bartleby_bartender

They might mean that surviving the abuse made them realize how strong they were. They may have also formed supportive relationships with the counselors or other teens that helped with their depression. None of that begins to justify the physical abuse. And yes, marching people to exhaustion is 100% abusive and a popular brainwashing technique cults use.

It's actually really common for abusive relationships/situations to offer some benefits. That's how they lure people (or their bill-paying parents) in and keep them from leaving until it's too late.

Did the counselors try to publicly humiliate the students or get them to shame/police each other?

I read about it online, and it's a super common tactic for cults and abusers.