Second Wind Foundation and The Recovery Ranch for PTSD

Foundation Offers New Help for PTSD Sufferers
2008-02-05
Providence Journal
By George W. Reilly

The Second Wind Foundation has created a publicly funded treatment program, called "Healing Those Who Serve," for returning military personnel suffering from trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder. Relying on private and corporate donations, the HTWS pilot program is slated to launch this month at The Ranch, an internationally renowned recovery center in rural Tennessee. The money raised will pay the veteran's cost of the recommended 60 to 90 days of residential treatment.

"This program is designed to raise funds and awareness, destigmatize, and heal the minds and spirits of our warriors," said Second Wind cofounder Lee McCormick.

"It is unique in that we are experienced in concurrently treating related and often times recurrent disorders, such as alcohol and drug abuse, along with trauma, which has proven to be most effective."

The inception of the program follows the recent Department of Veterans Affairs reports that the number of veterans diagnosed with PTSD increased by almost 20,000 during the last fiscal year, a nearly 70 percent jump over the previous year. When The Ranch opened, nine years ago, it became well known as a healing sanctuary and has continued to evolve by using some of the most successful techniques for PTSD including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a method which helps to alleviate symptoms of PTSD.

The Ranch's clinical director, Buddy Horne, who has worked with veterans for years and has served in the military, suggests that many veterans either do not recognize the signs of PTSD or are in denial out of fear of being stigmatized. HTWS and The Ranch provide a safe, non-institutionalized environment that honors the individual. For more information on HTWS, go online to www.healingthosewhoserve.com. For more information on The Ranch, visit http://www.recoveryranch.com/.
http://www.blackenterprise.com/yb/ybopen.asp?section=ybsb&story_id=114326518&ID=blackenterprise


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Trauma & PTSD
The Ranch provides comprehensive recovery treatment for survivors of childhood and/or adult trauma of all types. Comorbid addictive and compulsive disorders can be treated concurrently. Disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, dissociative disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorder, and panic disorder are addressed by our multi-disciplinary team. The particular approach for treatment is determined on an individual basis to meet the client’s needs. Our staff is skilled to provide innovative techniques including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), art therapy, equine therapy, experiential role-play therapy, ropes and adventure therapy, Tai Chi, therapeutic/spiritual ceremony, journaling, and the latest in medication management. We provide this within a conventional format of single-gender and mixed-gender groups as well as individual sessions, family therapy, and optional workshop opportunities. The program stresses the mind-body-spirit connection and is geared toward a full exploration of feelings and messages received during traumatic experiences within a safe "containing" environment. The opportunity to experience empowerment through a full expression of feelings and to change negative beliefs about the self, others and a higher power is provided.

Equine Therapy and Trauma
"The horses at The Ranch certainly hold a valuable place with many of our residents working on loss and trauma issues. Fretful minds, reactive emotions and exhausted bodies have an opportunity to soothe themselves in a surprising way. I've often thought that horses, which live in the moment, somehow pass along this much needed life skill to "their people." They lend a helping hand from Mother Nature, so to speak."
Dede Beasley, M.Ed.Licensed Professional CounselorEquine Assisted Psychotherapist

Adventure Therapy and Trauma
"In adventure therapy, your body becomes the ultimate metaphor. In using your body in the exercises, you are more apt to be in it, and connected. Several metaphor therapy exercises relate directly to the treatment and healing of trauma. As always, healing cannot happen in isolation but in community. Adventure therapy is an excellent avenue to connection with community."Robert Chapman, MSSW, LADACAdventure/Challenge Course Therapist
http://www.recoveryranch.com/programs/default.asp?page=trauma_and_PTSD