Experiential Therapy

The tranquil, peaceful and beautifully landscaped 20-acre ranch provides students an environment that allows for and even encourages a desire for growth. The therapeutic environment, mixed with the highly experiential and clinically intensive program, and the nurturing staff have developed a culture and atmosphere that helps facilitate willingness and readiness for change instead of the typical adolescent resistive behavior. Every experience at Discovery Ranch is educational and therapeutic in a fun purposeful environment.

We understand that as human beings we typically forget the things we read and hear unless they are felt through an experience. At Discovery Ranch we provide the experiences (Equine therapy, Ropes Course, feeder calves, ranch work, community service, etc.) so that life’s lessons can be learned, practiced and internalized.

Each student slowly gains a clearer perception and understanding of themselves through their continual and constant therapeutic experiences. Students learn accountability and develop responsibility as they have never before. For example, they receive their own feeder calf upon enrollment, which they feed and take care of twice daily.

Horses and calves are an integral part of the clinical experience because of their ability to be nonjudgmental and provide unconditional love. They teach students to be open, trusting, cooperative and responsible. Winston Churchill once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man.” We have learned from experience that our calves teach our students how to sacrifice and love. Boys and girls working with calves quickly grow into responsible men and women.

Discovery Ranch is a relationship based treatment program where students learn and practice the skill of talking out problems and concerns rather than acting them out as they have in the past. Students learn life skills, personal accountability and discover their true identity during the natural blend of clinically intensive and experiential therapy. How much they grow and learn about themselves while working and interacting with horses and calves is immeasurable.