Transitional programs help young adults take accountability for their actions and take on more responsibilities in their lives, through work, school, and community living. With less supervision than traditional residential programs, transitional programs allow for more room for personal growth and help young adults meet their basic needs in healthy ways. The transition to adulthood is difficult for all young adults, especially those struggling with depression, anxiety, and low motivation. With the support of a transitional program, young adults are empowered to recognize that they are in control of making choices aligned with their personal values and their future goals.
What is Choice Theory?
William Glasser’s Choice Theory proposes that we have total agency over our behavior, even if we often believe things are out of our control. He believes that nobody can ‘make’ us do or feel anything. It is our choice how we process the information, and it is our choice how we respond to it. Although young adults have the power to make their own decisions, he argues that both healthy behaviors and risky behaviors are motivated by the same needs. This suggests that even “poor choices” have good intentions, At all times, young adults are doing the best they can with what they have.
Choice Theory is based on five basic universal needs:
- Survival. This is our animal instinct. It includes the need for food, shelter, and safety. Young men who have gone through life-changing transitions and are taking it a day at a time try to prioritize doing whatever it takes to survive. In some environments, they may be forced to adopt defense mechanisms they believe protects their sense of safety, even if it doesn’t serve them long term. Getting back to the basics of self-care and security is essential for personal growth.
- Love and Belonging. This refers to the need for relationships, social connections, to give and receive affection and to feel part of a group. While building healthy relationships is an important skill, this can become destructive when people are willing to stay in toxic relationships because they expect these needs to be met by the wrong people. Residential programs offer a built-in support network for teens who struggle with social isolation, family conflict, and negative relationships.
- Power. To be powerful is to develop skills, achieve goals, and to be recognized for efforts. While we tend to think of power as power over something or someone, the root cause of this need is a desire to improve one’s self worth. A lot of young adults we work with reach out when they feel powerless in their lives. They’ve lost motivation for activities they used to enjoy and struggle to see their potential. We teach practical life skills and help them develop the work and study skills they need to feel successful.
- Freedom. This is particularly relevant for young adults who are trying to navigate increased independence from their parents. They want to have the freedom to make their own choices and express themselves without feeling judged while remaining open to feedback and guidance. The need to be free is the need to have autonomy, options, and the confidence to take control of the direction they’re taking in life. Some young adults take advantage of this freedom, believing that they can push boundaries in relationships without experiencing consequences, however, freedom is all about finding a balance.
- Fun. Adults have fun too! Students learn to have fun in healthier, more constructive ways through creative expression and adventure activities, like hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and biking. While many young adults feel pressured to party in order to have fun, structured activities meet the same needs, but provide more opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and skill building.
Often, young adults feel trapped in the black-and-white of making good choices and bad choices and attach shame and disappointment to decisions that did not turn out the way they expected. Acknowledging that every choice they make is their way of trying to meet their needs allows room for self-reflection and empowers them to take ownership of their lives.
Foundations Can Help
Foundations Asheville is a program for males ages 18-25 who are struggling to launch into adulthood. This program is committed to helping young men develop and sharpen the skills they need to be successful in the real world. There is a focus on teaching students how to enter the workforce, develop vocational trades, and functional living skills. Foundations Asheville gives young men the opportunity to gain confidence, find their purpose, and learn useful skills that will help them navigate through the adult years.
Contact us at 1-877-318-7273. We can help your family today!
The Foundations Team” profile “We work tirelessly to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal and professional lives. To contact our admissions team, call (877) 318-7273
