FAQS

Is Cairn right for me?

If you are a teen returning home, or are bringing your teen home after their therapeutic wilderness experience, Cairn is here to help you through the transition of reuniting and rebuilding your relationships within the whole family. Wilderness provides a great reset, but there is still a lot of growth and understanding which needs to occur in order to live in cohesion and health amongst one another. All that’s needed is a desire within both the parent and the teen to learn and grow—Cairn provides the platform and resources to do so.

 

Why is the Cairn program 9 months?

We have designed the Cairn Transition Coaching program to be 9 months in length for several specific reasons:

1. You are a unique and special family with specific needs. Rushing this program or applying a cookie-cutter solution wouldn’t give us or you the time to truly understand and change unhelpful patterns. We want to be there for you during the difficult times. Internalizing new principles takes time and practice. We want to work with you beyond any honeymoon phase that will inevitably happen after reuniting. 

2. Depending on when you enroll, a 9-month period will likely include some school time and summer time—two different stages in a year with unique obstacles to overcome. We want to be there during multiple seasons to give you the best chance for long term success.  

3. The education portion of Cairn is designed to cover a 6 month period. By having a 9 month commitment, we have the flexibility to spend time before implementing the curriculum to get acquainted and address any issues, including establishing a well planned home agreement. We also have the time after the six months to practice and implement what is being learned. 

 

Can we use the Cairn Coaches after 9 months?

Of course! There is always an option to continue the relationship with one or both coaches after the Cairn program is over.

 

What if we need help outside the scheduled calls and modules?

Just call, text, or email and we will do our best to reach you asap. We are here for you!  We are committed to the success of your family!

 

What happens if I need to reschedule my coaching call?

Not a problem. Just text or call and we will find a new time.

 

What is our approximate weekly time commitment with Cairn?

This varies throughout the program and depends on whether you are a parent/guardian or a teen.  

Parent expectation: 2-3 hours per week. Consistent through the whole program. 

8-45 minutes for videos

30 minutes for homework

1 hour for the coaching call

Teen expectation: Varies monthly.

1st Month: 5 hours a week.  

Daily call-in with coach  

 

2nd - 7th Month:  3-4 hours a week. 

1 hour for module education

2 hours for coaching call, applied application of module through coaching call-in

1 hour of homework

 

8th - 9th Month:  3 hours a week.

1 hour for weekly coaching call

2 hours of reading homework

 

Why Cairn vs. TBS or RTC?

Both Therapeutic Boarding Schools (TBS) and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) separate the teen from the family. You, as a teen or a parent/guardian, want to work on the family dynamic while IN the family dynamic. By going through Wilderness, you have each (teens AND parents) already done a significant amount of work. You each have the desire to continue to work and you want change in order to grow together. When you choose Cairn over a TBS or RTC, you avoid the risk of a teen feeling abandoned or “not good enough.” or unwelcome or unwanted at home.  Regular interaction with your teenager during these times tremendously increases opportunities for growth—opportunities which are potentially lost forever if your teen is not at home. Bringing your teen home can be confusing and emotionally draining with many ups and downs along the way. We understand, so be assured, we have walked this road ourselves and can show you the way to a hopeful and bright future. 

 

Why does the whole family need to be involved?

Often, there are much bigger issues under the surface of any behavior.  When one person has a problem or issue, it is up to the whole family to figure out what is needed for every individual to thrive, not just survive. It is also important that a teen sees the parent(s) doing the same work to achieve a successful outcome. This creates feelings of inclusion and understanding, instead of distance and struggle. Having a common education and language is pivotal in improving communication and creating a healthy dynamic. In order for lasting change to occur, everyone must do the work and be willing to openly, and honestly, look inward at themselves.

 

My child is no longer a teen anymore, is this right for us?

Yes! This program is for ANY parent/guardian and young adult (who is ready to work on themselves) in, or beyond, the “teen” years.

 

What does the price include?

The price includes 9 months of education; including Arbinger’s Living With an Outward Mindset seminar our original 24-module Cairn Education Program brought to you by Beth Hillman Coaching; plus one-on-one coaching as described above. This curriculum and education program applies to both parents and the teen coming out of wilderness or another type of treatment. It also includes crisis calls as needed. Siblings are encouraged to attend the seminar in the first month and are invited to learn from any of the education materials for the duration of the program, however, they will not participate in the live coaching.