Children have the opportunity to experience Art Therapy in groups as well as individual therapy based on treatment goals and individual needs. Many of the children enjoy an open studio approach in which they are permitted to utilize materials of their choosing. Children are offered many different art mediums that include but are not limited to photography, pottery, crafts, sewing, collage, drawing, painting, jewelry making, paper-mache and creative writing.

By participating in Art Therapy, the children learn a variety of skills, which support their treatment goals, and that they can utilize during and after residential treatment. Many have expressed feelings of pride and confidence in their artwork and themselves.

Exposure to a variety of musical experiences is a goal of Music Therapy. Interventions include instrument play, ensemble performances, passive music listening, song writing, and lyric analysis to help children reach their individual treatment goals. Often, feelings that cannot be conveyed into words can be conveyed through music.  Music is a highly emotive intervention that often proves less threatening than traditional talk therapy. Often, feelings that cannot be conveyed into words can be conveyed through music.

Animals and their behavior are used as metaphors for the child’s life situations. Animal – Assisted Therapy addresses flight, fight, and freeze response and herd instinct. It addresses how humans and animals are alike and different in their responses to danger and safety. The child is asked to create a safe environment for themselves and the animals, encouraging social interaction and problem-solving. The goals of Animal – Assisted Therapy are to help the child develop respect toward other living things, learn how to maintain safe and appropriate behavior around animals, develop coping and relaxation skills, enhance communication and social skills, cooperate with others, and develop a sense of self-worth.

Children participating in barn management groups have the opportunity to learn how to appropriately care for and safely handle the horses in a non-threatening environment. Children are taught about the basic needs of the horse such as health care, dietary needs, and first aid. The children also assist in barn chores including sweeping and preparing grain to ensure that the horses and the children have a clean and safe space to enjoy. Working with the horses, children learn responsibility and social skills while enhancing empathetic skills.  

Equine-Assisted Therapy offers a variety of physical and emotional benefits. Emotional and psychological benefits include developing leadership skills, developing self-confidence, teaching impulse control, building and maintaining trusting relationships, developing awareness of non-verbal communication and creating a sense of pride. Physical benefits include improving balance, teaching body awareness, building core strength and improving flexibility.