Blog
4 Ways to Build Trust With Your Foster Child
Adolescents and young adults in foster care can have difficulty bonding with their foster families. In some cases, they feel uncomfortable around adults and other authority figures due to early childhood trauma. Havenwood Academy offers mental health treatment for girls struggling with trust issues. Our residential program uses talk therapy, brain spotting, neurofeedback, and other…
Read MoreHow to Help Your Adopted Child Overcome Feelings of Rejection
Adopted children sometimes feel guilty, betrayed, or angry when transitioning to their new family. The loss of their loved ones and the effects of early childhood trauma can interfere with their ability to accept the change. According to the Children’s Bureau Express (CBX), rejection is often caused by “children believing the crisis was their fault;…
Read MoreReactive Attachment Disorder in Adopted Teens
Many adopted teenagers struggle with trauma related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). According to StatPearls Publishing, an estimated one to two percent of children develop attachment-related issues like reactive attachment disorder (RAD). In many cases, this is caused by trauma or untreated mental health issues resulting from ACEs. If they experience poor mental health symptoms…
Read MoreImproving Your Foster Child’s Self-Esteem
Foster children face unique challenges throughout their childhood and young adulthood. In some cases, their early childhood experiences can interfere with the development of healthy self-esteem. Adolescents in the foster care system often experience one or more traumatic events in their lives or in the foster system. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including traumatic events, can…
Read MoreHow Early Childhood Trauma Can Impact Your Child’s Sleep
Children who regularly do not get enough quality sleep can experience health and behavioral issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unhealthy sleep habits can cause “poor mental health, and problems with attention and behavior.” Havenwood Academy offers comprehensive treatment programs for teen girls struggling with mental health and behavioral issues…
Read MoreWhat Is Brainspotting and How Can It Treat Your Child’s Trauma?
Children who live through adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma often have difficulty coping with everyday stressors. Behavioral issues and other problems can sometimes develop as the child tries to find ways to manage emotional distress. Adopted and fostered children have a higher risk of experiencing early childhood trauma that affects their emotional development. Trauma-focused…
Read MoreNeurofeedback Therapy Can Decrease Your Adopted Child’s Anxiety
The brain controls and influences behaviors, thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Teenagers who exhibit behavioral issues or have difficulty managing certain mental health symptoms may benefit from neurofeedback therapy. According to BMC Psychiatry, in research studies, neurofeedback “improved attention, decreased hyperactivity, and increased academic and social skills.” Havenwood Academy uses evidence-based therapies like neurofeedback to provide…
Read MoreThe Relationship Between Early Childhood Trauma and Behavioral Issues
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and early childhood trauma can significantly impact a child’s physical and emotional development. ACEs increase the risk of mental health disorders, making it essential that parents educate themselves about the possible side effects of early childhood trauma, how it can manifest in adolescence and young adulthood, and how to mitigate negative…
Read More
Eric Allred was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho. He grew up on a family farm where he learned the value of work. He graduated from Rigby High School and attended Rick’s College, now known as BYU-Idaho. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utah State University, received a master’s degree in organizational behavior and human relations from the University of Phoenix and a second master’s degree in marital and family therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. Eric has been involved in Rotary and was president of a local Rotary Club. He enjoys being with his family and doing outdoor activities such as fly fishing.
Chase was very fortunate to start in this industry as a struggling 17 year old kid looking for a mentor and something to be passionate about. Wilderness therapy was Chase’s first stop in this industry and was truly a transcendental experience for him. Chase has an enormous love for this line of work and the power that it has in creating change in everyone involved. Chase’s biggest belief is the power a mentor, strong, healthy relationships, and accountability can have on anyone, especially youth. Taking a very relational approach to his work, Chase has always been very relatable to the students he works with. Being able to understand and relate to a vast variety of the same struggles as a lot of the students he works with has been able to help him continue to grow, learn, and teach. Chase believes that with great rapport and trust, he can use his experience to continue to coach and train new staff, and has the ability to find those staff with the passion for this industry, and help them grow. His love and passion can be felt the moment you talk with Chase about this industry and he passes that on to others he works with. In his spare time you will find Chase cheering for the Eagles, Yankees, and Mavericks, hanging out with his brother, learning more about Eastern Psychology, and continuing to grow and learn.