Students begin to engage in the process of self-exploration and personal/spiritual growth. Students learn how to express and regulate their painful emotions in an adaptive manner, as well as develop a clearer understanding of the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In “family teams” and in their individual therapy, students begin to become more aware of their defense mechanisms and the impact on their interpersonal interactions. Students are in the process of developing a self-narrative of who they truly are and who they want to become. Students assume “authorship” for their life narrative and a new chapter in their life. They also exhibit a more future orientation for themselves. Students are encouraged to reach beyond typical cultural identity categories of the self and develop a consciousness of the wider context of significant memberships and relationships in life. Through interpersonal interactions and individual therapy, students are provided the opportunity to experience their lives more richly described through the identification of preferred knowledge and skills for living. Students also practice conflict management skills within their family teams and in the greater Hope Ranch community. They are also encouraged to demonstrate and utilize effective coping skills for intense emotions in a consistent manner.
Spiritually the goal is to move beyond a shameful self-perception to consider personal strengths and failures as opportunities for growth. The experience of shame is a fear in that letting others know who one really is, one will be exposed to contempt and humiliation. The urge is to isolate or hide, or turn on oneself with self-contempt. The student is encouraged to love the parts of herself that she finds unacceptable. Students continue reading Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication. The life story of Moses mirrors personal highs and lows of our own. He faced seemingly impossible situations and difficult people. Whatever his skills or failures, Moses’ heart was one of selfless dedication.