Private Teen Residentials — Frequently Asked Questions
How do we know whether this residential is appropriate for our child?
Teencamps-UK is designed for families who have already explored conventional routes — schools, therapy, boundaries at home — and are seeking a more focused, immersive intervention.
It is most appropriate for teenagers and young adults who feel stuck, disengaged, oppositional, withdrawn, or lacking direction. Every enquiry begins with a private consultation and suitability assessment. We work selectively and only proceed where this approach is genuinely appropriate.
What age range do you work with?
Residentials are typically offered to young people aged 14–25. In certain circumstances, we may work slightly outside this range, subject to maturity, safety, and suitability considerations discussed during consultation.
Is this a clinical or medical programme?
No. This is not a medical or psychiatric service.
The work is therapeutic, behavioural, and mentoring-led, focused on responsibility, routine, communication, motivation, and behavioural change. Where a young person requires acute psychiatric care, medical detoxification, or crisis intervention, we will advise alternative specialist services.
How is safety managed?
Safety is fundamental.
All residentials are delivered one-to-one, with clear safeguarding procedures, prior risk assessment, and appropriate supervision at all times. Activities and structure are carefully matched to the individual’s needs and capacity. Parents are fully briefed in advance regarding boundaries, expectations, and protocols.
Are parents involved?
Yes — parental involvement is essential.
While the residential itself is one-to-one with Damon, parents are involved through:
Pre-residential assessment and preparation
Ongoing communication during the stay
Structured post-residential follow-up
Sustainable change requires alignment at home, not just progress made during the residential.
What types of challenges do you work with?
We commonly work with families facing:
School refusal or disengagement
Loss of motivation or direction
Persistent family conflict
Oppositional or defiant behaviour
Excessive gaming or technology dependence
Anxiety-driven avoidance patterns
We do not accept placements involving active psychosis, high-risk self-harm, severe eating disorders, or conditions requiring continuous clinical supervision.
Where do the residentials take place?
Residentials are held in private, carefully selected locations used by Teencamps-UK in the UK and Spain. Exact details are shared during the booking process to protect confidentiality and safeguarding.
What does the residential involve day to day?
Each residential is bespoke. Typical elements include:
A clear daily structure and routine
Outdoor physical activity
Reflective conversation and mentoring
Practical life-skill development
Removal from unhelpful habits and influences
There is no group element. All work is conducted one-to-one.
What outcomes should we expect?
The focus is on:
Improved attitude and engagement
Clearer boundaries
Healthier communication
Renewed motivation and direction
This is not a quick fix. Meaningful change depends on follow-through at home, which is why post-residential parental support is included.
Can we speak with Damon before proceeding?
Yes. A private consultation is required before any placement is offered. This allows for a detailed discussion of your circumstances and ensures suitability on both sides.
What is the investment and what does it include?
The 7-day one-to-one residential is offered on a POA basis and includes:
Assessment and preparation
Accommodation and meals
Full residential programme
Written recommendations
Two post-residential follow-up sessions
Travel costs are not included.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes. All work is delivered personally and exclusively by Damon. Availability is limited and, at certain times of year, a waiting list may operate.
What is the assessment and booking process?
The process is deliberately straightforward:
Initial paid consultation
Suitability assessment
50% deposit to secure dates
Pre-arrival preparation
Residential begins
What is your cancellation policy?
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure dates. Full terms are provided and discussed transparently prior to booking.
How long has Teencamps-UK been running residentials?
The first residential programme was delivered in 2008. Damon has worked with teenagers, young adults, and families for over 26 years, delivering thousands of hours of direct, face-to-face work.
What experience underpins the work?
Damon is a trained psychotherapist and family behavioural consultant with extensive experience in counselling, mentoring, mediation, and behavioural work with adolescents and families. His work is informed by both professional training and long-term practical experience.
Do you work with international families?
Yes. We regularly work with families based internationally who require discreet UK or European residential support.
How do families typically approach their child about attending?
This is addressed during consultation. In most cases, positioning the residential as an opportunity — not a punishment — is key. We support parents in framing the conversation constructively and realistically.
Can we remain in contact during the residential?
Continuity is important. Direct contact is limited to avoid disruption; however, parents receive regular updates and may speak with Damon during the stay. Any direct contact with the young person is considered carefully and case-by-case.
Why should we trust you with our child?
We operate within a clear safeguarding and professional framework, including enhanced DBS checks and established child protection procedures. Trust is built through transparency, boundaries, and professional accountability — not promises.
This is a selective, one-to-one intervention for families seeking something beyond conventional solutions — delivered with discretion, experience, and care.
For over 26 years, I have worked privately with teenagers, young adults and their families in the UK and internationally, supporting hundreds of families through complex and sensitive transitions since 2000.