Sep 9, 2026
What is it like to return to Mountain Valley Treatment Center as an intern after once being a client? James Norris first arrived at Mountain Valley in 2021 after social anxiety had begun to derail his life. Emerging from the isolation of the pandemic, he struggled with social situations, college tours, advocating for his needs, and imagining a successful transition to college. Although James did not want to spend his final summer before college in residential treatment, Mountain Valley gave him a welcoming community where therapy extended beyond the clinician’s office. Through exposure work and everyday challenges, he practiced facing discomfort, managing conflict, speaking up for himself, and moving forward even when anxiety told him to avoid.
James’s progress was not a straight line. After initially doing well in college, anxiety, depression, and executive-functioning difficulties contributed to a significant setback that required him to step away and seek additional support. Now studying psychology at the University of Rochester, James returned to Mountain Valley as a residential counselor intern, helping young people facing many of the same fears he once experienced. His story offers families an honest look at Mountain Valley’s approach: anxiety may not disappear, but exposure, community, practical support, and the courage to keep trying can help young people develop confidence, independence, and resilience.
Zack’s Hack: In this week’s anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Dr. Brene Brown who is a researcher, storyteller and author.
Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.