THE PROCESS IS PROGRESS
Our philosophy is based on a commitment to personal growth through the teaching of values, responsibility, and respect. We employ this philosophy in every aspect of our program, which combines Equine Therapy, Clinical Therapy, and Academics in a therapeutic boarding school setting. As boys progress through the program, they make their way through the five levels of growth that make up the R.A.N.C.H. system: Recovery and Academics through Nature, Counseling and Healing.
LEVEL 1: RANCH HANDS
This introduction period focuses on respect, communication and expectations; students learn about the program while therapists learn about the students.
LEVEL 2: CATTLEMEN
Students and therapists identify the issues they’d like to work on and establish goals during this time focused on discovery and new beginnings.
LEVEL 3: ROPERS
Students in level three—considered a turning point for deeper therapy, change, and humility— have demonstrated an ability to make wise decisions and are expected to utilize leadership and anger management skills.
LEVEL 4: WRANGLERS
During this time, students focus on relationships and making amends, while a proven willingness to grow and help others often increases independence and confidence.
LEVEL 5: COWBOYS
The last level of our program is a period of reflection and affirmation; students reexamine their journey and develop a plan to continue their commitment to a better future.
For a full description of each level, download our parent packet.
MOVING UP PROGRAM LEVELS
Level work is the foundation of our program. It consists of written assignments each student works on thrice weekly, designed to foster self-reflection and accountability. To move up a level, a student must first take initiative, decide he’s ready, and obtain approval signatures from staff. Your child will then receive feedback from his peers and be voted up. Residents must progress through all levels to graduate from our program.
PRODUCTIVE CHOICES
While not all students come to Resolution Ranch for life-controlling issues, we incorporate a refined 12-Step Program into most treatments because of the program’s success in improving self-awareness, building a solid foundation for betterment, and furthering students’ sense of purpose.
Students must attend a specific number of AA/NA meetings per week; those with no reported life-controlling issues or substance abuse problems attend Productive Choices meetings, where the 12 Steps are tailored to address their specific challenges.
In congruence with NA, we reference God as a label for each person’s spiritual Higher Power. Though we employ Christian principles, Resolution Ranch tolerates all religious and spiritual beliefs and will try to accommodate appropriate needs.
