What's New at Outdoor Integrative Therapies?

January 2024

Equine facilitated skills training support for parents/guardians of OIT youth clients is now available!

 

Great news parents and guardians! Katharine Yeaton, CADCI, is now accepting referrals for equine-facilitated individual skills training support! Katharine has years of experience working with adults and families with children and has advanced training and certification in non-violent communication, addictions (including technology addictions) and mindfulness-based practices. Katharine is also certified in EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning) approaches. If you are interested in working with Katharine on some self-care and stress reduction techniques, feel free to complete a referral form for yourself at the link below!

Referral Form: Outdoor Integrative Therapies

A new year equals updates to treatment plans and important form updates!

 

For Outdoor Integrative Therapies, the new year always comes with the task of updating important information. Parents and guardians, be ready for our own Kate Shearer, LCSW to be reaching out to you to schedule a brief appointment (up to 30 minutes) to discuss treatment plan updates with you and provide you with our updated 2024 Consent to Treat forms that must be completed prior to Spring (March) programming. This also becomes more important as we are getting ready to drop the "MyndRavyn" name from the business in the coming weeks, and we will soon be known just as Outdoor Integrative Therapies! Nothing will change for you as far as programming, but you will notice this change on your insurance billing statements and with new signage, and of course the State of Oregon requires us to notify you of this small name change.

Parents, we need your help getting kids farm ready!

 

Snacks- Parents, if you could help ensure that your kiddo has had a healthy snack and has been hydrating prior to their time with us, it would be greatly appreciated! A lot of our kiddos are arriving with food and snacks and bringing them into the group, which causes a bit of disruption, not to mention that kiddos sometimes like to share their snack and we just have too many folks with food sensitivities and allergies. To keep everyone safe, please leave food and snacks at home or in your vehicle. If you are experiencing food insecurity and need resources, please feel free to contact jessica@naturetherapylink.org to get some resources and/or connect with our social worker Kate, Shearer, LCSW. We are here to help!

 

Hydration- Please encourage your kiddo to bring a water bottle! We do have small snacks and water available for emergencies, but we are beginning the process of reducing our plastic water bottle use and waste, so bringing water from home is highly encouraged!

 

Weather Appropriate Attire- A reminder that we are a nature-based program and are out in the elements rain or shine! Please encourage your child to arrive wearing layers during the winter and fall months. It is certainly easier to remove layers than it is to be cold, wet and uncomfortable. If your kiddo arrives unprepared and gets uncomfortable during our sessions, we will have to pause the entire group to help them get clothing from the clothing rack. In the end, encouraging your kiddo to come prepared and dress weather appropriate helps them learn self-care!

When Kids have Conflict with Other Participants in Group

 

Parents, a gentle reminder of the unique challenges and diverse treatment goals each participant brings to our program.

 

Our group consists of children with a wide range of cognitive and physical abilities, making each individual journey distinctive. This diversity is a strength that fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for all. We understand that there may be times when your child feels challenged, frustrated, or emotionally hurt by interactions with other group members, and its crucial to view these moments as valuable opportunities for growth and development. Rather than avoiding or requesting to leave the group, Outdoor Integrative Therapies reminds you that we can provide a safe and controlled environment for your child to work through their frustrations with facilitators who truly care about their wellbeing. Our program is designed to offer support and guidance during these times, promoting resilience and coping skills that are essential for their overall well-being. We are confident that we can help improve challenges as they come up if you give us the opportunity to do so, as we have a talented team committed to the success of your child!

 

We encourage you to approach these situations with an open heart and mind, recognizing that the diversity within our groups is a source of strength and learning for everyone involved. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's experiences during the program, our team is here to provide assistance and ensure that each child receives the individualized support they need. We appreciate your continued commitment to the growth and success of your child within our program. Together, we can make this journey a positive and transformative experience for each and every participant!

 

The Importance of Healthy Risk-Taking and the dangers of Risk-Aversity

 

Children taking risks is a fundamental aspect of their learning journey, providing them with invaluable insights into the concept of boundaries. As they explore their surroundings and test their capabilities, children inevitably push limits and encounter various challenges. These experiences contribute to the development of their risk assessment skills, allowing them to understand the boundaries between safety and potential harm. It is through calculated risks that children learn to navigate their environment, assess consequences, and gain a profound understanding of their own abilities. Our programs allow some children to climb low-hanging trees, work with large animals, balance on a log or rock, utilize a hammer or other basic household tools, shoot an arrow with a bow, or help build a campfire. Although all of these activities come with some form of risk in which injury could occur, Outdoor Integrative Therapies' dedicated staff takes all possible measures to create a safe and supportive environment, working hard to minimize the potential for harm and injury. Our team seeks to prioritize your child's well-being while fostering a balanced approach to their cognitive and emotional development.

 
A great article on risk-taking!
 

NO SHOWS/ NO NOTICE

 

Outdoor Integrative Therapies is committed to working with families and their busy schedules and are supportive of reasons why you or your kiddo may not be able to make it to session!

If you have a circumstance where you or your child is not able to make it to their appointment, please let us know! you may text us (works best) at (503) 610-3202 or email Jessica@naturetherapylink.org. We will soon have more convenient ways to keep in touch as we work on upgrading our electronic health record and patient portal system, but until then, if you could be so kind as to give us a heads up of your absence, or if you plan on being more than 15 minutes late, it would be greatly appreciated!

 
Contact Us!

 Short-Term Winter Intensive Groups

are now available for sign-up!

 

As we get ready to close out winter and head into spring, we will be offering 4-week winter intensive groups beginning Tuesday, January 16th and ending Sunday, February 18th. As always, these groups will be packed with farm fun within a short four weeks as we prepare for our spring offerings in March! Participants can choose up to two groups so long as they are not on the same day. Visit the link below to claim your spots!

Winter Intensives Outdoor Integrative Therapies Group Offerings

12150 Southwest Westfall Road, Sherwood, OR, USA
(503) 610-3202

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