Treatment and Assessment
Treatment consists of an integrated two pronged approach to address what appears to be the dual aspect of criminal sexual behavior. First, the aspect
of vulnerability to such behavior because of aberrant personality development, especially as related to self esteem, anger, and power issues; secondly, the aspect of strength and persistence
of such behavior due to the repeatedly reinforced connection between inappropriate stimulus and pleasurable arousal. The expected time required to complete this program is eighteen to twenty
four months.
Mirkwood Intensive Treatment Program
The Mirkwood Intensive Treatment Program four times weekly. Group topics include introduction to treatment, sexual assault chain building, empathy training (including one's own victimization),
examination of cognitive distortions, social skills training, values clarification, relapse prevention, and holistic wellness planning. Mirkwood clients can include youths residing at Mathom
House as well those residing in the community. The expected time required to complete this program is twelve to fourteen months.
EMDR and Trauma Informed Care
Recent studies of juveniles receiving residential treatment indicated alarming rates of traumatic history (primary and secondary), resulting in specific treatment needs that in turn require specific therapeutic
protocols. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Specific Therapies have emerged within the past two decades in response to clients’ treatment needs that appeared to be beyond
the scope of more conventional approaches, representing an integration of psychodynamic, experiential, cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and systems models of treatment.
EMDR is an empirically-validated methodology which is guided by an information-processing model, and views pathology as based upon perceptual information that has been improperly stored. Therefore,
EMDR treatment focuses on the perceptual components of experience (affective, somatic, and cognitive) in order to expedite the accessing and processing of disturbing events and facilitate an
attendant learning process. It is also used to strengthen internal resources so that the client is able to achieve desired behavioral and interpersonal change. EMDR utilizes an eight-step treatment
that includes the use of bi-lateral stimulation (not limited to eye movements) to enable clients to reprocess disturbing thoughts and images.
Trauma-Specific therapy groups are utilized by specialized clinicians. Unlike EMDR, the group utilizes a developmental format including having clients initially identify and define trauma,
followed by a guided expression of their experience of trauma, and recognition of the cognitive, behavioral, and physiological manifestations related to their experiencing of trauma. Models
of self and situational awareness and understanding are utilized in this therapeutic group that integrates psychoeducation with therapeutic process. Positive outcomes of this intervention include
increased reports of feeling safe, increased acceptance of self and experience, and profound shifts in core processing involving purging of harmful cognition with healthy, realistic substitution. |
Behavior Modification System
Central to the therapeutic milieu at Mathom House is a reward system that targets positive behavior for recognition via the daily basic responsibilities, goals and level system. If these tools
are utilized fairly and consistently, residents thrive in a culture of rewards and privileges. They will seek ways to advance via good conduct and progress in therapy. For this culture to
be maintained, residents must see that meeting their goals increases their privileges whereas failure to do so does not. Residents proceed through five tiers of the level system based on
a cumulative behavior modification point system.
Academics
The educational program is designed to provide an enriching and supportive learning environment. Students with strong academic skills are challenged, preparing them for graduation and post
graduation studies. Students with special needs receive individualized programming. Those identified as eligible for special education services have their current Individual Education Plans
(IEP) implemented.
Education Services are provided under a contract with Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Our educational program employs Pennsylvania certified teachers to provide subject instruction in 28 subjects
including English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Spanish, and Physical Education. There is also a certified Special Education teacher and Guidance Counselor on staff to assist
students.
 Academic Overview (pdf)
Life Skills and Development
Research has indicated that self improvement skills training and leisure hobby development coaching provide a strong barrier to recidivism. At Mathom House, adventure programming and sports
(MAPS), life skills and hobbies, occupational development, and creative arts are integral parts of each resident’s program. Each experience is unique – from single day trips to multiple weeks
activities. With the philosophy of holistic experiential collaborative learning and staff teaching their passions, residents develop and refine social, occupational, and vocational skills.
Through these activities healthy relationship bonds are forged. The result: a lifetime memory of a positive experience tied to a meaningful relationship. These activities help residents discover
that they are capable, valuable, and an integral part of the world. They overcome life’s obstacles and fine-tune the tools necessary to make healthy choices for themselves. |
