The Spirit of the Horse: Timberline Knolls Recovery Center Launches Equine Therapy.CHICAGO -- Timberline timberline, elevation above which trees cannot grow. Its location is influenced by the various factors that determine temperature, including latitude, prevailing wind directions, and exposure to sunlight. Knolls, one of the nation's leading residential treatment centers A residential treatment center, often referred to by the acronym RTC, is a live-in therapy/behavior modification facility for adolescents who suffer from a variety of emotional conditions, ranging from drug abuse to violence to sexual behavioral problems. for women, has added equine equine Any member of the ungulate family Equidae, which includes the modern horses, zebras, and asses, all in the genus Equus, as well as more than 60 species known only from fossils. Equines descended from the dawn horse (see Eohippus). assisted psychotherapy to its recovery program under the banner of "TK Ranch." At TK Ranch, which is located on the 43-acre Timberline Knolls campus, residents have the opportunity to work with and care for horses as a way to practice skills and address issues necessary for their recovery. As a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and an equine professional, Timberline Knolls residents work with horses to realize individual treatment goals. Equine therapy addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (ADD or ADHD) formerly hyperactivity Behavioral syndrome in children, whose major symptoms are inattention and distractibility, restlessness, inability to sit still, and difficulty concentrating on one thing for any , substance abuse, eating disorders eating disorders, in psychology, disorders in eating patterns that comprise four categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, rumination disorder, and pica. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by self-starvation to avoid obesity. , abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Kimberly Dennis, M.D., medical director at Timberline Knolls, the pure strength and spirit of horses influence people in incredibly powerful ways. "Connecting with the horses is one way people recovering from an eating disorder eat·ing disorder n. Any of several patterns of severely disturbed eating behavior, especially anorexia nervosa and bulimia, seen mainly in female teenagers and young women. or addiction can begin to relate to another living being, in a trusting and empowered manner. This is no small feat for a person who has spent years in isolation, in a primary and life destroying relationship with an eating disorder or substance abuse," said Dr. Dennis. "Many recovering people describe it as their first experience of spirituality--feeling connected to and part of a power greater than them alone or them in their disease. The TK Ranch program is instrumental in emphasizing very specific aspects of the resident's individual recovery plan and is incorporated throughout the treatment program." Certified by Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, or EAGALA EAGALA Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association , TK Ranch helps residents develop non-verbal communication skills, assertiveness, confidence, creative thinking, leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as teamwork and relationships. "Developing relationships, training and caring for the horses naturally affects the residents involved in a positive manner," said Timberline Knolls CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. James Gresham. "Much like humans, horses are social beings and have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods, thereby providing a vast opportunity for learning," said Gresham. "Equine therapy is a special and effective therapeutic approach that is having a significant impact on our residents and their recovery," said Gresham. "The addition of TK Ranch to our experiential treatment program further sets apart Timberline Knolls as one of the most dynamic and effective recovery centers available to young girls and women today. Continuing to find and develop ways to more effectively support our residents is our dedicated mission." About Timberline Knolls Located just outside of Chicago on 43 beautiful acres, Timberline Knolls offers a spiritually nurturing environment of recovery for women ages 12 and older who are struggling to overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. For more information on Timberline Knolls and the services offered, visit www.timberlineknolls.com. |
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