For the past three years Excelsior has been training staff in the principles of a paradigm created by Charlie Applestein. No Such Thing as a Bad Kid has provided the foundation of the necessary positive relationship for working with our clients, and established a recurrent theme for strategizing, managing and supporting our clientele. Highlights of his Strength Based Care principles include:

We believe there is no such thing as a bad kid; just bad luck and bad choices.

We believe that all individuals possess core strengths that can be utilized to lead meaningful lives.

Our work involves mutually indentifying, developing, encouraging, practicing and maximizing the inherent strengths in every individual.

To accomplish our treatment goals, we establish a positive, upbeat, and safe environment that instills hope and provides multiple opportunities for success, and at all times adheres to the golden rule.

We believe a good life is all about making good choices. Although we have deep respect and empathy for where our kids have been, our major focus is on the present and the road ahead.

At Excelsior, staff use these principles in a variety of situations, from individual therapy to extreme crisis situations. Our clients respond well when there is a distinct and deliberate focus on their strengths and unconditional positive support for their attempts at making progress in their treatment. Staff have also been empowered through using more positive strategies for managing our very difficult clients.

Matt Louzon, MA, LPC
Team and Treatment Coordinator
Treatment and Learning Center
Excelsior Youth Center