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Avalon Hills
Petersboro, Utah
Benita Quakenbush-Roberts, PhD – Clinical Director
Avalondrbenita@aol.com
Avalon Hills is a residential treatment program for preteen
and adolescent females with eating disorders and co-morbid mental
health issues. Recently opened in March 2003, this innovative program
is small and highly individualized with a total of 12 beds. Located
on 11 acres that are surrounded by mountains, it has a 6700 square
foot home designed to look like a castle in hopes that every girl
who participates in the program will feel like the princesses that
they are. It is licensed as a residential treatment center by the Utah
Department of Human Services, and is a member of National
Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP).
The “core philosophy” of the Avalon Hills program originates from
thesis and doctoral research (Quakenbush, Stein & Doty,
1996; 1998), which focuses on the factors that facilitated the recovery
of females who have overcome eating disorders. Five main themes
for recovery emerge from this research: Skills Building (cognitive,
affective, and social); Development of Identity and Self-Value; Development
of Health-focused Attitudes and Habits; Resolution of Existential
Issues and Conflicts; and Development of External Support.
At Avalon Hills, treatment is approached in a holistic and scientific
manner. They combine psycho education, intensive individualized
therapy, group therapy, family therapy, health assessments and monitoring,
with therapeutic animal therapy and outdoor experiences and the
belief that “new experiences are what transform new ideas, insights,
and feelings into positive change.” The girls participate in equine
therapy with instructors and therapists who have received certification
from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association,
and pet rehabilitation with golden retrievers that is overseen by
the founder and director of the Companion Golden Retriever Rescue.
Avalon Hills has equipment to measure their residents’ metabolic
rate to help staff adjust their diet and exercise, and provide around
the clock nursing care. With “expressive therapy” such as dance,
art, and music, the girls are encouraged to find their interests
and increase their passions through training.
Combining the beauty of the “pristine” location with a comprehensive
clinical program, a multifaceted therapeutic animal program, a wide
range of experimental activities, and a research-based treatment
philosophy, Avalon Hills “creates a safe, inviting, and informal
therapeutic setting that facilitates reflection and change among
preteen and adolescent girls.”
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