Healing Trauma at Equinox
At Equinox, the term “trauma” is used to describe a wide variety of challenging experiences. As one of the top trauma treatment centers, cutting-edge neurological research has helped us to better understand the impact of trauma on a developing brain and has driven a greater understanding of the most effective methods that can be implemented in its treatment.
Big T and Little T Traumas
Regardless of the ‘intensity’ of a traumatic experience it still creates a significant neurobiological impact on the brain. When we refer to Big T Traumas we usually imply that a person has experienced catastrophic events such as automobile accidents, physical or sexual abuse, etc. Little T Traumas are usually categorized as: being bullied, divorce of parents, death of a loved one, adoption, or even feeling socially unaccepted or judged. At Equinox, we provide services that are aimed toward healing both Big-T and little-t traumas.
Relational Trauma
We have found that these relationships are essential to helping him heal from his trauma and build a strong and empowered identity. We use the power of these meaningful connections through therapeutic techniques such as group therapy. This deep understanding of what helps boys heal from trauma is one of the many aspects that separates us from other traditional trauma treatment centers.
Experiential Treatment
We use Experiential Therapy to enhance physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being so that students may participate fully and independently in chosen life pursuits. We emphasize living in the moment and focusing on the journey, not just the destination. Experiential Therapy is a playground for practicing and developing skills and assets needed on that journey.
Holistic Approach
At Equinox we believe that a holistic approach is the only way to help young men truly heal from trauma. We treat the entire person, mind, body, and spirit. It is our belief that cutting-edge and evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as EMDR, neurofeedback, somatic experiencing, Trauma-Focused Adventure Therapy, Group therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and gender-specific addictions treatment are essential to your son’s healing process. Of equal importance is his ability to experience empowerment in our academic, residential, and adventure-based programming. Of absolute greatest importance, however, are the relationships that your son builds while at Equinox.
At Equinox, we work to integrate the healing of a young person’s mind, body and soul. While there is great value in talk therapy, the experiential model holds a special place in the work we do. Through the use of this model our boys have another opportunity to clear away distorted lenses that have clouded their vision of themselves, their relationship to peers, as well as their relationship with their family.
Students are able to share their perceptions of experiences with staff and seasoned peers during therapeutic groups, initiatives, adventure recreation activities, at school, and throughout the day between activities. In the moment—through processing theses perceptions and emotions—students are able to gain new insights into how they see themselves and their relationship to their community. Students can then generalize those new insights and immediately apply them to future experiences, helping to clear away distorted perceptions.