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TRAVERSE is now located at Harmony Stables in Odessa, FL.

The program will operate on Mondays and Wednesdays for group from 4:30-6:30, and on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 7:00.

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Welcome to TRAVERSE

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TRAUMA AND HOPE

                                  TRAVERSE (Trauma Resolution And Victims’ Essential Recovery Services) was

                                                   originally incorporated as a Florida Not-for-Profit Corporation in August 1993.

                                               

                                             TRAVERSE is a program of experiential group therapy which works with an                       equestrian theme to assist children in the healing process from trauma or loss. Horsemanship provides the context and motivation for group treatment which integrates relationship, developmental, cognitive, behavioral, trauma, and group theory.  The program is specifically designed to meet the needs of children who have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, or children who have lost family to death or divorce.  Empowerment is the hallmark of healing from victimization and managing a 1,000 pound horse at a lope is undeniably empowering.

 

TRAVERSE started providing services to individual children referred by local mental health agencies in 1993. Because each of the children had been diagnosed as severely disturbed, treatment had been initiated in a traditional mental health setting. However, the children’s persistent opposition to, or refusal of, this treatment rendered it useless.  After a year of working in an accepting, supportive, and challenging environment with horses at TRAVERSE, each of these children showed significant improvement in family adjustment and school performance. Additionally, they each attended a community horse show and won ribbons!  This success was the catalyst for the implementation of a formal, group program in 1996 with similar positive results.


Over the years, TRAVERSE has spent much time and effort in professionalizing its program. We're tax exempt and have 501(c)3 status.  We also became a PATH Premier Accredited Center in 2002. We strive to continue meeting the diverse challenges of working with horses, kids and families in the coming years!

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