Recent documentaries, books, and podcasts share some horrific accounts from survivors of the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI). Noting their implicit coercion and historic abuses, some have called for these types of youth residential programs to be abolished, citing the significant trauma carried by survivors.

This workshop provides a trauma-informed path forward in supporting and engaging survivors of the TTI. Attendees will learn about the historical concerns within the TTI, and be provided practical, innovative, and gentle ideas for how adults can provide empowering, healing spaces for youth and families in the wake of a TTI placement.

Adam Arnold is a licensed psychotherapist, trainer, and consultant in the Twin Cities. From his experiences working in a wide variety of youth work settings, Adam put together The Democratic Youth Engagement (DYE) Model, a collaborative approach for adults living and working with young people; it’s the lens through which he employs his clinical work.

Adam has special interest in working with persons who have been wounded by systems of control, including survivors (ages 5 and up) of religious, spiritual, medical, and therapeutic abuse. Central to his clinical work is gaining consent for psychotherapy from all of his clients – ensuring that they are driving their goals for treatment – regardless of their age.

In his personal time, Adam spends time watching scary movies, singing musical theater, and strengthening his broken spine.