This November Kurt Fairbank, LCPC, LAC, Director/Owner of Building Bridges attended a training in order to become certified in TF-CBT.  In August, he also attended the EAGALA Model training to get certified.

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents who are experiencing negative impacts following any type of traumatic event.  The federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has recognized TF-CBT as a Model Program due to the extensive outcome data from randomized controlled trials that support its effectiveness in improving a variety of problems.  The training, through the official TF-CBT National Therapist Certification Program, has therapists learn how to implement the model with fidelity, how to assess for and identify trauma related symptoms, and how to know who is appropriate for this treatment. The training included the required basic training in TF-CBT through virtual training adaptation along with 12 small group consultation calls. (Participation required a masters degree or above in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field as well as a prerequisite online training.)

The Fundamentals of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Model Training provides interactive and hands-on learning experiences so that participants leave with an understanding and application of the model. The EAGALA Model is a model of standards and clinically supported skillsets which effectively incorporate horses experientially in mental health and personal development sessions. The model involves a team approach of credentialed mental health professional, qualified equine specialist, horses and clients collaboratively working towards treatment or learning goals.  The five-day training had four “steps” that needed to be completed in order to be certified.  It included a pre-training online webinar, development portfolio, learning the fundamentals of the EAGALA Model Training and passing a post-training online assessment.

Building Bridges is a licensed Chemical Dependency Treatment Center with the structure of a Therapeutic Boarding School.  Located in Thompson Falls, MT Building Bridges is for boys 13-18 with substance and behavioral issues. The team’s passion is creating a structure that mirrors real life.   Students are involved in the community and it is our goal to have each student eventually attend public school.  Building Bridges seeks to bring real life to treatment through redirection and empowerment. We strive to educate our students to see how substance use has created patterns of unhealthy coping which have gotten in the way of pursuing their life in healthy ways.  By providing students the tools to increase their self-confidence and create a more positive outlook they can generate growth in a normalized safe environment that will transfer on in their lives.