One of the aspects that sets Sorenson's Ranch Treatment Facility apart from other programs is the availability and emphasis on therapeutic experiential learning activities. Our unique location and ranch environment provide us with a variety of opportunities that extend beyond the traditional clinical experience confined to four walls.
Experiential learning is a process of learning through direct engagement rather than solely through discussion. At Sorenson's Ranch, experiential learning begins on day one. Each new client starts their journey with a week of feeding the animals and performing chores on the ranch. This allows youth to acclimate to their new environment and learn real-life lessons through hands-on activities. Teens gain practical experience while actively participating, a process known as action learning. Ranch work imparts many valuable lessons, such as the benefits of teamwork ("many hands make light work") and the satisfaction that comes from completing a task well.
From their first day, new clients have the opportunity to interact with animals, which can teach numerous valuable lessons. Animals are particularly beneficial for children because they offer unconditional love and do not judge based on age, appearance, or background. However, animals also respond to the care they receive, providing observable consequences to the caregiver's behavior. This dynamic helps troubled teens understand the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, reinforcing the principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated.
Our clients engage in a variety of activities, including working with animals, playing sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball, as well as camping, hiking, and mountain biking. These experiences empower clients to learn by making decisions, solving problems, and discovering answers independently. Lessons learned through doing are often retained more effectively, as they are internalized through personal experience rather than taught by others. At Sorenson's Ranch, we believe that clients can thrive in an environment that integrates therapy and behavior management within both clinical settings and real-life situations. This hands-on approach enhances the therapeutic environment and its effectiveness.
