I would think that once his spirit is healed, the others will come into place. Does he have issues w/ the physical aspects of writing?

I think if he's learning things that he wants to learn, getting the message that someone loves him and has listened to him, and is willing to give him a chance, is gold. Don't think of it as he is winning, think of it as getting what he needs. After he's had some time to find himself, learning about things he wants to learn, you can see where he is and he may be more in a frame of mind to buy into what you are selling.