PEACE Ranch

"my experience with Vinnie the therapist…

     Vinnie patiently waited for me to realize that he ‘got it’ and was going to wait until I did. What I needed to ‘get’ was how I stubbornly attempted to manipulate events to suit myself no matter how difficult my methods became. If it was in my mind to do things a certain way, then that’s the way they were going to be no matter the consequences to myself or anyone in my path.

     Vinnie in his massive, good natured style showed me that I wouldn’t be able to bully him, yet he was willing to wait for me to try things an undemanding, gentler way. He was able to reach through my defenses as no human ever had and mirrored how futile my lifelong problem solving efforts had been. I still have a long way to go but God through Vinnie and Peace Ranch put me on a solid road to emotional recovery."



Responses from Group Surveys

How has the experience inpacted your group? Or What did your group learn?

“Off the chart-it really makes us look into ourselves and others. We always have a lot to process after in our group. (I am) also able to the see the good in others.”

“Wow! Different perspectives and to think of different views or possibilities. The group really came together! Teamwork!!”

“We tend to “flesh out” what comes up in the activities with the horses and each other.”

“I have seen us really unite over the lessons shared and experienced. The themes have recurred in individual experiences as well.”

How has the experience impacted your life? Or What did you learn about yourself?

“It has made me more team oriented, less self centered.”

“I overcame my fear as I learned to trust”

“I learned to set boundaries”

“I have struggled with depression for many years and did not realize until almost the end of the program that it had become almost non-existent for me.”

“I have become more open to others ideas, opinions, areas of challenge, more accepting of others right where they are at.”

I have been challenged to get out of comfort zone.”

“I opened up a lot more and shared my personal feelings more.”

“I realized how different people have different . Don't assume you all thing the same.perspectives.”

“(I learned) I need to work more on listening.”

“I like to be in control.”

“I always like to protect people.”



PEACE Kids

for children with ASD

 “I (mom) have never felt as close and “in touch” with my child as this summer. We had an action packed summer break and my child told us on more than one occasion that he had the “best day ever”.

 “I got to see my child in a new setting with new people. I witnessed his development from basically being non-verbal the first couple of sessions to him using clear words for wants and needs. It gave me a different perspective on how he reacts to change, new experiences and strangers.”

 “I think my child was able to grow every session. There are few times in life that he has been able to let go of his obsessions or preferred order and just have fun. My child has been able to do that several times just during the program. Today, he was riding, singing, all anxieties were just gone for the moment.”

 “Shortly after starting the program, my child started riding his bike without training wheels.”

 “My child recently started snapping and zipping his pants/shorts by himself. A big accomplishment!”

“Everyone that comes into the house, he brings down to his room where he has put up his ribbons over his bed. He is proud of himself and knows he's done something well. He has never made a connection like that before.”

 

More group comments:

“Thank you so very much for such a unique experience. I believe we all benefited greatly. I know I enjoyed it, even when I didn't want to.”

“As much as I still don't “like” horses, I like it after it's done.

(I am) “always able to take the lessons I've learned here and use them in my everyday life.”