COURAGE TO CHANGE RANCHES

Spiritual/Experiential Therapy

Courage to Change Ranch is a faith based program.
It welcomes all spiritual paths.

Courage to Change Ranch is perhaps unique among "treatment" programs in that it never is limited by "minimums." We offer, not so much a "treatment" program, but a program of Recovery.

While we can offer cutting edge Neutriceuticals, we do not rely on bread alone. And while our classes are soundly based on advanced Cognitive Behavioral therapies, we do not huddle in the classroom.

Our "classroom" here, after all, is the great outdoors, and the real teachers are the Earth and her Winged and 4-Legged...and sometimes under this star-filled sky, the Universe itself.

For true and lasting Recovery to occur, we have to treat the Whole Person - particularly in the context of their environment, the larger world.

Work and play and meditation have a purpose here beyond their own ends. And that is to re-train the body and brain to function - to function together - in the world as it is.

Spirituality

The Elders say that the Mother Earth who gave knowledge to our
ancestors is still here with the same knowledge. She will give it to us if
we are willing to seek it.

The spirit of the Courage to Change Ranch is an omnipresent natural aspect of changing a lifestyle. Serenity is virtually everywhere on the land, among the trees and flowers, the winged and four-legged who inhabit the ranch.

It awaits in long walks, and in vision quests. Much of the group and individualized therapy is conducted out of doors. The mere act of "hearing your inner voice" is often a revelation to residents. It is much like having a spiritual awakening.

While in the throes of an abusive lifestyle, the victim does not realize that answers to personal dilemmas are actually known within. The only method for learning these truths is to have quiet, alone time to listen.

This arcane realization is the main impetus to change and is a planned experience for our guests. It is just one aspect of our program that sets us apart from traditional programs and contributes to our success rate.

Beyond that core experience, Courage to Change welcomes all paths to spirituality. We do encourage some structured approaches, such as AA and NA, and have embraced the The Red Road to Wellbriety, the White Bison 12-Step approach to spiritual change. Talking circles, sweat lodge ceremonies, and other White Bison traditions that draw on Native understanding of the Earth and her beings are regular events at the Ranch.

Work Therapy

Work therapy is a dynamic recovery technique and residents may participate in their choice of chores and labor at The Courage to Change Ranch.

The inclusion of Work Therapy is a vital component to each individual's treatment plan as it is extremely helpful in re-training the brain and body to work in synchronism without dependence on addictive behaviors.

We have found that the recovering mind and body needs to assimilate newly gained knowledge and to recognize the necessity to change work and social habits in order to function in a new addiction-free lifestyle.

Therefore, the Courage to Change Ranch work therapy program is invaluable rehearsal time for patients to practice a new life in a safe environment, as they prepare to return to life in the real world.

Some of the occupational therapy projects may include:

• trenching and laying a water line to the barn,
• building a 3-rail Western dowel fence,
• planting trees and flowers, and
• remodeling and maintaining rooms in the Ranch homes

Horticultural Therapy

Working with bare hands in the soil is also a primary experience, an affirmation of Life. Not much can compare with watching a seed sprout, its first little leaves poking up bravely through the soil to reach toward the sun. And then to harvest its fruits, wash them, prep them for the dinner table...to know where Food comes from, and how it grows... Courage to Change has a Master Gardener on staff, who guides residents in organic practices and care of the Earth.

Critter Therapy

An old cowboy once said, Horses are the best drug in the world. When you're looking at a horse, it's not possible to think of anything else.

At Courage to Change Ranch, we have an eyeful of horses...and dogs and cats. While patients are not allowed to ride the horses (or dogs or cats), they stay busy caring for them, brushing them, and patting them. Lots of patting.

We have found that, almost without exception, recovering alcoholics and addicts are Animal People. It's uncanny how our residents have a rare ability to cross the "species barrier" and relate to the 4-Leggeds. Often, they feel closer to and more trusting of animals than of other human beings.

In addition to domestic animals, this ranchland harbors a wealth of wildlife. These Eastern Plains are one of the great hunting grounds of raptors - hawks, eagles, and falcons. And sometimes at night, the coyotes sing outside our windows.

Nutritional Therapy

Good nutrition is a critical component of recovery and enhances the effectiveness of neurotransmitter rebalancing. Almost every new patient arrives with a nutrient-depleted body and brain, and our plentiful, nutritious meals are designed to rebuild and restore.

Protein is especially important for rebuilding cells. As we are positioned in a vibrant rangeland, we have access to the "luxuries" of natural beef and pork, and free-range eggs, from local ranchers.

Residents do the major part of preparation and cooking, and usually relish this particular chore. In the closed nightmare of addiction, the simple joys of Life have been lost. And Food, of course, is one of the great delights of living.

Food also is the primal currency of Sociability - in every society, no matter how primitive or sophisticated. Mealtime at Courage to Change Ranch is a shared experience around the big table. It is a basic step toward the light and warmth of human community.