THERAPY

At Penrith Farms, counseling opportunities occur countless times over the course of the day, thus therapeutic interventions are interwoven through every element of the program. Clients are given the opportunity to employ the skills and tools taught in therapy sessions to every aspect of their daily routines.

Clinical Director, Steven Carreras, Ph.D., LISCW provides weekly individual and group counseling to the clients of Penrith Farms. Dr. Carreras is certified to do Eye Movement Desensitizing Reprocessing (EMDR) through the EMDR Institute. Dr. Carreras works with the client and his or her family to develop an individualized treatment plan within the first two weeks of a resident's program. At request, he contacts parents, probation officers, physicians, therapists, educational consultants, and other professionals on a regular and scheduled basis to provide detailed progress updates. Treatment plans are reevaluated monthly and modifications are made as necessary.

Family therapy is conducted over the phone and in-person during parent visits to Penrith Farms. The client's graduation provides an additional opportunity for family therapy, as the celebration is focused on reuniting family members and solidifying plans for the future.

The work venues offer development of marketable job skills, sense of personal responsibility as part of a team, increased self-esteem, follow-through, timeliness, and personal responsibility as a team member.

Music Therapy offers many opportunities for emotional, physical, and mental growth. Some examples are: improved sequential thinking; balancing right and left sides of brain and body; listening; self-expression. Music therapy has demonstrated benefit for young adults experiencing ADHD, depression, low self-esteem, anger, or poor social skills. The community service component of our music program offers young adults an opportunity to gain perspective, self-confidence, and a sense of gratification that is only born from service to others.

Equine Therapy is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP (Equine Assisted Therapy) addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.

Art Therapy blends the creative process and a therapeutic component, the presence of a professional, to encourage healing and/or growth for people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and for people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others; cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.