The Spirit Of The Horse: Timberline Knolls Recovery Center Launches Equine Therapy

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 10 Jul 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Timberline Knolls, one of the nation's leading residential treatment centers for women, has added equine 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, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.

According to 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 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, 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 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.

Timberline Knolls