What is it about climbing a rock wall or swinging on a trapeze that helps women overcome eating disorders? At The Meadows Ranch, we believe it has to do with overcoming fears and learning to trust. Located at our sister facility Rio Retreat Center, patients get to experience a challenging ropes course and climbing wall during their treatment.

Challenges and Eating Disorder Treatment

When our patients see the challenge course at The Meadows Ranch for the first time, they are often in disbelief, making comments such as “I can’t do this.”

What they realize at the end of the challenge course is that they are capable of doing what they thought was impossible, and they feel empowered. The feeling of being able to overcome challenges helps them recover from their eating disorder.

ropes course

We Believe in the Value of Experiential Therapies

We want our patients to learn new skills and then have the opportunity to put them to use. One innovative way new skills are put into practice is on the Ropes Challenge Course. Our challenge course offers both high and low activities. Both involve an intricate network of ropes, cables, and logs; the exclusive difference between the two courses is height. The high ropes course is 20 to 40 feet in the air, while the low ropes course is one to four feet off the ground. We also have a rock climbing wall and a zip line.

Challenge Course Goals and Safety Guidelines

Our goal is for every patient to visit the challenge course at least twice during her stay, provided she is deemed medically capable. She may go as part of a group, or in an individual session with her therapist. Patients must wear a helmet, safety harness, and remain attached to a safety line while engaging in these activities.

All activities are designed to address specific therapeutic issues. Often these are areas patients are currently exploring in individual or group therapy. These include group communication, problem-solving, trust, planning, teamwork, facing fear, cooperation, understanding self, and self-esteem.

Safety is our primary concern, which is why patients are always surrounded by trained staff. We do recognize that safety is a broader issue than just physical safety. No one is ever forced to participate. We believe in “Challenge by Choice.”

A high level of communication is encouraged throughout the activity and during the process session following the experience. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, insights, and feelings, as they apply to themselves or one another. By taking part in this experiential and discussion, patients gain valuable insight about themselves, others, and life.

Talk to Us About Treatment Options

At The Meadows Ranch, we have your loved one’s best interests at heart, just as you do. Those who are suffering from an eating disorder deserve healing, but so do you and the rest of your family. We don’t believe there are shortcuts to recovery, but we have seen individuals in our programs learn how to thrive again. If you or a loved one is dealing with an eating disorder, our knowledgeable and caring staff are ready to help you embark on a journey toward long-term healing.

 
Call 866-390-5100