Reality-Oriented Physical Experiential Services (ROPES) is an innovative therapeutic program that uses the power of action-oriented experiences to help patients make positive changes in their lives. Through direct physical experience, it teaches that courage and risk-taking, when combined with cooperation and trust, will lead to personal success. A primary goal is to place individuals in physically, emotionally and intellectually demanding situations where cooperation, problem-solving, self-awareness, goal-setting and attainment are developed. Participants deal with issues in the here and now, based on challenges by choice; ultimately choosing their own level of challenged involvement. ROPES is often called a metaphor for life because the activities blend the physical challenges with scenarios that can be related to real-life situations.

Program Philosophy

All ROPES activities are based on Challenge by Choice; participants have the ultimate right and responsibility to choose their own level of challenged involvement. A high level of fitness or physical ability is not required to participate in ROPES. The more important aspect is the individual's willingness to get involved, to share and to take appropriate risks with other group members. The following skills and insights gained from ROPES often have direct application to daily life:

• Improved communication and listening skills
• Increased adaptability and innovation
• Ability to set and achieve goals
• Effective decision making and problem solving skills
• A willingness to take risks and challenges
• Enhanced self-esteem
• Renewed sense of purpose and vision
• New leadership potential
• Feelings of accomplishment and success

Program Services

The ROPES Program staff and treatment team plan therapy sessions that address each individual's needs and goals. ROPES activities are presented in a sequence of challenging events that help the participants gradually gain self-confidence and trust in others. As the participants learn to trust themselves and others, they move to more challenging activities. Group discussion is critical in the ROPES process and occurs before, during and after each session. The participants are encouraged to draw conclusions, gain new insights, make personal discoveries, and relate those discoveries to their lives.

ROPES Course and Program Safety

The ROPES course consists of cables, wood beams, pulleys and ropes set between utility poles or built-in to trees. These types of areas are used to facilitate group initiatives, low events, and high elements. A safety management system is always in effect during each of the activities. Although there is a perceived risk, the actual risk is minimal. Safety is assured by the program's accreditation process, proper use of high quality equipment and proven safety practices. To reinforce program safety and effectiveness, the ROPES facilitators receive ongoing training in course safety techniques and group development processes.

Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health also offers this program to businesses in the community looking for alternative team-building or leadership exercises for their employees. Accommodations can be made for up to 25 participants at a time.

For more information, please contact Kahi Mohala Rehabilitative Services Program Manager at (808) 677-2559.