Solstice RTC hosted its fall Family Seminar in October, inviting parents, students, and clinicians to engage in reflective and experiential work centered on connection, empowerment, and the courage to change patterns that no longer serve.
Clinical Director Dr. Trampas J. Rowden, PhD, CMHC, guided the seminar’s theme, "Steady in the Work: From Drama to Empowerment." Families explored how habitual patterns in relationships, often passed through generations, develop because they once “worked,” even if imperfectly. Participants were encouraged to examine how these patterns impact their current family dynamics and to begin experimenting with more authentic, choice-based ways of relating.
“Changing long-held patterns is among the hardest work we do,” said Dr. Rowden. “True change begins when we start noticing what we bring into each moment: our energy, our tone, and our willingness to stay present even when it’s hard.”
Regulation Before Resolution
A core takeaway from the seminar was the importance of regulation before resolution, recognizing and addressing physiological arousal before attempting emotional repair or problem-solving. Families practiced grounding techniques and identified personal cues for overwhelm, helping them recognize when to pause, breathe, or move before engaging in challenging conversations.
Dr. Rowden emphasized that sustainable change begins in the body: “To change thoughts, feelings, or actions, we must first take care of the body in which all of these occur.”
Experiential Therapy at the Stables
Families also participated in equine-assisted activities, where they experienced how presence, energy, and clarity influence connection. The stables offered a space to explore nonverbal communication and how empowerment emerges when both parties—human and horse—retain choice in the interaction.
Clinicians encouraged families to observe that removing the ability to “ignore or resist” also removes the ability to choose cooperation. This lesson reinforced Solstice’s ongoing clinical focus on relational empowerment rather than control.
A Community of Growth
The seminar concluded with reflection and gratitude for the collective work of families, staff, and students. “We are continually inspired by the honesty and persistence of our families,” said Dr. Rowden. “Their courage to engage in this process not only strengthens their relationships but enriches the Solstice community as a whole.”
About Solstice West:
Solstice West is a residential treatment center and accredited non-public school in Layton, Utah, serving teen girls and teens assigned female at birth. Since 2008, Solstice has supported families navigating challenges related to trauma, depression, addictions, attachment, anxiety, mood disorders, and related struggles. The team combines evidence-based clinical care with accredited academics through Fernwood Academy, offering focused support in a small, relationship-focused setting. With an emphasis on family involvement, experiential learning, and whole-person wellness, Solstice helps students recover while building clinically-tailored skills for lasting growth. To learn more, visit solsticertc.com or call 866-278-3345.