Initially, this page (below next paragraph) is identical to the page that will become the future review of Equinox. We expect that to change over time as we develop a full review of Equinox.
Tom and Helen toured Equinox on June 22, 2017. We will be developing a more detailed review incorporating what we gathered from that visit.
The following is copied verbatim from the November 17, 2016, announcement of the opening of Equinox in January 2017. This is NOT a FamilyLight review. We anticipate replacing this with a review in the foreseeable future. You will find some review type comments on Equinox in our Review of Solstice:
The Solstice Family of programs is excited to announce the January 2017 opening of Equinox RTC-a new Solstice program for Boys! Located just outside of Asheville, NC on 145 acres in the quaint town of Bat Cave, NC, our relationship-based approach emphasizes high levels of family intervention, evidence-based therapies, and a phase program based on the archetypal hero's journey-which creates an environment conducive to healing from trauma of all varieties (i.e., loss, abuse, PTSD, bullying, attachment injuries, and other traumatic experiences). Because many trauma survivors also suffer from co-morbid anxiety, mood disorders, low self-esteem, addictions and other unhealthy coping mechanisms, Equinox provides state-of-the art treatment for these issues.
Led by Executive Director, Kyle Gillett (original Solstice Founder) and Dan Hadley (Clinical Director) Equinox offers a small, clinically intensive program. Each week our students receive 3 hours of individual/family therapy and another 15+ hours of group therapy and experiential interventions (including adventure therapy, experiential therapy tasks, and other specialty groups)-all guided by a multidisciplinary treatment team made up of our masters and Ph.D. level therapists; psychiatrist; nursing, academic, and residential staff-along with the student's parent(s). In addition, students struggling with addictions or compulsive behaviors of any type participate in our non-12-step addictions program which includes individual, family and group intervention with a Licensed Chemical Addictions Specialist.
Equinox emphasizes physical fitness and nutrition-including daily workouts in our CrossFit affiliated gym and participation in local fitness events, as well as healthy home-cooked foods and regular nutrition education. Academic classes are AdvancEd accredited and taught in a conventional classroom setting by certified secondary education and special education teachers. Equinox is also licensed as a Residential Treatment Center by the state of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Implementing all the aforementioned services in an owner-operated setting, Equinox facilitates each student's journey away from being a victim of his traumatic experiences towards becoming the hero of his own life story.
"We are thrilled to offer families an east coast option for their young sons" reflects Founder and Head of Admissions, Bryan Tomes, "our team has had such success with young ladies, it's a great new challenge and opportunity to bring this same history of success to young men."
"This program is groundbreaking. I'm so excited to part of Equinox and its unique approach to trauma, loss and attachment," states Wes Selent, Operations Director "and couldn't be more excited to offer this level of healing to the boys and families that we'll serve."
November 17, 2016 Announcement of the Anticipation of Opening of Equinox
Return to Review of Solstice (Members) (Includes some review type commentary regarding Equinox)
Return to Introduction to Review of Solstice
Return to Review of Family Help and Wellness
Return to Introduction to Review of Family Help and Wellness
Return to Index Letter E
Last Updated June 26, 2017