Homing Instinct
Join the Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hominginstinct Mentorship and coaching for teens and families from someone who has been through it, and gets it — a formerly "troubled teen" who is a healed and healthy adult. My name is Ciara, and as a teenager, I struggled with almost every “problem behavior” in the book — disordered eating, self-harm, multiple su***de attempts. I was diagn
11/05/2025
When your teen suddenly has to go somewhere — grabs the keys, steps out, says they “just need to get out” — it can seem impulsive, dramatic, or avoidant.
It’s emotional overwhelm. This is what’s going on ⬆️
06/10/2025
For some teen girls who are hurting, overwhelmed, or aching for connection - s*x can seem like the fastest way to feel valued, close, or seen.
We have to see what’s really going on - and start offering teens what they’re truly searching for: connection, safety, and a sense of self that doesn’t rely on being chosen.
07/24/2024
I was honored to share my story with Will White! His podcast explores the history and evolution of wilderness therapy as a modality for mental health. We discuss what is valuable and unique about wilderness therapy, and how it has informed my work with adolescents. Please give it a listen, and share with any parent, teen, or practitioner you think might appreciate :)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3RtM4kf7drnu7Q0EUc6Yy9?go=1&sp_cid=a88726d99161939db7015b57da57af9c&utm_source=embed_player_p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=696392ba5c414ee1
🌟 New Episode Alert! 🌟 From “Troubled Teen” to Transformative Mentor: Ciara Fanlo's Inspiring Journey
Join us for a powerful and eye-opening episode of "Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors" featuring the incredible Ciara Fanlo, founder of Homing Instinct. 🎙️🌲
Ciara's story is one of resilience and transformation. As a troubled teen struggling with depression and anxiety, she found hope and healing through wilderness therapy. In this episode, she shares how the immersive experience in nature was pivotal in her recovery, offering her new perspectives and coping mechanisms. However, she also candidly discusses the challenges and shortcomings she faced in a therapeutic boarding school, highlighting the pros and cons of different teen treatment programs.
Learn how Ciara uses her personal journey to provide tailored support and guidance to struggling teens, helping them discover their potential and find a sense of purpose. Her dedication to helping others navigate their challenges is truly inspiring.
Listen on any podcast platform or our website Storiesfromthefield.com.
🎧 Highlights:
• The transformative power of wilderness therapy
• Pros and cons of therapeutic boarding schools
• Insights into mentoring teens and young adults
• The founding of Homing Instinct and its mission
08/17/2023
Mad In America hosted a panel on revisiting and reimagining how we approach diagnosis and "disorder" in adolescents.
I had the honor of speaking alongside a mother who supported her son through crisis, and a brilliant child and adolescent psychiatrist!
Definitely worth a listen if you are interested in hearing inspirational messages about how we need to change the paradigm around mental health!
Family Panel Discussion Supporting a Child, Teen, or Young Person in Crisis Please join Mad in America for a special family panel discussion featuring guest speakers Ciara Fanlo, a recovered “troubled teen”; Morna Murray, a parent wh...
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