Testimonials and Experiences

Student Experiences
Parent Experiences

Parent Experiences

“Thanks so much for all you and the staff at Wingate have done. I really feel that Kevin is now in a different place and will be able to move forward toward a brighter future.”

Our best to you,

Dear Brad,

“I've been meaning to send this, but haven't found the time, or emotional energy, to actually sit down and express these things until now.

You may recall our initial conversation about our considering Wingate Therapy as the Wilderness Program to help our daughter, Elysia, and the family.  There were several things during that conversation that "sealed the deal" for me, and I even told you that you could "stop right there" as you had begun describing the ways in which Wingate and your philosophies and approach are different than other programs that were likely suggested and available to us.

The first, and most glaringly different "thing" for me that morning, was the very first words out of your mouth.  You asked me how I was doing, and expressed that you understood how very difficult a time the family must have been having and how hard it is to come to the decision we had and follow through with it, in contacting Wingate.

The other two things that struck me, and particularly because I had already spoken with the Admissions Director with the other company offered to us, was that you never asked me who else we were "looking at," nor did you discuss or launch into attempting to "sell" Wingate in a marketing sort of way, which seems to always include a willingness to negotiate fees, etc.

BECAUSE I felt an immediate "vibration," if you will, that you were absolutely concerned for my child, for me, and the family as a whole, in becoming healthy and happy and on the "right" track again, first and foremost, You alleviated whatever questions or concerns or conflicts I might have had in making our decision.

Thank you very much for being the man you are, and in the position you hold at Wingate.  You are an integral and extremely important part of the process for the families, as much as you are for Wingate Therapy.  I hope that everything with this new, vital, and very important program will continue, and thrive, and make it through these extremely difficult economic and emotional times we are facing in the country as a whole.”

Yours,
Elysia’s Mom

To the people at WinGate:

Words cannot express both my son's and my entire family's gratitude for the incredible care provided my son while a participant in your amazing program.
 
As with so many families, we were desperate and had exhausted all available avenues to help our son.  We reluctantly sent him to Wingate on August 23rd, trusting complete strangers to keep our son safe when we were unable to do so.
 
Starting with the incredible work of escort Dana and Brady, and ending with Scott Hess, we were treated with absolute professionalism and compassion.
 
While we cannot begin to know how other programs would have impacted Connor, we can state with absolute certainty Wingate was top notch.  Our son was able to revert back to his old self, pre-drug use.  We credit Scott Hess and so many of the field instructors with this incredible feat.
 
Scott was the consummate professional with the rare and beautiful quality of evidencing compassion and understanding despite the often difficult mood swings of our son.  He was able to see through his defenses and help him break down his walls for improved insight and help him develop a true desire to make lasting changes.  Connor returned home positive, even keeled, and so incredibly mature.  Angry mood swings, profanity, selfish behavior, and anxiety have all but disappeared.  He relates to family members with a mature and empathetic attitude. 
 
Unfortunately, our initial aftercare plans have changed, but we are optimistic Connor is well on his way to true wellness and sobriety thanks largely to your staff.
 
My son made a true and rare therapeutic connection with Scott as did I.  Scott's work exceeded our expectations in all areas.  My true goal was to get my son sober.  Never did I realize or expect that Connor would make a deeper connection and healing in so short a period of time.   Scott was always the consummate professional and cannot sing his praises enough.  I credit him for truly saving my son's life as it was very much spinning quickly out of control.  Scott took the time, often hour’s long therapy sessions, to make a profound, and lasting impact on Connor.  He made individualized reading recommendations that Connor would not have read otherwise.   Connor evidences a desire to read more of Scott's recommended resources.
 
Scott made himself available to me as well.  He always encouraged me and supported me throughout the entire process and several times since returning home.  His open-door policy eased my anxieties and helped me see just how truly dedicated he was in helping our family.
 
My son, who has been in therapy with several different professionals now, declared he has never been so changed and assisted by a therapist. I could not agree more.  Upon returning home, Connor has readily discussed with his friends and family how incredibly positive his wilderness experiences have been, even stating he missed the desert.  He has changed the way he eats, as well.  He actually misses his food packs and has gone shopping for some of the items that he used while in wilderness. 
 
Sadly, we must end our therapeutic sessions with Scott and the Wingate staff but their hard work will forever have a profound and lasting effect on our family.
 
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done, knowing our mere words will never truly relay our innermost feelings of gratitude.
 
With sincere thanks,
Mary

WinGate Wilderness Therapy program has turned out to be one of the best decisions of our parental lives!  Our 14 year old son was on a downward spiral of failing grades, early drug experimentation, and poor friendship choices; all of which contributed to a very tense and combative home life. As parents, we felt profoundly hopeless and helpless but then came WinGate. With the dedicated attention from our son's therapist, supportive and down to earth trail counselors, and the core concepts taught in the Choices seminar, we, both individually, as well as a family unit, have learned greater understanding of our relationship behaviors. We now have the knowledge to affect positive communication, personal responsibility, and change.  Whenever the opportunity arises, we give praise to the WinGate program, and pass on the story of our family's success, and our renewed hope for a bright future for our son!

Forever Grateful Parents,
Kimberley & John

Dear WinGate Crew-

Finally, I have a quiet moment to thank you profusely for the amazing program you are providing for so many of us who have been at a point of tossing in the towel. My gratitude is beyond words for each of you who played a specific role in opening your hearts and souls to all, specifically my son.

He has continued to flourish personally and emotionally, and exhibits positive choice and decision making!
The school we chose for him continues to impress me with their approach of embracing and helping their students. Certainly my son sees this opportunity as a gift to enhance his future (as he did while in your program)! I’ve been told by several administrative staff that “he has taken the school by storm,” and everyone loves his positive attitude, outlook and encouragement! I can’t thank you all enough!

Scott- you were the one of the few who were willing to go the distance to provide a ‘space’ of safety to allow the process to flow and happen! You are a most fantastic human being and counselor! Thank you for your dedication and passion to be present for positive change.

I wish you all well, and a happy holiday season!

Sincerely and gratefully,

Jen