One of the Clearview Students
Tells Their Story 

Although at the beginning I wasn’t sure, and there were times when I had my doubts, I know now that this program has helped me in many ways. My entire life, both within the program, and outside of it with my friends and social life, provided a new lifestyle and a different aspect of life that I really learned from. 

Moving across the country, making a whole new set of friends, going back to high school, and adapting to a new family and new life all “increased my comfort zone” very much. I think the changes in themselves made me a stronger, more adaptable person and I am much more able to deal with change. Also, the program gave me the chance to really act my own age and experience the high school life that I never would have experienced had I not ended up here. I made friends that I would not have befriended in my old lifestyle. Basically, I opened my mind and found real friends. 

Living here for the past almost 11 months has made me a much stronger person physically, mentally, emotionally, and morally. I have changed so much it’s hard to think of how I was before I came to Clearview. I have worked on the many aspects of making myself healthier and stronger and, therefore, happier. I have had the chance to really think about who I am and what I believe in. Right now I have a strong grip on myself and know myself more than ever before. I feel comfortable with who I am and I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone anymore, whereas I used to think that I had to use drugs, friends, relationships, etc., to gain respect for myself. I’m happy with myself and I know now that I deserve more than I used to expect for myself. Now that I have realized this, I think that I can handle relationships, friends, family and life in general much better. 

I'm not afraid to stand up for myself. In fact, these days it’s hard for me not to stand up for myself. Now that I’m happy with myself and my life, I have a lot more fun. I try things that I wouldn’t have tried before, and I want to really live my life now, really experience life to it’s fullest. I’m ready to go out and try everything I’ve always wanted to try! 

I have learned so much this year about so many things. Mary Thielbahr, my mentor, has taught me so much about relationships, friendships, family, life and men. I just hope I remember it all when I need it! 

This year has been a really good experience and I have grown from it. Even though it wasn’t all fun and games. I’m glad it happened. 

Clearview Parents
Tell Their Stories

To Whom It May Concern: 

I have been very pleased with the way my daughter has responded to the mental therapy, home environment, socialization process, and overall concern and attention given to her by Mary Thielbahr of the Clearview program. My daughter began the program as a withdrawn, sullen fourteen year old, using deception and cunning to manipulate and control her environment. She is now blossoming, exhibiting a burgeoning positive attitude, is more open with her feelings, and has learned that all actions do indeed have consequences for which we all must take responsibility. She is now earning back the respect of her family. Her main focus no longer being simply on herself, but rather on how to work together as a whole to get a job worth doing done well. 

I can’t express how much I appreciate my daughter’s new, open, up-front positive attitude and seeing how her priorities have changed so entirely. Her grades are back up to the level they were prior to her involvement with drugs, alcohol, and abusing ‘friends.’ Her confidence is gradually coming back, and her sense of self-esteem increases daily. She is also much more responsible regarding the saving and spending of money. I attribute all of this to the time she has spent in the Clearview program. 

I appreciate Mary Thielbahr’s weekly telephone calls to communicate with me and to update me on the progress my daughter has made scholastically, socially, with regard to her extracurricular sports activities, and within the Sandpoint community at large, and to let me know of the direction she plans on taking my daughter in the weeks ahead. My other daughter and I have visited the program and have all participated in family therapy with Mary, which always is a valuable tool in the overall heath and personal understanding within the family unit. 

Overall, I cannot give a higher ‘thumbs up’ to the Clearview program, set in the beautiful northern Idaho community of Sandpoint on Lake Pend ’Oreille, and to its director, Mary Thielbahr and the effect she and her program have had upon my daughter, and therefore, upon the healing of our whole family. 

Sincerely, 

Marta Vinnedge
Seattle, Washington 

January 4, 1998

To Whom It May Concern: 

I enrolled Karla in a wilderness program pending the successful completion of that program I would make the “next step” decision for Karla. During the time Karla was in the wilderness program I did the research for her next placement. I consulted with a well respected educational counselor in Seattle. I asked for recommendations from the local mental health agencies. In each case Clearview residential treatment program was the recommendation. 

Mary Thielbahr provided professional credentials and experience. Clearview is a residential facility that is located in a serene, peaceful setting. It offers a controlled, structured environment providing one-on-one as well as group therapy and family counseling. Mary advised that Karla undergo both physical and mental testing/screening. We were looking for possible chemical imbalances as well as possible psychological problems. Karia had such large self-esteem issues and we were looking for ways to explain the motivation behind her self-destructive and hostile acts. With Mary’s advice and guidance much has been revealed. 

A year ago I would not have believed we could come so far. The expense has been well worth it. The combination of an accurate mental diagnosis, controlled medication, therapy, and a nurturing environment has improved Karla’s chance for normalcy. She is well on her way to learning to deal with and face her problems giving her a new sense of self-confidence and an ability to move forward past the past. 

Sincerely, 

Doug D. Howell