Revolutionary Trauma Treatment Aids Thousands of Young Individuals in their Healing Journey
In the heart of Denver, Colorado, the Third Way Center, a nonprofit organization, stands as a beacon of hope for young people struggling with mental health challenges and trauma. Founded five decades ago by Dr. Hildegard Messenbaugh, this centre has been providing essential services to those aged 14 to 21 who lack the skills to live independently.
## A Legacy of Resilience and Healing
Born in present-day Serbia, Messenbaugh and her family were forced into concentration camps during World War II. After being liberated by the Allies in 1945, they immigrated to the United States. Sadly, Messenbaugh's father passed away before receiving immigration papers. Despite these hardships, Messenbaugh's resilience shone through, as she went on to graduate from Nazareth College as the class president and later attended the UR School of Medicine and Dentistry on a full scholarship.
## The Power of Trauma-Informed Care
Central to the work of the Third Way Center is Messenbaugh's "Six Boxes" methodology, a structured approach to treating trauma in steps. This holistic approach emphasizes understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and providing supportive environments that promote healing and safety. The center employs evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help youth process and manage their experiences.
## Real-life Transformations
One such transformation can be seen in the story of Brendan Bartic, a successful real estate broker and entrepreneur. At the age of 14, Bartic was on the fast track to federal prison due to his abusive father and bipolar schizophrenic mother. He found himself avoiding home and falling into a harmful crowd, leading him down a path of crime. Bartic was given one chance to turn things around and reside and receive treatment at the Third Way Center. With the help of counselors, he faced his trauma and moved from Pontiac House, a residential treatment program, to a more independent spot as he progressed through phases of treatment. Today, Bartic is a testament to the centre's transformative power, serving as the president of the Center's volunteer board and hosting career-shadowing opportunities for Third Way teens.
## A Community's Commitment to Youth
Engaging with local communities and schools is crucial for an organization like the Third Way Center. This could involve training staff in trauma-informed practices, providing workshops for parents and guardians, and advocating for policies that support youth mental health. By addressing the trauma behind troubled teen behavior, rather than just the behavior itself, the Third Way Center continues to make a significant impact in the lives of young people and the Denver community as a whole.
For more specific details about the Third Way Center, including its history, programs, and services, I recommend visiting their official website or contacting them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The Third Way Center, rooted in Denver, Colorado, extends its services beyond mental health challenges to encompass holistic health-and-wellness, recognizing the critical role of trauma-informed care in supporting youth. Dr. Hildegard Messenbaugh's legacy, born out of adversity during World War II, emphasizes the power of science-backed therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in enabling transformative healing.
