The ROPES Program is an innovative form of therapy that uses the power of action-oriented experiences to help our patients make positive changes in their lives. With a variety of group and individual activities on a specially designed obstacle course, ROPES challenges participants to master new tasks. The ROPES course consists of cables, ropes, pulleys and wooden beams set between utility poles.

ROPES places individuals in physically, emotionally and intellectually demanding situations where skills of cooperation, problem-solving, goal-setting, and self-awareness are rapidly developed. Each ROPES event encourages our patients to deal with an issue in the present, such as problems communicating with others or a need to feel successful.

A high level of fitness or physical ability is not required to participate in ROPES. What is more important is each patient’s willingness to get involved, to share and to take appropriate risks with other group members.

An Experience of Lasting Value

ROPES is often called a “metaphor for life” because many of the ROPES activities blend physical challenges with imaginative scenarios that can be related to real-life situations.

The following skills and insights gained from ROPES often have direct, beneficial application to daily life:

• A more positive self-image and enhanced self-esteem
• Effective teamwork and cooperation
• Improved communication and listening skills
• Willingness to take appropriate risks
• An ability to set and achieve goals
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Feelings of accomplishment and success