Solstice West Announces the Promotion of TJ Rowden, Ph.D., CMHC to Clinical Director 

After providing interim support to the clinical team as Jane Peterson transitioned to Executive Director, Primary Therapist TJ Rowden accepted the Solstice West Clinical Director position. TJ joined Solstice West in 2010 and has been an integral part of the clinical team ever since. Now, he proudly leads a group of talented and compassionate clinicians.

TJ holds an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. His clinical journey began in 2000, where he has worked with individuals, couples, and families in various settings. His expertise centers around four key areas:

• Principle-guided prevention & intervention.
• Focusing on character strengths and virtues.
• Recognizing the centrality of “relationship” in daily life.
• Empowering clients as the architects of their own success stories.

“As the new Solstice RTC West Clinical Director, I see clearly our two-fold opportunity. One is to reclaim & renew our timeless mission (EnRICH) and the other is to innovate and improve our clinical & programmatic approach in an evolving industry. In attending to both, we cannot lose sight of our people—ALL of them. Our ‘clients’ reflect far more than our youth & families. If you are reading this, YOU are likely our client as well, and we will continue our efforts to better see and serve you well.” says Clinical Director TJ Rowden 

TJ firmly believes in harnessing strengths to address challenges and sees the growth potential even in moments of struggle. He’s dedicated to ongoing professional development in Involved Fathering and Post-traumatic Growth. His therapeutic approach draws from Contextual Family Therapy (CFT), Family Systems and Ecology, and Arbinger’s philosophy of viewing others as equally valid individuals. TJ is all about action-oriented interventions, including adventure, equine, athletic activities, and more. His mission is to facilitate healing and transformation for youth and families.

“We are very happy that TJ has moved from ‘interim’ clinical director at Solstice West to ‘permanent’ clinical director.  Given his history and knowledge of our program, TJ is a natural for the position.” says Executive Director Jane Peterson.  “He has seen and lived many changes in his tenure, and we have already been energized by his presence in this role. We look forward to new growth and the depth of knowledge and experience TJ will bring to our clinical program.”

Solstice West excitedly anticipates a promising future under the leadership of TJ as Clinical Director. With his wealth of experience, dedication to strength-based approaches, and commitment to empowering individuals and families, TJ is poised to guide Solstice West toward continued growth and success.

About Solstice West

Solstice West is a residential treatment center helping adolescents ages 14-18 struggling with trauma, loss, attachment issues, and addictive behaviors. Trauma-focused, relationship-based treatment programs are specialized to support each student and family’s needs with a holistic approach.