DURANGO - Sometimes just getting away from the problems and patterns of normal life can really help kids who are struggling to overcome problems with drugs, eating disorders and even anger management.
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That's the concept behind Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, one of the fifty Colorado Companies to Watch selected by the Colorado Department of Economic Development and International Trade.
Open Sky assists struggling adolescents and young adults who are dealing with a variety of issues from self-esteem problems to depression, to promiscuity to addiction. The program separates the youth from their ordinary lives, bringing them into the wilderness far from the influence of the friends, family and situations that may have created or contributed to the problem. Plus, challenges in the rustic setting allow the student to build confidence and find new ways to solve problems.
"They get different coping skills or some different ways they can deal with the emotions and problems of life. They don't have to use external things like drugs or slamming doors or isolating themselves," explained Open Sky Admissions Director Lauren Lollini.
The goal is to find new and more productive ways of dealing with their issues and actually put them to work.
"They're able to practice in the wilderness and figure out exactly what is going to work and what's not going to work," Lollini said. "(They) set up some good momentum for when they do get out of the wilderness and they're back in real life."
In addition to clinical care provided by the company's therapists and doctors, the program offers a holistic approach. Participants eat organic food and are treated with naturopathic medicine.
The company's services are not cheap. It can cost more than $400 a day, which can really add up over an average 8 to 9 week program. Lollini says the company does offer scholarships to defray the cost for some of the kids.
Open Sky Wilderness Therapy was selected as one of 2009's 50 Companies to Watch by the state of Colorado. To see stories about the other companies selected, CLICK HERE.
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