The Journey of emotional development is unending – but the process is never more evident nor pivotal than during adolescence. In this brief and volatile period of every life the conclusions and influences of childhood are cemented into the patterns and behaviours of adulthood. For good or ill, adolescence is the unique window of time where we translate our childhood understandings into the attitudes and beliefs that shape our adult decision-making. As any observer of society knows, without guidance, misinformed or uninformed children can become confused and despondent or even desperate and dangerous adults. However, the right insights delivered in the right way at the right time can make all the difference.The Gem Journey (a programme from TSI International) is a highly effective tool, combining the ancient art of storytelling and ageless moral principles with the best insights of modern psychology and sociology. This engaging and captivating experience sidesteps the attitudes and prejudices of the young listeners and speaks to them on a deep and intuitive level.

Through the universally familiar method of a good story, well told – often before they know it – the young people taking the Gem Journey are drawn into an open and receptive state where the concepts and challenges that each story contains can take root and begin to affect change.

As the programme unfolds and the Journey works its magic the listeners begin to grow in confidence. Young men and women transform from angry and combative adolescents into honest and reflective young adults. Many of the nagging and fearful questions left hanging in their minds from childhood are answered and the resulting clarity provides fertile ground where self acceptance, self discipline and hope can flourish.

As a preventative measure, averting a whole raft of emotional and behavioural difficulties, the Gem Journey is unparalleled. Although many have tried to copy the style or method – no one gets the same results, and schools and organisations throughout New Zealand continue to reap the benefits of partnering with TSI in this programme.

As part of the wider emotional health sphere the Journey helps young people to emerge from adolescence ready to take responsibility for their actions, and able to be confident as individuals and proactive and positive as members of society. The gift that the Journey provides to those who take it, truly is of greater worth than gold.

Ron Phillips, Author and Originator of the Gem Journey has worked with over 18,000 groups and countless families and individuals over the last twenty years. Ron is now in the process of training the next generation of facilitators who take the Journey, share the Journey and then guide others on the Journey. Currently schools throughout Auckland have groups running and over 400 schools around the country are using ‘Gemstones’ a version of the Journey for primary students.