Parent Testimonials
Parents of our clients frequently write to thank us for our work with their child and to share how their Catherine Freer experience has had a profound impact on their lives.
Please read below to hear from parents that have utilized our program as a solution for their troubled teen. If you would like to speak to a family of a graduate, please call us at (800) 390-3983 and we will be happy to provide you with phone numbers of parents who have agreed to be references.
Praise for Catherine Freer
"I sent my son to Catherine Freer and it has had a lasting impact on his life. He has had some setbacks but he will always utilize the skills and self-awareness that he learned from his experience. I only wish that I would have kept him in an out-patient treatment (regular counseling, etc) and kept tighter boundaries with him. Now that my son is an adult he told me that he believes that the key to staying focused is letting go of old friends and establishing a new group of friends with his new core values. I wish every family had access to the Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Program. Love it!" - Donna H. (January 2010)
"Our son's transition back home has been going very well. We spent the first few days disconnected from the world enjoying family time. He has shared a lot of his experience while away and seems to be very confident in his convictions of staying clean and sober. He has reached out to a very select set of friends and we had a small bowling party with four of them. It was great to see him happy again. He also reached out to a few of his other friends that he knew were users and let them know that he valued the friendships but could not be friends if they continued to use. He has returned to his school and I received multiple calls from faculty about how they were impressed with the change they saw in him. We are very thankful for the impact the Freer program has had on his life and we look forward to continued success." - Ian P. (January 2012)
"Our daughter has been doing very well since leaving Freer. She has maintained sobriety and is going to school. Thanks for everything you have done for our family." - Kelly J. (January 2012)
"I can't believe that it has been a year and a half since Christian came home. I want to thank all of the Catherine Freer staff for the work you did with him. He has been such a joy to have back with the family since attending the program. Now he is a freshman in High School and has had a 4.0 all year. I truly believe that without the intervention of your program that he would not be doing so well now and our family would be suffering immensely. The benefits that families get from all of your hard work will last them a lifetime, and then some. I no longer fear for Christian's future, or where he will end up, because I know that wherever it is it will be good. I am so elated to see him happy and successful again. " - Danielle G. (April 2011)
"If I have learned anything over the last few years it is never to give up on the ones you love the most. Thanks to Catherine Freer and many others, and even thanks to our son, the chaos and anxiety and worry actually go away. Ryan made some huge transformations (he is still a 17 year old!) over the last eight months and was able to use the tools he learned from Freer and others to make some life changes that he knew he had to do to keep what was important to him. Our family learned so much along the way, and now we are back to living. Our family is truly whole (maybe different than we thought things would turn out but whole). I am here to tell you, if we had not all done what we had to do, I honestly believe the outcome would have been devastating. Anyway, Ryan is working 20 or more hours a week and is loving it. And most importantly, there is no anger, no depression, no blaming, no manipulation, and on and on there too. Thanks so much. You are all are very near and dear to our hearts." - Craig W. (March 2011)
"Ben's transformation is changing slowly as he takes more risks to trust his family, is doing more of his work at school, and stretching himself through marching band and now the boys swim team. Progress is like you said it would be: two steps forward and one step back. A very HUGE hug and THANK YOU for all you did to help Ben!" - Kim R. (Feb. 2011)
"I am writing to thank you again for all that you did for my family. My son spent the summer of 2006 with you in wilderness therapy an angry, drug using and depressed kid. Now 4 years later, he finished high school on time and has finished his fall semester of his junior year in College. There have been a few ups and downs, but he is definitely making strides every year in growing into a mature, responsible man. It took almost two years after his experience for him to say to me, "I probably wouldn't be here if you didn't send me to 'the woods'." I am thankful every day that I made the decision to send him to Freer for treatment, one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. This program works and I pray for all of the people who worked so hard to give me back the wonderful person my son is. I hope that every parent with a child having problems finds the Catherine Freer Program and the help their child doesn't know they need. Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!" - Brab R. (Dec. 2010)
"I just wanted to send you a quick follow up on Thomas. He is doing really well right now. He is finishing the first term of his senior year with good grades. He is still being randomly tested and has continued to test negative every time. His resentment at the restrictions has gone down significantly. We all went snowboarding last weekend, and I realized how much fun it is not to be worried whether he was going to smoke before boarding or not. Thank you for all you did--his growth seems to have actually continued since leaving the program." Paul Q (Dec. 2010)
"We are so grateful to Catherine Freer, everyday and every way, as we have gotten our young man back with the light in his eyes that used to be there. I know there is supposed to be a honeymoon period and that I expect some bumps, but we navigated the first one well, and I do not have the feeling that there is a large shoe waiting to drop hanging over my head. Again, our appreciation for the hard work you do!" - Tracy W. (Sept. 2010)
"He is doing so awesome! His attitude has changed so much and is much, much better. His principal even stated that he was a completely different boy! I just wanted to thank you all for all the help you have given us! And, Joe really misses being out there in the wilderness...." - Joseph (July 2010)
"I wanted to share how helpful the family meetings are. Listening to the other kids and parents, and your interactions with them, is an excellent way to gain perspective--sometimes it is easier to make critical observations of others because it inevitably leads to introspection about your own behavior. It is especially helpful to listen to the kids. It helps to understand the immaturity and how important it is to take that into consideration when dealing with our daughter." - Kim (July 2010)
"We want to thank Catherine Freer for everything you all did. Our son has returned to us a different boy. He has been sober for 117 days now. He has returned with communication skills that are helping our entire family. He is courteous, kind and loving. We are delighted to have him in our home and amazed at the miracle that has taken place with him. Thank you!" - Jennifer G. (Dec. '09)
"It has been 7 months since my son came home from his "trek" with your staff and I have to tell you that we brought home a wonderful kid. He has been such a joy, every minute with him I treasure! He has passed every drug test (about 2X per month) with flying colors and has even given up smoking cigarettes.
He has all A's and B's on his report card and now is interested in going to college. His dream is to be a counselor at Catherine Freer. He recently got his drivers license and is hoping to get a car soon. He loves life and is such an upbeat person to be around. He is a junior this year and he is spearheading a "Sobriety Group" on campus. He has begun to put together the code of conduct and goals for this group at school and is wearing a "I'm Drug Free" bracelet every day.
I am amazed and so happy that this has jump-started a positive direction for my son. I can't thank you and your staff enough.
I am hoping you will pass on this message to all who remember him (he was there 2/15 through 3/7/09). His counselors were such an inspiration to him. Thank you for all you have done for our family!" - Maribeth B. (October 22, 2009)
"The next time you see some sad Mom that wonders if she's doing the right thing, tell her I said GO FOR IT. We dropped Tyler off on Mother's Day two years ago, and it was the beginning of a whole new life for all of us. It didn't happen instantly. Nor was the path always forward....sometimes we went backwards. But we got there - we're a family again. Just tell them to have hope!" - Vanessa S. (Feb. 2009)
"It will soon be six months since Danielle has left "the woods". She recently told one of my friends that Freer was the best thing she has ever done. She is applying for colleges and has written about her wilderness therapy in her college essays. Danielle fills her time going to AA meetings and working with a new sponsor. She continues with her drug and alcohol counselor and is seeing a counselor to work on other issues. Thanks so much to the Freer staff for saving Danielle's life." - Renee L. (Jan. 2009)
"My son has come home a man, with his heart in tact and his head on straight. I have no illusions about the future, but I am hopeful and optimistic. He is truly a sweet and wonderful person. Thank you for helping him see that!" - Deborah M. (Jan. 2009)
"I can't express how great it was to see our son and how appreciative we are for the wonderful care, nurturing and therapy he's been receiving - it's obvious and amazing to see his progress. Please convey to staff our heartfelt appreciation for the work they've done... He asked me to post an update on his myspace account, 'Cameron will be away for awhile at a rehab therapy program; he said to tell you he's doing fine, is sober: no drugs, alcohol or nicotine.' " - Nancy M. (Dec. 2008)
"I am blessed to see Ben in a better place than last June. He seems happy in school, home and in some of his independence. Whether he knows it or not, he is applying some of what he encountered about himself this summer. He is a gifted and talented young man and I believe again, that his experience this summer was a tool of great value in his life and mine." - Pat. T. (Nov. 2008)
"Our daughter is doing fantastic. She is well adjusted and really has things under control." - Rob K. (Nov. 2008)
"Brian came home and immediately broke off the relationships he had with the boys on his list. He is attending regular AA meetings. He joined the tennis, basketball and bowling, teams. (He was not interested in sports last year.) Brian is a complete joy to have around. We eat together, hang-out occasionally and have a lot of laughs. Our house rules have been followed to the letter. We haven't had one disagreement. Brian still wears his hair back and kept his beard and never takes off the beaded necklace he made which is a reminder to him not to relapse. His new look, I believe, was a way for him to reinvent himself and as it has turned-out, he's very proud to be straight. Brian has always been blessed to be a very popular kid. One of his friends told me that because of his popularity other kids are thinking that being straight is kinda cool too. Of course we are still in the honeymoon period but regardless Catherine Freer was life changing for Brian. And while it's day by day, I am hopeful and thankful for all that Catherine Freer has done for us." - Fleta C. (Oct. 2008)
"I just wanted to send along a note of thanks to you and the CF staff on behalf of Silvia and I for all you have done for Jordan. We had some great laughs together listening to Jordan's stories about his time in the wilderness and while he was out on his solo while we were driving home. I am sure that this was an experience that he will always remember...Jordan is doing very well and is still maintaining his desire to stay clean and to hang out with friends that share that desire. We are doing our best to gradually trust him as we begin to slowly grant some privileges back to him. We are SO glad to have him back home!" - Mike C. (August 2008)
"I want to thank all of you sincerely for the work that you did with Troy these past two months. I know that much hard work with these kids yields some dramatic changes; however, I wasn't totally prepared for the young man that you sent back to me on Monday. Many layers of "stuff" have been removed to reveal the truly unique and wonderful person we know Troy to be. We had just not seen in many years. I far as I'm concerned, I have witnessed a miracle right before my eyes. I know that many people have been involved in this transformation, some of which I am not aware. So, I won't name any names here, but rather to let all of you know that I am so pleased with the results. Further more, it has validated all of the work we did with him as he was growing up, since the person that has been revealed is a culmination of all the family experiences in his life. This is a great feeling compared with how I felt a few months ago. I know that life is a fluid process and that there will again me many more challenges, but I feel that we are now ready to face those challenges. You have all added to the healing process of our family, and for that I am deeply and sincerely grateful. May all of you be blessed in your own lives knowing that you have done much to help others, our family included." - Adrian T. (August 2008)
"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You and everyone who has worked with Lauren have made a difference in our lives! Words cannot describe how lucky we feel that you and your staff came into Lauren's life." - Ed P. (August 2008)
"My daughter attended your program last August. She is having great success with life and school since she returned from the program. The program literally saved my daughters life and future. For that I will always be grateful." Lisa F. (June 2008)
"I want to thank all of you for your amazing program and for supporting Scott. It truly was a life changing experience for all of us. Tomorrow is his one year anniversary of leaving the program and I am happy to report that he has a bright future ahead." - Laura A. (June 2008)
"Our son has received and accepted an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. We certainly never imagined this future for him. Four years ago there was no college in his future and he insisted on making all his own rules. He has come a long way. We are proud of his focused hard work, his determination to live his dream, and very happy for him that it has reaped the rewards he envisioned." Virginia B. (May 2008)
"Connor is doing really well. He is a different person than he was before he went to Catherine Freer. He runs 4-6 miles every day, is passing all his classes in school and has passed all the UA' s he has taken. He is happy most of the time and has learned to manage his moods and his behavior...thanks and keep up the good work. It definitely changed our lives." Karen S. (Feb. 2008)
"Things could not be going any better. Matt will be graduating with a 3.75 GPA. He is going to community college and will start regular college in the fall. His head is in a really good place and Matt seems to be trending in the right direction. Our family dynamics are also trending in the right direction. We wanted to not only give you an update but also thank you for all your guidance. Even though we sometimes challenged you and weren't sure of your advice, you were right on on all of your evaluations and suggestions. Part of Matt's success is due to you. We know we still have a long way to go, but Matt is trending in the right direction and everyone from himself to us and the people at his new school are confident of his ability to be successful...The Freer team really made a difference. We just wanted to thank you for all the help and guidance you gave our family. It is important for you to know you made a positive impact on all our lives." Scott Z. (Jan. 2008)
"Please express from me a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Freer. You and they are awesome!! You all have made such a positive impact on Danny's and our lives." Evelyn G. (Dec. 2007)
"THANK YOU to Catherine Freer... we have our daughter back! I know it is the "honeymoon" period, but Kristina is a new girl and we are enjoying every second with her. I can't say thank you enough." Lorna B. (Dec. 2007)
"I was extremely impressed with the changes I saw in my child and the other children in just 21 days. I never expected to see the progress we did in such a short amount of time." (July 2007)
"My son is like a different person. Thanks." (July 2007)
"I would highly recommend C. Freer!" (July 2007)
"This experience was an incredible one for our daughter. Although we still have a lot of work, she is definitely in a different place…We are so impressed with how your program worked for Katrena. She continually talks about how she admires the staff who were out there with her." Tracy (April 2007)
"Since leaving the Catherine Freer program in May of '06, our son has made good solid progress….Ryan has matured and become accountable for his actions over time. He has set up goals for himself and has been very open about everything he has done in the past. Thanks for all your support and for getting Ryan through the first steps. Your staff has meant much to our family and I am grateful that we were able to find Catherine Freer to help me turn my son around." Greg G. (Feb. 2006)
"I wanted to let you know that your wilderness program that my daughter experienced while she was an angry and surly 16-year old has stayed in her heart and soul. She is now 20 and is in her third year of college….Although she had many more wild and crazy adventures following her expedition, something changed within her about two years later. I believe that the wilderness experience continues to have a profound effect on every decision that she makes…. She is a loving and passionate young adult, and is grateful that we tried so hard to help her. Thank you." Sue D. (September 2006)
"I have waited these past seven months to write about my son's experiences and results to give us time to see the outcome before jumping to conclusions soon after his return home in December. Jacob has done extremely well…I place two important reasons for this positive outcome, first and most importantly the impact of your program. Jacob resisted the group process but came to believe and work within the system because of what your counselors practice — therapy, respect, consistency, accountability, communication and follow-through. The second reason for his success is our follow-through. …Jacob is proud that he attended the Catherine Freer Program. Surprise to us but he has worn his t-shirt regularly since he returned home. He is not ashamed and he is proud of the snow camping and backpacking. He has pictures from the expedition framed and up in his room. I am proud of Jacob…Thank you for supporting us and being available at such a critical time in our lives." Michelle M. (August 2006)
"One year ago, our family was in ruins. My heart was breaking and I had no idea when or how I'd see our son again. One year later life for all of us has resumed with a future so bright. From the depths of our souls...Thank you so much." - Jeff H. (Aug. 2006)
"Jon is really doing well. He is going to AA seven days a week. He sees a therapist at least three times a week…I wish that you could see Jon now. He really came back a different person. THANK YOU for giving us a chance and for giving Jon the skills and desire to want to live drug free." Cyna C. (June 2006)
"What a great few weeks we've had with Sam. It was so wonderful to see him come home so openhearted. He continues to share his feelings freely and has so many healthy communication skills it's astounding. He's had observations about family dynamics and suggestions that are astute and helpful. He is sharing his journals-reading them aloud page by page and what a gift that is. We are so impressed by the insights in them…. You should know that he still sleeps in his Freer sleeping bag. He says nothing else is quite as comfortable!" Christina M. (June 2006)
"I am writing to thank you for your phenomenal work with our son on his expedition. I can't thank you enough for guiding him through some very difficult emotional issues. He has made a tremendous amount of progress and I feel that he was able to do that with your support and insight. We are so thankful for all of you and for your willingness to sacrifice your comfort and much of your "normal" daily lives to go out there in the heart of the trees and help our children connect with themselves and their families…. You will be in my prayers and thoughts as you continue to guide more expedition participants through the darkness and back into the light. PS- My husband has already shared Catherine Freer as a resource to other friends with teenagers that may need help." Janice A. (May 2006)
"I think our son is really going to make an effort to make changes in his life. The expedition is has been a critical factor in his change. You have a wonderful program going on there. The talent, care and dedication are very apparent in each of you. I was so very impressed with the skill with which you conducted the group process. I found your therapist very eloquent. He peeled away the barriers and defenses of not only my son but also all of the children there with care, respect and concern. It is a talent to be able to gain trust and understanding of such a group. I am grateful for all that the Catherine Freer team has done for our son and our family. I realize we have work ahead of us but we are all working together being supportive and positive. We feel that we caught our son before he slipped away from us entirely. Thank you for your help." Louise H. (May 2006)
"It was very encouraging for me to talk about how far both my son and I have come since his expedition almost two years ago. I am so grateful for this program! I got my son back, and now he is growing up to be a fine responsible young man. I know that there will always be challenges, but they aren't nearly as scary as they used to be! If EVER I can give back to this program in any way please let me know! Lisa O. (April 2006)
"We're so happy to report that our daughter went on expedition going on two years now and has remained free from drugs - and her drug of choice was meth. She went on to college, is gainfully employed and changed her life. She still cannot say enough good things about the life-changing impact Catherine Freer made on her life." Ken and Tracey G. (April 2006)
"We feel fortunate to have Catherine Freer serving the youth community, especially during the critical moments and stages when they need assistance. All the staff in Catherine Freer and Santiam Crossing should be proud of the important role they are playing and the services they are providing to the youth community. Bravo! The Oregon community is proud to having you with us. Keep up the good work and your passions for the youth, my friends!" Peter L. (April 2006)
