Navigating Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Teenage Boys: A Guide for Parents

Oxbow Academy
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Mental Health

Disclaimer- Please remember that this podcast is not a replacement for therapy, nor do we provide legal advice. Please always seek a mental health professional and lawyer for your situation. Trigger warning - This podcast contains an in-depth discussion about sexual abuse and may be triggering for people who've experienced a sexual assault. If you are a victim of rape or sexual abuse and need assistance please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). Welcome to "Navigating Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Teens," the podcast designed to support and empower parents of teenage boys who are struggling with problematic sexual behaviors. We understand that parenting through these challenges can be tough, and that's why we're here to provide you with valuable insights, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you on this journey. Join us as we navigate this journey together, offering you the tools and understanding you need to support your teenage son's mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Remember, you're not alone in this, and with the right information and support, you can guide your son toward a healthier and happier path.

  1. Sep 2 ·  Video

    Beyond Treatment: Loving the Son You Have, Not the Son You Imagined

    In this episode of the podcast, host Tiffany sits down with Frank to discuss his family's journey 16 years after his son completed treatment at Oxbow Academy. Frank opens up about the long-term reality of post-graduation life, navigating career changes, and learning to let go of original expectations. Together, they reflect on the transformative power of parental healing, vulnerability, and holding firm boundaries rooted in love. Key Topics Discussed Navigating Post-Graduation Life: Managing the transition after treatment, holding young adults accountable through life struggles, and supporting their independence without enabling them.Redefining Parental Expectations: Learning to love and accept your child for who they truly are rather than who you envisioned them to be.The Power of Vulnerability and Tough Love: How fathers can break down rigid "tough man" stereotypes, embrace therapeutic healing, and set healthy boundaries that foster real growth.Long-Term Healing & Hope: A 16-year retrospective on life after Oxbow Academy, offering encouragement to families who are just beginning their treatment journey.If you are a parent feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or uncertain about your child's future, listening to Frank’s 16-year perspective will give you a reassuring message of hope and clarity. His story serves as a powerful reminder that while you cannot control every step of your child's path, taking steps toward your own healing will transform your family dynamic. We encourage you to listen to the full episode to gain practical insights and comfort for your own family's journey. Get Support Today If you or a loved one are seeking help and guidance for your family, please reach out to us at 855-676-4272 or visit our website at oxbowacademy.net. You do not have to navigate this journey alone.

    Beyond Treatment: Loving the Son You Have, Not the Son You Imagined

  2. Sep 1 ·  Video

    Owning His Story: A Father's Account of Healing With Oxbow Academy

    In the 2nd episode of this Oxbow Academy podcast series, host Tiffany sits down again with Frank, a parent of an Oxbow alumnus, to discuss the realities of treatment and family recovery. Frank reflects on his son’s journey through the evaluation process, polygraphs, and the crucial turning points that led to deep personal transformation. Together, they explore how crucial it is for the entire family system- not just the student- to engage in therapy, practice vulnerability, and model true accountability. Key Topics Discussed Navigating the Evaluation Process: Understanding the role of clinical polygraphs, psychosexual evaluations, and open disclosure in starting a child's therapeutic journey. The Power of Genuine Empathy: How students transition out of "fantasy worlds" to take real ownership of their past actions and impact. Parental Vulnerability & Boundaries: Learning how fathers and mothers can set firm boundaries while shedding the "macho" mask to cultivate deep emotional safety. The Clarification & Reunification Process: The essential steps for taking accountability, writing letters to victims, and restoring family trust over time. If you are a parent feeling overwhelmed, guarded, or uncertain about the therapeutic journey, this episode offers a roadmap grounded in real experience. Frank’s honest reflections demonstrate that seeking help for your family is a sign of profound strength, not weakness. Listening to his story will reassure you that true healing and lasting connection are possible when everyone commits to doing the work. Ready to take the first step toward healing for your family?Call us today at 855-676-4272 or visit us at oxbowacademy.net to learn how Oxbow Academy can support your journey.

    Owning His Story: A Father's Account of Healing With Oxbow Academy

  3. Aug 31 ·  Video

    From Isolation to Hope: A Father's Perspective Through His Son's Treatment

    In the first episode of this 3-part podcast series, host Tiffany Silva-Herlin, LCSW, sits down with Frank, a veteran and father who shares his family's deeply personal journey through his son's residential treatment at Oxbow Academy. Together, they discuss the heavy emotions, isolation, and harsh labels that often accompany adolescent sexual behavior issues, offering an honest look at what it takes to navigate crisis and move toward lasting recovery. Looking back 16 years later, Frank reflects on the transformative power of parent involvement, strict supervision, and continuous therapeutic support for the entire family. Key Topics Discussed Overcoming Isolation and Shame: Overcoming the stigma surrounding adolescent sexual behavior issues and recognizing that you are not alone on this journey.Recognizing the Signs: Shifting away from "boys will be boys" mindsets and identifying when a child requires specialized residential treatment.Parental Healing & Mental Health: Understanding why parents must engage in their own therapeutic growth to best support their son's long-term success.Finding Hope and High Supervision: Why structure, safety measures, and continuous support create a path toward family restoration.If you are currently feeling trapped or overwhelmed by your child's struggles, hearing how Frank’s family navigated these exact challenges can provide the clarity, direction, and comfort you need to take the next step forward. You do not have to carry this burden in isolation- healing and real second chances are entirely possible for your family. Need Support? We Are Here to Help. If your family is navigating adolescent sexual behavior issues and you are ready to take the next step toward healing, reach out to our team today. Call us at 855-676-4272 or visit our website at oxbowacademy.net to learn more about our residential treatment program.

    From Isolation to Hope: A Father's Perspective Through His Son's Treatment

  4. 09/24/2025 ·  Video

    Rebuilding and Reconnecting: Life After Residential Treatment

    In this final episode of Unlocking Hope, host Tiffany Silva Herlin, LCSW, sits down with Emily to reflect on her family’s journey after her son’s return home from residential treatment at Oxbow Academy. Emily shares the ups and downs of reintegrating into daily life, the ongoing work required for healing, and the tools that continue to guide their family forward. Her story highlights both the challenges and the hope that comes with this new chapter. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Preparing for the transition home with a solid plan, professional support, and realistic expectations.Navigating boundaries around technology and independence while balancing freedom with safety.Parents doing their own work to let go of control and create healthier family dynamics.Finding strength in support groups and community to maintain progress long after treatment.Through dedication, support, and mindful effort, Emily’s family navigates the complexities of life after treatment with courage and hope. Their story demonstrates that meaningful growth and healthier family dynamics are possible, even after significant challenges. It’s an encouraging reminder that each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future. For more information and support, please visit www.oxbowacademy.net or call 855-676-4272.

  5. 09/23/2025 ·  Video

    Embracing Discomfort: The Work of Healing During Treatment

    In this episode of Unlocking Hope, host Tiffany Silva Herlin, a licensed clinical social worker, continues her conversation with Emily. Emily shares her family's journey through residential treatment at Oxbow Academy, discussing the difficult but transformative process of her son's stay and the powerful role of parent involvement in their family's healing. This episode covers: The Uncomfortable Truth: The process of a "sexual history" evaluation and using a polygraph to validate a student's truth and rebuild family trust.The Power of Parent Involvement: The importance of parents doing their own therapeutic work, seeking support from other families, and being an active part of the healing process.Embracing Discomfort: Why growth for both the parent and child happens outside of a comfort zone, and the valuable lessons learned from this challenging journey.Emily's story offers a transparent look into a family's transformation and provides hope for parents facing similar challenges. Listen to understand the profound impact that a committed and collaborative approach to treatment can have on the entire family system. For more information and support, please visit www.oxbowacademy.net or call 855-676-4272.

  6. 09/22/2025 ·  Video

    The Breaking Point: A Family's Decision to Seek Residential Treatment

    Welcome to Unlocking Hope, a podcast dedicated to sharing the powerful stories of families who have found healing through residential treatment. In this episode, we talk with Emily, a courageous mother who recounts the emotional and complex journey of her son’s path through multiple programs, including wilderness therapy and therapeutic boarding school, before ultimately finding the right fit at Oxbow Academy. In this episode you will learn: How a family reached the point of emotional and physical unsafety at home.The valuable role of an educational consultant in a time of crisis.The process of a psychosexual evaluation and why it was a critical part of their journey.Why it's so important for the entire family to do their own healing work.If you are a parent feeling isolated or at a crossroads, this episode is a testament that you are not alone and that hope is possible. Listening to Emily’s story can offer you guidance and encouragement. For more information and support, please visit www.oxbowacademy.net or call 855-676-4272.

  7. 01/30/2025 ·  Video

    Data-Driven Therapy: The Research Behind Polygraphs in Adolescent Sex-Specific Therapy

    *Disclaimer-* Please remember that this podcast is not a replacement for therapy, nor do we provide legal advice. Please always seek a mental health professional and lawyer for your situation. Raising a son who is struggling with inappropriate sexual behaviors is a tremendously difficult experience for any parent, and seeking treatment can feel overwhelming. Understandably, parents might have concerns about the clinical polygraphs used at Oxbow Academy. These polygraphs are implemented as a therapeutic tool, not a punitive measure, to help boys on their path toward healing. They aim to provide clarity and understanding in a safe and supportive environment, ultimately fostering trust and growth within families. Therapist and podcast host Tiffany Herlin, LCSW, sits down with Shawn Brooks, the Executive Director of Oxbow Academy, and Jared Rockwood, LCSW, a polygraph examiner at Oxbow Academy. Here are the main topics discussed in this episode of the podcast: Oxbow's Polygraph Journey: The podcast traces how polygraphs became integral to Oxbow's treatment, from initial hesitation to research-backed implementation.Ethical and Safe Practices: Oxbow prioritizes careful preparation and support for students undergoing polygraph testing to mitigate potential harm and foster a safe environment.Truth as the Foundation: The episode stresses the importance of honesty in the healing process, with the polygraph aiding in uncovering the truth and enabling deeper therapeutic work.Positive Treatment Impacts: Polygraph use is linked to faster treatment progress, academic improvement, and positive behavior changes.Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing the prevalence of trauma, the podcast highlights how polygraphs, used within a safe therapeutic framework, can facilitate trauma processing and healing.At Oxbow Academy, we strive to help teens and their families heal and re-establish trust between one another. This podcast episode helps explain how clinical polygraphs are used to help students tell the truth in a safe environment without judgment. Oxbow empowers boys to take responsibility, address underlying trauma, and work towards a brighter future alongside their families.

  8. 01/29/2025 ·  Video

    Truth & Healing: Using Therapeutic Polygraphs for Adolescent Therapy

    *Disclaimer-* Please remember that this podcast is not a replacement for therapy, nor do we provide legal advice. Please always seek a mental health professional and lawyer for your situation. It can be incredibly distressing and confusing when your son is struggling with problematic or compulsive sexual behaviors. You may feel a wide range of emotions - from fear and anger to helplessness and shame. Please know that these feelings are normal and you are not alone. This podcast episode offers insight and support for parents navigating this complex issue. Podcast host and therapist Tiffany Herlin, LCSW, interviews Oxbow Academy Executive Director Shawn Brooks and Oxbow Academy polygraph examiner, Jared Rockwood, LCSW. In this episode, these experts discuss: The Role of Polygraph Tests in Teen Treatment: Experts discuss how polygraph tests can uncover factors contributing to anxiety, such as past trauma or undisclosed behaviors.Clinical vs. Forensic Polygraphs: An explanation of the differences, focusing on the therapeutic and supportive approach used in clinical settings.Addressing Concerns About Accuracy and Harm: A look at polygraph accuracy, potential risks, and the importance of proper preparation and compassion.Real-Life Impact of Polygraphs: Stories of how polygraphs have helped teens open up, resulting in more effective treatment and lasting healing.At Oxbow Academy, polygraph tests are carefully integrated into the therapeutic process to encourage honesty and help teens feel safe enough to share their full story. By gaining a clear understanding of a teen’s sexual history, including any instances of victimization or harmful behaviors, therapists can address the root cause of the problem and develop a personalized treatment plan. This approach helps teen boys and their families heal and build a healthier future together. Worried About Your Son’s Sexual Behavior? Call Us Now: 855-676-4272

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Disclaimer- Please remember that this podcast is not a replacement for therapy, nor do we provide legal advice. Please always seek a mental health professional and lawyer for your situation. Trigger warning - This podcast contains an in-depth discussion about sexual abuse and may be triggering for people who've experienced a sexual assault. If you are a victim of rape or sexual abuse and need assistance please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). Welcome to "Navigating Problematic Sexual Behaviors in Teens," the podcast designed to support and empower parents of teenage boys who are struggling with problematic sexual behaviors. We understand that parenting through these challenges can be tough, and that's why we're here to provide you with valuable insights, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you on this journey. Join us as we navigate this journey together, offering you the tools and understanding you need to support your teenage son's mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Remember, you're not alone in this, and with the right information and support, you can guide your son toward a healthier and happier path.

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