For Students

How Do I Know Penikese Is Right for Me?

As much as we would like to be able to tell you if Penikese is right for you, only you can decide what is best. Maybe you think it’s funny we say that since no one seems to care what you want and everyone is always telling you what to do. Well, you might not feel in control of much, you are in control of one thing, and that is deciding whether Penikese is best for you.

Some students react to this by saying, “OK, fine, but as far as I am concerned choosing between Penikese and some other program I don’t want to go to is not a choice.” This is an excellent point, but even if your only options are between two things you don’t want, you still have a choice. The difference might not be much, but there is usually something that makes one a better choice over the other. And then, there are people – like those who break the law and go to jail – who have no choice at all.

Actually, the choice between Penikese and some other option is less about Penikese and more about you and your readiness for change. In other words, Penikese is not right for you if you honestly believe that your problems and circumstances are caused entirely by others, you have nothing to learn or to work on, if you believe life owes you something, or that you just want to do time and go back to what you were doing before.

Penikese is right for you if you understand things haven’t been working out and that, even if this still has a lot to do with other people, you have some part in that. Penikese is right for you if you want to take charge of your life, learn how to work, break out of old patterns, and if you have reasonable goals to work towards like regaining the trust of your family and being able to live at home again.

Keep in mind that there is a big difference between wanting to do something and knowing you need to do something, and choosing to get started on that difficult and challenging process. Good luck, and if you have any questions, we encourage you to contact Pam Brighton, Clinical Director. Her email is , and her phone is 508.548.7276, x 205.

Frequently Asked Questions for Students
A Typical Day on Penikese
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