At Mountain Valley Treatment Center (MVTC), a residential program to treat adolescents and young adults with anxiety and/or OCD, treatment can be fun. Winters at MVTC allow unique experiences for young people to utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) to treat their anxiety.

Anxiety and OCD can rob therapeutic residents of their ability to have fun, leading to sadness and depression. A crucial part of each resident’s treatment is “recreational therapy,” a modality that integrates “play” into their treatment. Weekend programming at Mountain Valley, especially during the winter months, allows young people to face their anxiety in a fun, therapeutic way.

Winter months allow for novel challenges for young people at MVTC. Skiing, tubing, skating, or snowshoeing provides spaces to try new things without the fear of failure. Residents are able to explore their limits and accomplish new things while sitting with the discomfort of “doing hard things”. By participating in these group activities residents are able to work on their anxiety while sharing their experiences with other young people who experience similar challenges.

This month, residents took to Stowe Mountain resort for a day of skiing and snowboarding. Some residents re-engaged with an old hobby, while others ventured out on the mountain for the first time, developing new skills in resiliency. Regardless of skill level or expertise, the entire Mountain Valley community shared a day of fun, laughter and adventure.

About Mountain Valley Treatment Center

Mountain Valley Treatment Center is a nationally recognized evidence-based treatment center for adolescents suffering from anxiety and OCD. Located along the New Hampshire bank of the Connecticut River, Mountain Valley Treatment Center stands apart from like providers because of its specialization, unique setting, and comprehensive approach to care.