An Unchanged Mind: The Problem of Immaturity in Adolescence

Many of today's parents fear that their child will "fail to launch." Yet, the issues behind this phenomenon are not well-understood. Dr. McKinnon offers insight to why teens stall out, rebel, or escape rather than face growing up.Out of concern for a struggling teen, parents seek professional help. Yet, today's insurance and managed care systems often disallow or curtail the supportive approach they truly need. The medical treatment model works with a "fix-it" mentality, yet the ills of a struggling teen are not so simple that a pill is the answer. Dr. McKinnon explains this clearly and in ways that are important.Anyone raising children would benefit from reading this book. Dr. McKinnon offers rare insight from the world of private residential treatment. In communities, such as his, true healing occurs and the obstacles to maturity are gradually ameliorated. Parents and loved ones, gain new understanding, and can then help their children through clear limits and a relationship that is affirming of their worth. The result takes time, but what could be more important than saving a life and helping a young adult become productive for our society?Mina Steen

In a world seemingly full of advice for parents of troubled teens, this book is a true standout. John McKinnon does a masterful job of discussing the roots of the problems so many of our children face. As the parent of a former Montana Academy student, I was particularly interested in hearing John's views. They are dead on the mark. (By the way, if you are unwilling or unable to own your part of the "problem" you may not like this book very much. It will cut you no quarter in with regard to your role and duty as a parent to provide an environment for your children to grow up to be mature, responsible, empathic adults.) My only regret is that I didn't read this book before we took the long drive out to Lost Prairie. For those who can't afford the Montana Academy tuition (and it was worth every penny) this book could at least help you regain you bearings and offer a chance for constructive change in your family situation.

As a parent with a teen struggling in his Wilderness Therapy program, this book helped me "get it". I wish I had read this before he went. It clearly defines how teens get to this "out of control" point and lays out the methods used to help them change. If your child is in a program, reading this will help you to understand what they are doing and remain vigilant when times get tough. It is in those tough times that the real change happens. I am thankful for this book as my son is currentl in Wilderness. I only wish that there was a way to make excellent longer-term programs like Montana Academy affordable for parents with struglling teens. Clearly, the long-term benefits are evident. There should be a better way to demonstrate need and either get help from your health insurance or a greater tax benefit for intervening with the long-term health of your child.

Interesting book, full of things I already knew, but framed to reinforce what I already knew. Lots of anecdotal stories about adolescents and the Montana Academy, which was interesting, but at times sounded a bit like an advertisement. Still, if you're dealing with a challenging young teen, this is a good read.

I must have read dozens of books while my teenaged child was in wilderness three years ago. Then I read An Unchanged Mind and knew I had the insight I was looking for so I could understand why such a great kid was in catastrophic failure. I agree with the previous reviewers. This book gets at the cause and maps the way out. The writing is clear and accessible--free of jargon or any self-serving babble. Dr. McKinnon is extraordinary in his compassion and wisdom. I am deeply grateful that he wrote this book.

I am a parent who is deciding which school to send my son to. This book is written in such a way that it is easy for a layperson to understand. This is 'our story', and I hope that my family will be able to do the work we need to in order to help our son become a mature adult. The book clearly defines what steps need to be taken, and gives me great hope that normalcy is possible.

You will get the full picture of what is going with kids when they fail to progress as they enter their teens and are having a trouble adjusting to more responsibilities with impending adulthood. If you are having issues with a teen this a terrific book. There are also suggestions for additional reading. Great Read.

By far the best I've read on the subject of troubled teens. He has nailed my son with an intellectually thorough and clinically supported paradigm that simply makes good sense. He's also a lucid and compelling writer. I am more optimistic about outcome than I have been, as well as more patient and curious about the path. Highly recommended.

Must read for parents of teens or tweensStraightforward and common sense

If you have a troubled teenager at home you should read this book.

Really enjoying this informative guide