STORY 12
SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS: A TEEN STORYTherapeutic Characteristics
Problems Addressed
■ Fear
■ Anxiety
■ Indecision
■ Being out of your depth
■ Dependency
■ Being caught in unfamiliar territoryResources Developed
■ Letting go
■ Accepting advice
■ Following directives
■ Independence
■ Discovering new resources and abilities
■ Being in the moment
■ Finding empowermentOutcomes Offered
■ Letting go of the past
■ Conquering fear
■ Becoming independent
■ Focusing on new heights of achievement
■ Looking ahead
Dave had always loved the ocean, ever since he was knee-high to a crab. His family had vaca-
tioned at the beach for as long as he could remember, and you wouldn’t believe how excited he had
been at Christmas when he saw a gift-wrapped board-shape standing by the Christmas tree. He
couldn’t wait to get to the surf.
But when he did, something scary happened. Dave thought he knew the water well, but when
you’re on a board it can be different from when you are swimming. The board began to drift. It—
and Dave—were caught in the riptide that swept along the beach, out past the headland into the
deep, dark, cold waters behind the surf. Dave didn’t like it but didn’t know what to do. He felt pow-
erless against the current. Should he try to paddle out or go with it? Should he hang on to the board
or let go and swim for it?
Dave hung on until the current eased, leaving him “out the back”—far from shore and behind
terrifying, mountainous waves. He gripped the board tighter. This was a strange and frightening place
to be. Still, Dave didn’t know what to do. Should he put his hand up and call to the lifesavers for help?
64 Healing Stories, Teaching Stories