Building Connections: The Cornerstone of Black Mountain Academy's Support for Adolescents and Young Adults
For parents and professionals who work with young people, we know that the foundation of effective support in education and mental health lies in the quality of relationships forged between adults and young people. Today, with the unprecedented advances in online technology, all of us face new challenges in building connections with one another. Technology is not a negative thing in and of itself. However, the language of “connection” is often used in reference to social media and dilutes our sense of what connection really means. What children, families, schools, and communities need most is a deeply felt sense of being seen and valued by the people around us. Adolescents and young adults are navigating unique challenges today and genuine trusting relationships with adults provide a critical sense of safety and trust that leads to purposeful connection. In education, individualized learning is most effective when educators understand their students on a deeper level—knowing their strengths, interests, challenges, and learning styles. Likewise, with a therapist, a relationship built on genuine empathy and not giving up when facing difficult challenges supports a client to share their vulnerabilities, leading to a more impactful and relevant experience in therapy.
Strong trusting relationships also foster collaboration, which is essential for comprehensive learning and personal growth. Adolescents and young adults are managing complex tasks that come with ever evolving demands of their attention and time. They are navigating a wonderful and rich time of life that is full of discovery and exploration. At the same time, young people are navigating the complexity of identity development, searching for meaning and purpose, and making almost constant multifaceted decisions that directly impact their future. When connection and relationship are the priority, we create a critical foundation for navigating the joys and hardships of being an emerging adult. At Black Mountain Academy, our teachers work to be present and connected to each student so the learning environment is adapted to their needs and also inspires them to learn. Our therapists build trusting relationships that empowers our students to face life’s challenges with courage reinforced by a felt sense of genuine support. Knowing you are respected as an individual and knowing you are not alone foster the courage to forge your own path as a young person.
Ultimately, relationships are transformative for young people as well as us as parents, teachers, and caregivers. Being seen and heard by the adults and mentors in your life promotes emotional resilience, confidence, and self-efficacy. Relationships are protective factors for all of us as we weather the many ups and downs of life. When the adolescents and young adults we work with feel supported by the genuine care of their families and our team, they develop the self-efficacy and the confidence to face challenges and grow. For our team at Black Mountain Academy, the ability to build and sustain meaningful connections is not just an essential skill—it is an integral link to lasting change in the lives of the young people and families we serve. By prioritizing relationships, we create space where young people can thrive, both academically and emotionally now and well into their future.
Brandon Moffitt, LCMHC, Executive Director
