What Patients & Their Families Say About Us
All letters published by permission.
I would like to write a letter to express my appreciation for the help we have received at Therapeuticum. For years we have been searching for compassionate, caring help for my son. When my son was 4 years old, he exhibited behaviors of Tourettes Syndrome Plus. Along with the Tourettes, he has always struggled with extreme mood swings. Through the years, we tried 6 different psychiatrists and experimented with about 12 different medications. Many of the psychiatrists seemed merely clinical and just experimented with drug after drug combination—most took no more than about 5-10 minutes to get a medical history and none requested baseline medical testing. In addition, no one took the time to see how the family was responding to my son's illness or what role family members played in dealing with his illness.
About a year ago when my son was 12 years old, he became quite out of control. He was physically hurting his younger brother, running away from home whenever he became angry, and being completely disrespectful towards his parents. We knew we had to do something, especially as he was entering puberty. We had heard wonderful reports of Therapeuticum from a friend of ours whose son had experienced some amazing results. While his diagnosis was different than our son's, my friend really felt Therapeuticum could help us, as well.
Your office staff was polite and got us an appointment to be seen right away. We didn't have to wait for weeks and months as was common in the past. When a crisis is spinning out of control, it needs to be dealt with immediately—not weeks or months from the time of crisis. We felt an appropriate amount of time was taken to do an entire family history (including looking at extended family issues) and to examine the steps that had been taken to that point. In addition, individual testing was done to focus on what were some of his major issues. Out of this testing and history, a plan was put together that included the whole person and the whole family.
Dealing with the whole family seems to be such a key factor in dealing with a family member with mental illness. We were able to deal with some of the sibling issues that had arisen over the years. My two sons seemed to be fighting all the time. We had the two of them meet with one of the therapists and to this day, about 4 or 5 months down the road, the two of them are better friends then they have ever been. The intensity level in our home went down dramatically after this. In addition, I received help from one of the staff therapists because mothers deal with so much of the day-to-day care and issues. At times, I felt I was going to break down after trying to deal with my son. Your therapists have helped give me some tools and understanding to better deal with day-to-day situations so they don't escalate into a crisis. And finally, we dealt with the marriage relationship and how an ill child affects a marriage and how we deal with parenting issues. I feel we received some excellent insight and skills into parenting a difficult child. All the various family dynamics were addressed in therapy—something that had never been done anywhere else.
We also appreciated how Therapeuticum sought to treat our son as a whole person. He has severe struggles with keeping organized and making good, healthy choices. Part of his plan was to work with one of your staff educators to learn how to better organize his life, his schedule, and his free time. She also spent time teaching him about communication, friendship, hygiene, and making good choices. She tailored his learning to the needs he had at the time. She even worked closely with us to help him complete his homework and school projects. Due to her help, he was able to get his grades up to A's and B's. In addition, our son also worked with a therapist who did cognitive behavior therapy. She was a tremendous asset in helping our son reframe in his mind seemingly negative situations into something more positive. She worked with him on trying to get him to see what he was feeling and to be able to communicate his feelings in a more positive way. Therapeuticum helped our son deal with the day-to day-life issues that often go along with illness.
Finally, we appreciated the natural approach taken to treatment of our son. After trying about 14 different medications and combinations thereof, we experienced some horrendous side effects and nothing seemed to work. The side effects of the medications often seemed to be worse than the disease itself. After trying a couple of different things, we found a combination of nutritional supplements that really seemed to help him stay better balanced. It was by no means a fix-all, and we still have to tinker here and there, but the mood swings were not so extreme or so frequent anymore. One week during the past summer, he went away to camp and chose not to take the supplements. He was a mess when he returned from camp. But about 3 or 4 days after getting back on track, he seemed to be back in balance again.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, your office staff, and your therapists for the time and heart they put into my son and into our family. We felt like Therapeuticum offered a caring and compassionate environment that treats the whole person and family. Best wishes to your work in the future.
Jan Whitfield and the Whitfield FamilyDecember 2009
I really never got to thank you for all that you did for my son. He is doing very well in college, making acquaintances and on his way to making friends. He speaks up in class and sits at the front of the classroom now—before he always sat in the back. He can still be moody, but his swings are less intense and much shorter in duration. He has lost about fifty pounds and is looking great and eating much better. He still loves to cook! I of course have not lost weight because he cooks so well! I am so grateful for all of the work that you, Wanda and my son have done to make his life better. Thank you again.
Mother of a young adult with developmental challenges
November 2009
The Howard family was introduced to Dr. Ursula Stehle and the Fair Oaks Therapeuticum after several years of searching for a satisfactory treatment for our then twenty-eight year old daughter, Sarah. Sarah was twenty-nine when she began treatment with Dr. Stehle for High Functioning Autism/Asperger's Syndrome.
From the very beginning, we (Sarah's father, mother, and Sarah) felt comfortable with the facility and the people. As time went on, Sarah's two older sisters were brought in to learn more about Sarah' s treatment. We are updated regularly as to her progress.
Sarah has seen several therapists associated with Fair Oaks Therapeuticum. Each one has had a particular strength which has been important in her treatment. She has been on a variety of supplements which have been monitored carefully by Dr. Stehle and changed as needed. She is also being treated with medication that is monitored by a psychiatrist recommended by Dr. Stehle. They work together to be sure that medication, supplements, and treatment continue to be right for Sarah.
At this time Sarah is working with the Employment Education Specialist, Cindy Zoeller, preparing for employment that she will enjoy and where she will be comfortable.
Sarah is leaps beyond where she was when she first began. We credit this to her treatment at Fair Oaks and are very grateful to all of the staff and to Dr. Stehle.
Thank you, Ursula and Staff, for all you have done and are doing for Sarah. We are most fortunate to have been introduced to you.
The Howard FamilyModesto, California
July 2008
We just wanted to say thank you so much for all you have done for our family over the course of the last few months. Finding Fair Oaks Therapeuticum in January, 2007, has made a huge difference in our family.
Our 13 year old son had been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome 3 years before but we had struggled for years to get him any worthwhile help. He had seen psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, behavior modification specialists, speech therapists and participated in social skills groups. He had dozens of tests done and had been on medication for years. Some of it helped a little or for a few months, but always he regressed back to argumentative, anxiety-ridden behavior. By December, 2007, we were at our wit's end and were seriously considering putting him in residential care. He was angry, unhappy, difficult, controlling and created incredible tension in our family.
Then we found the Therapeuticum! Dr. Stehle was encouraging and gave us hope that they could help our son. After testing, it was determined he should participate in their intensive outpatient program. We also discovered that our insurance, PacifiCare, would cover most of the expense. What a huge difference that made in being able to afford the services!!
In January, we started twice weekly therapy and twice weekly yoga classes, as well as a comprehensive vitamin and supplement program. The change was not overnight but by April, we were seeing some real improvements. He was happier, laughed more, and wasn't quite as argumentative. By June, it was like having a different child! He has continued to make progress and we cannot get over how changed he is. He cooperates most of the time, admits his role in problems, apologizes for wrongdoing, and tries to carry on discussions with others. He is thinking through his behavior and has become much more self-aware. He seems happy for the first time in years!
My husband and I, plus our other 2 boys, have received therapy through the Therapeuticum as well. It made a huge difference in how we related to our son and gave the other boys understanding and tools for how to deal with a brother with Asperger's.
Everyone we have worked with at the Therapeuticum has been professional, kind, understanding, encouraging and helpful. It is fantastic to receive comprehensive help, all through one agency, so everyone is unified in their approach and understanding. We have come so far in just 8 months and can't thank the staff at the Therapeuticum enough. We are also so grateful that our insurance, by covering the expenses except for a co-pay, has made this change in our family possible. We could not afford the program otherwise.
We know we will have years of work ahead of us, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now and that is a blessing! Thank you!
Anthony and Valerie Colacchia
September 2007
After four years of research and intensive searching I was blessed to discover the Fair Oaks Therapeuticum. At the Therapeuticum my 12 year old son received intensive outpatient treatment including music therapy, behavioral therapy, individual socialization therapy, group therapy, yoga and bio-medical and nutritional counseling.
My son started his treatment at the clinic barely able to function as a human being: he was unable to attend school, read, have peer relationships, or be involved in social situation.
In seven months of treatment, my son has discontinued eight psychiatric medications; he successfully attends school now, reads, and is involved with his peers. His past behaviors of rages and violent outbursts have moved into appropriate expressions of anger and frustration.
Most impressive at the Therapeuticum is the teamwork involved with the treatment process. Also, I, as a parent, was respected as a team member. I have been blessed with education and support throughout my son's treatment.
Now, I hear the laughter of my son as I observe him at play in the school yard and realize that truly two lives have been restored—his and mine! I am deeply grateful for the amazing work and care that we have received by all of the providers at the Therapeuticum.
Fair Oaks Therapeuticum is a place of healing; a place where miracles can and do happen.
A grateful parent
September 2007
We can't thank you enough for the wonderful help you have been with Payton and our whole family. I wish every special needs child or adult could be a part of your program.
Kip, Sharon, Chase, Payton, and Evan Holmes
January 2006
Dr. Stehle has put together a very good program. With Dr. Stehle's attention to Corey's progress, and her experience with non-pharmaceutical remedies, we were able to see results very quickly. This is truly a program that works for children who are suffering from anxiety and depression and are unable to express themselves. I believe that this practice would benefit many children, and I'm sorry that so few programs like this one seem to exist. The goal of learning socialization and coping mechanisms at this age is so much more important than relying on medication. We received lots of support from her and all the people in her practice.
Lisa and Mark Nelson
July 2004
We would like to commend Fair Oaks Therapeuticum for the wonderful job that they did in helping our son. He is now 12 and a half years old and has Asperger's syndrome. He was diagnosed by Dr. Stehle a little over 2 and a half years ago, and has been receiving therapy since then. His therapy has been so successful that he is now ready to take a break from therapy with the option to return when needed.
We chose Fair Oaks Therapeuticum for several reasons. They have a group of kind, empathetic, dedicated professionals who truly care about the children and families that they treat. They work hard with the children and parents to accommodate each family's needs. They are up-to-date on current and innovative research and treatments. Dr Stehle attends many conferences on the autism spectrum and bipolar disorders, is in touch with leaders in the field, and we consider her to be a leader herself.
Most importantly, Dr. Stehle's program was comprehensive. We felt that the different components of the program addressed the various aspects of our son's condition. Each component that was appropriate for him contributed to his progress, and all the components worked synergistically with each other.
We cannot thank Dr. Stehle and her fine staff enough for the way they helped turn our son's life around. Before he came to them, he had difficulties with peer social interactions and some problems with organizational skills, even though he appeared verbal and bright. He was very unhappy, and we were afraid it would affect his school work. Now, he feels more comfortable with his peers, he has a couple of close friends, and he is happy and achieving in school. We are very grateful to Fair Oaks Therapeuticum and highly recommend them.
Grateful Parents
June 2006
Last modified on 01.13.10
© All contents Copyright 2004-2010, Fair Oaks Therapeuticum