Beginning Your Journey

As the Dragonfly participant begins their journey on their 21 day quest, specific therapeutic activities occur to maximize the potential for growth, awareness, self-discovery, and change. In particular, Dragonfly participants learn and apply a set of "skills" each day that improves:

• How one attends and understands their world
• Relates with others effectively
• Manages intense or "hot" emotions
• Sets and executes goals in line with life principles

These skill sets are based on a technique called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which has demonstrated efficacy in young adults with emotional, behavioral, and drug use disorders Click here for research articles on DBT.

In addition to learning and applying DBT skill sets, Dragonfly participants receive individual therapy during two days each week by a doctor-level clinical psychologist. It is during this time that specific issues will be addressed and processed on a deeper level. Typical issues may include:

• Family of Origin (genogram mapping)
• Free agency and the role of accountability
• Understanding and mastering core beliefs of failure and rejection
• Re-channeling impulsivity and addiction
• Internalizing life principles of respect, team work, trust, and self-discipline

Process groups will be held at night during this time to show how the participant's actions can affect their group. Group feedback and metaphors are then used to facilitate interpersonal changes.

Finally, family therapy sessions will occur each week via satellite phone with the participant, primary clinical psychologist, and family members (educational consultants and referring parties are also invited to attend). This time will be devoted for:

• Exploring the roles and rules of family members
• How these roles and rules have helped and hindered family growth
• How to alter the family structure to improve how family members can support and be influenced by one another

A family packet will be mailed to participating family members prior to the first session. At the end of the program, a family workshop is held to process the experience and develop a plan for continuing the gains in the future.

Commitment for Change

To learn about “Commitment for Change”, click here >