The Boys Program is fashioned after a “Knights of the Round Table” theme of mutual trust and respect, creating a safe environment to promote growth from “serfdom” to “knighthood.” The metaphor of training to become a knight transforms the negative expectations of counseling (talking about painful things they would rather avoid) into a positive expectation of learning skills toward an end goal of overcoming the negative effects of their abuse. Knight School is designed to address the treatment needs of 6-18 year old boys who have been sexually abused.
The Knight School goals, presented as “knight skills”, are synonymous with the treatment goals for all Bethesda treatment programs. This program incorporates art, music, movement and education. This process makes healing achievable and enjoyable for children of varied learning styles.
Boys attend Knight School for one hour a week. They may be seen through group and/or individual sessions. Groups consist of members at various stages in the healing process allowing for peer support and mentoring toward the completion of their goals. The ultimate goals are to decrease chances for further victimization, and overcome the effects of sexual abuse to live safe and happy lives.