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A day with PIVOTPoint WNC is far more than a simple hike. Through intentional facilitation in small groups, all PIVOTPoint WNC wilderness therapeutic experiences introduce and support a mindful approach to living.
All facilitators have years of experience working with the populations we support.
Facilitators are certified with a minimum of Wilderness First Aid and CPR; the majority have current certifications in Wilderness First Responder.
Each facilitator is a heart-centered, open-minded, recovery ally who shares in our organization’s commitment to the transformative powers of the outdoors and the healing efficacy of mindfulness.
The very foundation of all of PIVOTPoint WNC’s offerings are grounded in three sacred questions providing the framework for all of our client interactions: • What are you noticing? • What does that mean to you? • What is that teaching you? These three questions bring client and guide into the same baseline experience for each session. Through supportive and compassionate facilitation, participants gain confidence and clarity on life patterns; how to navigate transitions and change; cultivate healthy mental and physical lifestyles; and so much more. Our outings incorporate the same fundamental elements whether we are hiking, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, rafting or climbing. As a program, PIVOTPoint WNC is continuously researching and exploring various applications of mindfulness practices and ways to incorporate the many benefits of such work into our experiential opportunities.
PIVOTPoint uses hands-on, tangible and practical activities implemented in the natural environment to challenge, instruct, and provide opportunities for clients to practice skills that are pro-social, interpersonal, problem-solving, communication-based and self-regulation building.
The mindfulness component strengthens executive functioning, while also promoting neuro-regulation – or the calming of nervous systems. This enhances self-regulation and stress tolerance capacities, increasing the capacity of participants to engage in healthier relationships, effective conflict resolution and improved decision-making
Assessment – A thorough assessment guides the overall therapeutic process. During this phase, our expert team works with the family to identify core issues, establish treatment goals, and develop a specific plan of action designed to effect change.
Orientation – We believe that understanding our process is critical to fully commit to this powerful change process. During orientation, we will share the findings of the assessment, clarify goals and desired outcomes, go over our plan for programming in detail, address safety issues, and share our expectations for the road ahead. We will also answer any questions, and clients and their loved ones meet the staff they will be working with during their time with us.
Adventures – Therapeutic adventure offers powerful experiential tools to challenge self-limiting beliefs, teach mindfulness-based skills of self-regulation and resilience, and to develop the types of relationships that support and maintain change. These relationships are at the core of what we do, and the adventures create unique opportunities for in-depth therapeutic processing and group facilitation in a way that outpatient therapy just can’t. We know that growth and healing can be a challenging process, and PIVOTPoint WNC is committed to also making it safe, supportive, and productive.
Ceremony – There is a power and potency to the act of being witnessed by another in our intentions, commitments and growth. The simple act of being witnessed adds energy and accountability to the process beyond what we can generate on our own. This type of intentional group level feedback is often missing in our society and we find that our clients are hungry for this critical aspect of our program. Continuum of Care – Our network of community partners specialize in a wide range of therapeutic supports to carry the momentum our clients and their families have gained by completing our program. We’re here to help keep that momentum going!
Experiential Outpatient Services • Ages 14–17 and Ages 18+ Our outpatient services provide the opportunity for the practical application of community-based skill building that fits into your life. This program meets 4 hours per day; and, our pods cultivate recovery capital for our clients. Accountability, goal setting and follow through, emotional awareness and communication—these are the keys to growth and healthy relationships. Recommended engagement is 3-months.
Therapeutic adventure is increasingly recognized by the therapeutic community as a powerful and effective intervention. And, accessing it or providing it can seem like a major obstacle. At PIVOTPoint WNC, our goal is to make it safe and easy for you to provide therapeutic adventure work for your community members. We manage all the logistics. We handle all the gear. We facilitate the groups. That way, you and your team can focus entirely on your clients’ needs, while we take care of the rest.
Collaborative Communication Our multidisciplinary team meets after each session and client-specific observations and insights are shared weekly. Progress is documented and goals are reviewed. These findings are made available to all relevant parties and referral sources.