Equinox RTC, a residential treatment center for teen boys ages 14-18, is preparing for a recreational therapy ski trip. 

There are a ton of health benefits that come from skiing and snowboarding: balance, endurance, strength, coordination. And with a Recreation Therapy lens, Equinox also incorporates the five domains of wellness: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. Skiing and snowboarding are Recreational Therapy Director Natalie Stark’s favorite therapeutic modalities because so many things come to the surface for Equinox students. The ski mountain provides students with the perfect experiential learning experience. It is no doubt important to talk about regulation skills and distress tolerance, but through experiential activities including skiing, Equinox students find themselves in situations on the mountain where they need to pull those tools out of their box and use them in real-time.

Although logistics and safety are difficult for any activity with a large group over a wide space, Equinox is able to overcome that through an incredible team of residential counselors, therapists, and Equinox Academic Director Bonnie Richardson. This gives Equinox students the opportunity to connect on a different level with their staff, teachers, therapists, and other Equinox staff members. On each trip there are difficulties with learning a new skill, staying regulated, following directions, getting triggered, and seeking healthy risks. Any struggles or difficulties that arise during the season are opportunities for immense growth in Equinox students and staff. 

“What I love the most is that the growth sticks because we aren’t just talking about it, we are living in the moment with it!” says Natalie Stark, “I am absolutely committed to ski season because the mountains work magic no human can recreate. In my 11 years working in Adolescent Residential Treatment, skiing and snowboarding have been the most impactful recreation therapy modality. The sport itself sets us up to achieve flow. Abilities levels increase throughout the season and as students get better, we are able to up their challenge level, thus supporting them in finding their own flow state. I have had students who have never skied before start out on the bunny slope, and are crushing blue runs by the end of the season. Each year we see an increase in confidence, positive self-talk, identity development, social skills, and emotional regulation. What students gain on the slopes they bring back with them to campus and their growth is seen through all departments on our campus. I am committed to ski season because I am committed to enhancing the lives of those I serve. The slopes foster an environment where that can happen and create memories/lessons that can last a lifetime.”

Adventure therapy is a part of the Equinox treatment plan. Whether a student is working on decreasing symptoms of their diagnosis or working toward a specific treatment plan goal, every trip is intentional and requires work. But, the great thing about skiing is that while it’s part of the treatment plan, it is FUN. That’s part of the “mountain magic” that Natalie Stark describes happens on the slopes; positive engagement leading to positive outcomes. 

To learn more about adventure therapy at Equinox, visit https://equinoxrtc.com/therapy/adventure-therapy/ or call (877) 279-8925 for more information.

About Equinox RTC

Equinox RTC is a leading residential treatment center for boys ages 14-18. Equinox is unique in its focus on Trauma, Loss, and Attachment, providing clinically intensive treatment for boys struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, ASD, learning disabilities, and other emotional and behavioral needs. Equinox offers a combination of clinically sophisticated support with a whole-person approach including adventure therapy, a health and fitness program, and a whole foods diet. Equinox provides a fully accredited school, with broad course selections taught by licensed teachers in a college-preparatory environment.