Kyle’s Story

Name and photo have been changed to protect client confidentiality.

Kyle came into our program due to a pattern of fighting with his grandmother, brothers, and classmates at school. Physical altercations with classmates and siblings had become a regular occurrence. He had been suspended several times from school, and his grandmother believed that he needed some time away from home to get his behaviors under control. She shared that, despite Kyle knowing several coping skills, he refused to utilize them. Kyle had been diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), PTSD, ADHD, and depression. His grandmother requested placement at Hawthorn Heights as soon as possible and scheduled him to stay for 90 days.

Kyle was given the following goals for his individual treatment plan: Family Relations and Anger Management. He worked on weekly assignments related to these goals, participated in regular visits with his grandmother, and successfully completed all 12 steps of our Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) Program. Kyle graduated from our program and returned to the care of his grandmother after 90 days.

Upon discharge, Kyle shared the following:

"Hawthorn Heights was not as bad as I thought it would be. I realized that I am good at writing, I am better at controlling my anger, and I have a better understanding of my relationships with others."

When asked what skill or lesson from Hawthorn Heights would help him the most in the future, Kyle responded:

"Moral Reconation Therapy. Despite it being a challenge, I overcame it and can now handle my anger better."

Kyle also reflected on his time in the program, saying:

"At Hawthorn, I learned more about my taste in music, learned that I can control my anger, and realized how much I miss my family."

Anger Management

"I worked on and made progress with my yelling, arguing for no reason, and learning to take a step back and look at how I impact others."

Family Relations

"I listened to my Nana more during Child and Family Team Meetings. I argue less with my brothers now when they are annoying and get an attitude with me!"

Looking toward the future, Kyle shared that he hopes to play football for the Tennessee Volunteers and is excited to buy a car someday.

When asked what advice he would give to someone entering the program, he said:

"It's really not bad. You will have a good experience, and it's fun. You're going to make it!"

When asked to describe his experience at Hawthorn Heights in one sentence, Kyle simply said:

"Hawthorn Heights is the GOAT!"