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New
Perspectives -
Jan, 2000 Issue #65
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New
Lifestyles, Inc.
Winchester, VA
540-722-0223
Sandra Delano Cuave, Administrative Director
“New Lifestyles is a great place for the 18-26 year old postsecondary young
woman or man! Although bright (average to above average intelligence), our students generally have self- esteem and related problems,
including social, interpersonal, career, educational and/or nonverbal learning disabilities. In some cases, these problems are due
to an attention deficit disorder, verbal and/or non verbal learning disabilities. In other cases, these young adults simply have trouble
keeping up with parents and siblings who are on a more successful track. In any case, our students are often unsure about themselves
and their future.”
Established in 1985, New Lifestyles teaches young adults how to take control
and manage their lives by emphasizing attitude and life competencies, utilizing a cognitive-behavioral model. They teach OPTIMISM
and SELF-CONFIDENCE in order to instill a belief in oneself and counteract learned helplessness.
Life competencies such as assertiveness, time and anger management, problems
solving, and organizational interpersonal and interpersonal skills are taught through group instruction and discussion. “Our entire
program is an in-vivo, or real life learning experience. Life coaches and mentors develop competencies by modeling. They also provide
feedback and opportunities for on-the-spot correction and practice. Our methodology and emphasis on social relationships yields a
STRONG PEER SUPPORT network with opportunities to practice our social skill instruction.”
Guidance in career exploration and personal decision-making is provided through
a process in which strengths, weaknesses, interest, and personality traits are examined. “We then help create a Vision of the Future
and a simple-to-follow life pattern that includes life goals and steps to attain those goals.” They also offer assistance in finding
a job or work internship experience, and provide the necessary support in order to maintain the job. Shenandoah University and Lord
Fairfax Community College are available to those wishing to attend college, and New Lifestyles, Inc. has tutorial and study support
specific to the individual’s cognitive needs. They also provide additional instruction in independent living skills to those still
unsure about living on their own.
“Many young adults find increasing expectations after high school; management
of their own lives remains overwhelming and issues of anxiety and depression can develop. For these individuals, New Lifestyles provides
expert clinical assessment and psychotherapy. In clinical assessment, we identify the interface between the neurological aspects of
attention deficit disorder, verbal learning disabilities, and nonverbal learning disabilities, as well as emotional and behavioral
issues. With an understanding of young adulthood concerns, we help our therapy clients disentangle the confusing relationships that
have developed between difficulties in focusing, fear of failure, low frustration tolerance and avoidance. Therapeutic technique is
adjusted for cognitive/learning preferences.”
New Lifestyles is located in Winchester, Virginia about an hour from Dulles
International Airport and the Washington, D.C. Beltway. “Our community has the ambiance of a smaller town but with many of the conveniences
and attractions of larger metropolitan areas. Program participants benefit and experience life in a friendly and safe yet stimulating
environment.”
Copyright © 2000, Woodbury Reports, Inc. (This article may be reproduced without
prior approval if the copyright notice and proper publication and author attribution accompanies the copy.)
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