What makes us different?
One of the biggest problems facing most programs is the inability to address the student's specific issues in a wilderness setting. The therapeutic benefits of the wilderness are experienced, but other programs do not focus adequately on addressing the specific problems of each student.
At WinGate we believe there are five distinct practices that set us apart from other Wilderness Programs and help us to set a new higher standard in wilderness therapy today. Please take the time to review each of these areas to understand why WinGate students are so successful.
1. In Depth Accurate Clinical Assessments
An accurate assessment from beginning to end is a key factor in your child's success. At WinGate our assessment process begins with your first contact and is ongoing throughout the child's treatment. Our unique ability for your child to not only have a primary therapist but to have other therapists in the field, allows for "“Multiple Eyes On"”. This results in precision assessments and treatment throughout your time at WinGate and beyond.
We pride ourselves on our ability to provide you with an accurate and comprehensive assessment. Having the very best assessment provides vital information for you and your family to make accurate informed decisions about the child's next step.
Results:
- Treatment starts immediately
- Deep seeded issues are reached faster and with more accurate precision
- Exactitude in discharge planning.
2. The Family; a part of the solution
To take full advantage of the wilderness experience, we at WinGate invite you as parents to walk the path of progress with your child. We will help you and your family understand the integral roles you play and impact on the overall success or your family.
Our experience has taught us that your willingness to be a part of the solution can have a significant impact on your families overall success at WinGate. At WinGate we understand the importance of your family and have created a program to include your family in the process of change.
Family participation:
- Attend our parent seminar during the first part of the child’s stay.
- Weekly phone calls with your primary therapist.
- Walk the path of progress with your child.
- Visit the field at the end of your child’s stay and participate in a very special graduation ceremony to honor the work you as a family have completed.
3. Experience and Clinical Expertise
With a combined 80 + years of experience, WinGate brings a tremendous amount of clinical expertise to assist your child and your family through this healing journey. Our therapists were handpicked from the best in the industry because of their experience and expertise. We encourage you to view the bio page for each of our therapist’s specific skills. In addition, our experienced trained and seasoned field staff will provide peace of mind as your child participates in his/her wilderness experience.
WinGate’s unique program is built around providing the most sophisticated level of clinical expertise in teen treatment today. We have added elements to our wilderness program that allow for a deeper level of clinical change. Our ground breaking model allows your child to participate in individual, group therapy, and for the first time a wilderness program, your child may also participate in “Specialty Groups”. This is a unique element only found at WinGate.
Results:
- Lonliness is removed from your child's issues.
- Difficult work begins faster.
- A safe environment is created to explore issues.
- Intensified therapeutic growth.
4. A Unique and Different Model
Unlike other models, the WinGate journey is about building relationships that engage interest, invite choices, and support the discovery of self along the trail. In the context of the wilderness, the development and practice of primitive skills provide powerful methods of engaging interest. Whether it is creating fire with a bow–drill, playing soft, melodious notes on a hand–made primitive flute, or making a variety of accessories out of leather, students are drawn to the creative process, thus opening the door to various levels of authentic mentoring.
We believe every individual has unique talents and strengths. We further believe that given the right environment individuals can discover those strengths and utilize them toward achieving positive change. WinGate's unique strengths–based model utilizes the wilderness its beauty and its challenge—to assist your teen in understanding their talents and abilities, in order to develop their strengths.
Results:
- Discovery - or - rediscovery of strengths, potential, and a better sense of who you truly are.
- Accountability, in a non-punitive way.
- Talents discovered and utilized towards positive change.
- Healing through reconnecting with family relationships.
- Deep seated issues reached faster and with more accurate precision.
5. Preparation for the Next Step
At WinGate we recognize how difficult this decision has been for you. You might be wondering what comes next. As a partner in change, our goal is to help you and your child prepare for the next step. Through our assessment and clinical expertise we provide insight into your child and family’s situation to help you make an informed decision on where to go from here.
WinGate has created a higher standard of communicating information to the next placement. Preparing the child for the next step will help insure continued success.
Longer-term program planning:
-
Communicate with your child’s next program and begin transition the work.
-
Work with your child to help them understand the structure, rules, and group functions, setting the expectations prior to entry.
-
Draw from your child’s experience in the wilderness to help them “hit the ground running”.
