-in-hand with our Christian counseling. Tailored for the individual student, the work required encourages our students to examine areas of their lives that are in need of change. Students are required to complete 11 units before graduation from our program which is accomplished through meeting daily and weekly goals. The curriculum has several different components with many tailored options, the following examples name just a few:

Character Quality Studies, Including Topics Such As:

• Obedience
• Humility
• Self-Control
• Courage
• Responsibility
• Respect for Others
• God’s Plan for the Family
• Finding God’s Purpose for Me

Reading Topics Such As:

• Search for Significance
• Safe People
• Boundaries

Evening Group Time

This special time of sharing is staff directed and designed to promote growth and unity in the dorm. Some of the topics that may be discussed include:

• Positive Peer Influence
• Accountability
• Personal Responsibility
• Respect for Others
• Peer Reconciliation/Conflict Resolution

Our Aftercare Program

New Hope Boys Home is committed to the continued success of our students. Prior to completion of the program, a Parent/Student contract will be developed by the counselor, student, and family. The goal of the contract will be to define and uphold the boundaries of the home. Topics included in the contract include the re-establishment of trust, specific responsibilities, guidelines, conflict resolution, educational goals, and spiritual commitments. We work with the student and family to set up a support system at home before the student graduates the program.

Upon graduation, we will periodically contact the graduate and welcome the graduate and family to contact their counselor for further help or guidance following the closure of the program.

Emerging Leaders Program

We are not only interested in recovery, but we recognize the need to train up the next generation of leaders. The optional Teen Challenge Emerging Leader’s program is an extended training program designed to identify, equip and train emerging leaders through mentoring, curriculum, and training through an on-site internship. The ELP is a voluntary opportunity that is available to students who are near graduation of New Hope Boys Home. Students who are accepted into the ELP have a three-month internship with New Hope Boys Home after their graduation.