Therapeutic Approaches (1)

The Circle of Courage promotes Native American ideals incorporating universal values which, if achieved, lead to sound mental health and social behavior. Educational and rehabilitation programs use many strategies to help children and youth attain the core ideals. The importance of the ideals to the self is suggested by the Circle.  The four colors of the circle represent four races that are, in fact, one.

Belonging is the first of the ideals. The emotionally healthy and behaviorally appropriate individual must be able to identify with and relate to others. Mastery is the second ideal: each person must be able to accomplish basic tasks in order to feel worthy and maintain good self-esteem. The third ideal is Independence . Independence follows logically from Mastery and enables the individual to set, pursue and attain personal goals. The fourth ideal is Generosity . The person who is fulfilled has "extra" that he or she can give to others. Ultimately, then, altruism identifies the person who is emotionally and behaviorally stable.

Used with permission from
Circle of Courage,
PO Box 57 Lennox, SD 57039.
Artist: George Blue Bird

The Circle of Courage has recently been advocated by Drs. Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steven VanBokern of the Reclaiming Youth Network, an organization that promotes effective interventions for troubled and troubling children and youth, including LSCI.  The Circle of Courage has gained national attention and has been adopted by numerous schools, agencies, and organizations.