In Lieu of Therapists, Benchmark Opts for "Coaches"

[psy]

Well, i did come earlier. I just remember there selling point was that they where people who have delt with the issues i had and got better so they knew what to do. Infact dina always said 'i wouldn't ask you to do something that i haven't already done myself'.

I remember that being said as well.  I just don't remember them telling myself or my parents (or anybody i've talked to) that they weren't licensed. That would have been the end of it right there for me if they had.  I mean...  from a marketing point of view it's a kinda stupid thing to say regardless of what you're selling, especially if it isn't asked.

Even on there site they have councelers and psych's.

They have "coaches" working directly for the program (they stopped using the word "counselors" on their website a month before they sued me (and lost, and are going to have to pay attorney's fees for filing a frivolous and baseless lawsuit)).  As far as I know, the psychs on their site are not employed directly by the program and are instead paid directly by the parents.  That was the case with Mauer and Nelson when I was there and I doubt the practice has changed.

[Anonymous]

Vicki Jones was at Rocky Mountain Academy when I was there from 1991 to 1993.  She bought into the Rocky Mountain Academy therapy methods in raps.  The tone in raps was loud that Vicki and other RMA Staff facilitated.  It created an environment of "compliance in program through fear."

[Anonymous]

Paul "Steve" Ornelas, A.A., Ret. USMC
Primary Life Coach (ACSTH Certified)

Steve originally worked for Benchmark from May, 2002 to August of 2005. After a year in Texas as Director of Operations for Transitions of Galveston Island, he returned to Benchmark in July, 2006. He brings over 12 years experience in the field of emotional growth, which he attained at both Benchmark Young Adult School and through CEDU Family of Services. Along with his work experience, Steve brings with him an honorable military background where he went to the official school of hard knocks – the United States Marine Corps. Steve holds an A.A. Degree in Criminal Justice. His experience also includes raising four children, further adding to his qualifications. He has been working with young people for over 20 years in other realms such as coaching high school baseball and football. As a Primary Coach, he is responsible for managing a peer-group of approximately 10-12 students, facilitating their emotional growth and independent living curriculum, coaching the skills necessary to make significant changes in their lives, develop life skills and overcome drug/alcohol addiction. He also participates in extra-curricular activities, such as AA/NA meetings and off-property leisure activities. With his experience in coaching, Steve also runs the fitness program for Benchmark, teaching the students the importance of staying fit and having a well-balanced diet.I

I worked with Steve at Transitions of Galveston Island.  He was respectful to students but didn't demonstrate knowledge/teaching methods to help students with drug/alcohol addictions.

[Anonymous]

http://www.nextstepforsuccess.com/
Next Step for Success

Re: Questions about coaching training
Sunday, April 26, 2009 5:09 PM
From:
"Penelope Valentine" <pvalentine@everhigher.com>
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To:
"Bob Peterson" <bobpeterson1973@yahoo.com>
Hello Bob:
The recognition that the student receives from Next Step is a stand alone certification that permits one to have the designation of certified coach and has been approved by the ICF.  If a coach chooses to continue their training, they may apply our approved hours towards a higher degree recognized by ICF.  Much like the analogy of having an AA and then applying a transcript towards a higher degree.  To view what those are, please see the ICF website at www.coachfederation.org

No, we do not train in crisis intervention.  That is more of a therapeutic model that is not used by coaches - the ICF code of ethics governs that a coach would refer a client to a clinician should that be indicated.
 
Penelope

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Bob Peterson
    To: Penelope Valentine
    Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 9:18 AM
    Subject: Re: Questions about coaching training

    Is the certification by the International Coach Federation equivalent to an AA degree or Bachelors degree?  Do participants in Next Step for Success receive training in crisis intervention?

Re: Questions about coaching training
Saturday, April 25, 2009 9:33 PM
From:
"Penelope Valentine" <pvalentine@everhigher.com>
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To:
"Bob Peterson" <bobpeterson1973@yahoo.com>
Hello Bob:
Thank you for inquiry regarding our coach training.
 
I am not quite sure I understand your question.  We have set a passing score of 80% for the written.  We have two other factors that play into the final overall score:  the weekly assignments and practicum throughout the course, and the final practicum exam.  To clarify, are you not in agreement with the 80%?    We are equally interested in someone's demonstrated skill base as well as their book knowledge .
 
To date I have not had anyone score below 90 on the written and we have had close to 60 who have completed the course.
 
If you are interesting in learning more about our training course, I would love to have a conversation with you.  Just contact me to schedule a call.  Our next training is scheduled for September 2009.
 
Again, thanks for your inquiry.  Regards, Penelope

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Bob Peterson
    To: pvalentine@everhigher.com
    Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2009 1:29 PM
    Subject: Questions about coaching training

I am interested in becoming a Certified Coach and I currently work for a therapeutic boarding school.  However, I believe participants should pass the written examination at 92% or above.  Does your company plan to adjust the passing written examination score in the future?  

[try another castle]

Vicki Jones was at Rocky Mountain Academy when I was there from 1991 to 1993.  She bought into the Rocky Mountain Academy therapy methods in raps.  The tone in raps was loud that Vicki and other RMA Staff facilitated.  It created an environment of "compliance in program through fear."

That woman was downright creepy and annoying. Even when she screamed at you, you just kind of had to roll your eyes. She always struck me as the quintessential LGAT drone. Naive, impressionable, hypocritical.

[psy]

As far as I know, the Benchmark staff never received any sort of actual coaching license from the ICF (not that a "life coach certificate" means anything, as evidenced by penn and teller's bullshit episode on the subject).  All they did was take 30 hours of coursework which they seem to have invented a fancy abbreviation for ("ACSTH Certified") which stands for "Approved Coach Specific Training Hours".

Also, Bill Valentine, if you remember correctly, was good buddies with Mel Wasserman at CEDU.  He helped develop the parent seminars with Mel (from est and LifeSpring), according to a phone conversation I had with Penelope.  Their website used to credit Mel Wasserman for their phillosophy until I pointed it out, after which it was promptly deleted (but I have a screenshot).