While the wilderness provides a therapeutic backdrop and impetus for behavioral change, clinical theory- and evidence-based practices address the unique developmental and    psychological needs of each student.

                             

            Our program values have been clinically designed to promote positive change, fostering feelings of           accomplishment and self-worth while developing new patterns of behavior. The integration of experiential activities offers opportunities for "peak experiences," key psychological moments of self-actualization and breakthrough insight.

Traditional Therapies

The peaceful landscape provides the perfect backdrop for our proven, traditional therapeutic methods: students participate in regular individual and group therapy sessions with seasoned therapists. The utilization of evidence-based therapeutic practices ensures positive outcomes, while the open, natural environment imparts lessons of resilience, trust and respect.

Proven Methodologies

Research has proven the success of wilderness and expedition interventions in helping troubled adolescents overcome psychological problems and change destructive behavioral patterns. Powerful lessons are learned on the trail as the wilderness becomes a compelling metaphor for struggles encountered in the "real world." Adventure activities trigger "peak experiences" and help students harness their own internal power and self-confidence. New patterns of maturity emerge as children begin developing our core values of teamwork, respect and accountability. In the process, they gain valuable insight and learn real-world skills for cultivating healthy behaviors and authentic relationships.

The Treatment Team

Upon admission, each student is assigned a therapeutic treatment team that provides ongoing support and pragmatically guides clinical decisions. The team consists of:

• A primary therapist
• A clinical supervisor
• A family therapist
• A group of field guides
• An equine specialist
• An academic advisor

Therapists perform an in-depth assessment for each arriving student and create an individualized treatment plan that builds upon each child's unique strengths and provides a framework for ongoing therapy. Each student meets with his or her primary therapist weekly for one-on-one sessions and also participates in a weekly group therapy session led by a Trails therapist. The primary therapist involves the family in the therapeutic process through weekly phone calls, family sessions and a family curriculum. To maintain the continuity and integrity of the wilderness therapy experience, therapists travel to wilderness campsites to meet with students on expedition.

Transition Planning

After successful completion of the Trails program, the therapeutic benefits continue: the treatment team collaborates with each family to create a transition plan ensuring that the child generalizes newfound skills to the next setting. Whether the child returns home or transitions to another placement, the treatment team works closely with aftercare providers to ensure that care continues in an effective manner.

Psychological Testing

In partnership with CReATE Psychological Testing Services, Trails Carolina offers optional, in-depth and comprehensive psychological testing. At the family's request, each child can receive a full battery of psychological, psychoeducational, and personality assessments that will provide a detailed profile of the student's functioning. This assessment can provide valuable information regarding pharmacological and psychological needs that could supplement the initial treatment plan.

Our Work with Trauma

We incorporate a variety of interventions drawing from a vast array of experiential modalities. Research has proven the success of wilderness and expedition interventions in helping troubled adolescents overcome traumatic life experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and gain the ability to recognize triggers that cause adolescents to initiate self destructive patterns.

To learn more about our work with trauma click HERE.

Who Does Trails Carolina Help?

Trails Carolina works with young men and women ranging from 10-13 years (youth) and 13-17 (adolescent). Our clinically proven methods work exceptionally well with:

• Attachment Issues
• NLD Issues
• Family conflict
• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Defiant behavior
• Adoption
• Substance abuse
• Manipulative behavior
• Poor academic achievement
• Learning differences
• ADHD
• Trauma

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