Understanding Wilderness Therapy
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The concept of wilderness therapy involves utilizing the natural world as a therapeutic tool for individuals struggling with various mental health issues.
What Is Wilderness Therapy?
Wilderness therapy is a type of experiential therapy that integrates outdoor activities with therapeutic sessions.
According to Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a licensed psychologist, wilderness therapy offers a supportive environment for self-discovery. The focus is on learning to coexist within a group, fostering relationships, and realizing one’s inner strength.
Wilderness therapy is commonly employed for at-risk adolescents who are placed in settings designed to mirror the difficulties they face in their usual social contexts, adds Romanoff.
Wilderness Therapy for Families and Couples
This type of intervention is also applicable in family and couples settings, providing an opportunity for bonding and growth. Wilderness programs can be a transformative experience for families dealing with challenging adolescents, allowing them to address issues, improve relationships, and foster healing as a unit.
Misuse of Wilderness Therapy
Regrettably, not every wilderness therapy program maintains a good reputation or delivers the assistance it claims to provide. Some individuals, particularly teenagers, have recounted being forcefully taken and placed in “wilderness therapy” programs without their consent. As a result, there have been allegations of both mental and physical mistreatment.
Prior to enrolling in any program that markets itself as “wilderness therapy,” it is crucial to conduct thorough research.
If you or someone you are acquainted with has been subjected to such a program, seek support and legal guidance at Unsilenced.org.
Types of Wilderness Therapy
Wilderness therapy is a form of therapy conducted in outdoor settings. Romanoff describes the two types of wilderness therapy:
Techniques
“Wilderness therapy utilizes activities such as adventures, survival skills training, and group bonding to facilitate therapeutic transformation,” explains Romanoff. These experiences help bring unproductive beliefs and behaviors to the surface, allowing for positive changes to occur.
Outdoor activities in wilderness therapy may include the following:
Wilderness therapy also involves counseling sessions with mental health professionals. While group therapy is common, individual sessions and support groups may also be included. Therapists focus on challenging negative beliefs and behaviors, promoting the adoption of healthier and more constructive thought patterns.
Depending on the specific program, participants may be grouped with peers of similar age or shared concerns. Some programs mix individuals at different treatment stages, allowing experienced participants to provide mentorship, guidance, inspiration, and peer support to newcomers.
What Wilderness Therapy Can Assist With
Wilderness therapy can be beneficial for addressing mental health conditions like:1
Moreover, wilderness therapy is also effective in aiding adolescents with challenges such as low self-worth, avoidance, defiance, and impulsive, risky, or rebellious conduct.
The early phases of wilderness therapy may include evaluating participants to identify their underlying issues.
Benefits of Wilderness Therapy
Wilderness therapy provides numerous advantages, including:
- The experiential aspect of the therapy
- Engagement in group activities
- Surroundings in nature
- Distance from home
- Success in outdoor activities and physical challenges
Effectiveness
Wilderness therapy programs have faced challenges in achieving their intended results, according to Romanoff.
Dr. Sabrina Romanoff
Wilderness therapy has sparked controversy due to concerns about the quality of care and treatment effectiveness.
Dr. Romanoff points out the inconsistency in treatment approaches among different programs, with some resembling “boot camps” marketed as wilderness therapy centers, sometimes misleading desperate parents.
Efforts have been made to establish best practices and quality standards in wilderness therapy, leading to the creation of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center, formerly known as the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Cooperative. This center also conducts research on the efficacy of wilderness therapy.
A 2017 study highlighted a growing body of evidence supporting the positive outcomes of wilderness and adventure therapy, enhancing the field’s reputation and credibility.
Impact of Wilderness and Adventure Therapy Programs
For example, a small research project demonstrated that a 10-week wilderness and adventure therapy initiative in Australia positively impacted teenagers dealing with psychological, behavioral, and psychosocial challenges. The study revealed that the program enhanced their social self-esteem and psychological resilience.
Licensing and Accreditation of Therapy Programs
Another research study highlighted the increasing importance of ensuring that therapy programs and professionals are properly licensed and accredited to guarantee quality and effectiveness in their services.
Things to Consider
Wilderness therapy can be quite lengthy and costly. The Enlightened Mind states that treatment expenses can exceed $500 per day and continue for several months. If you are contemplating this therapy option, you will need to plan for a few weeks off from your usual commitments. Additionally, it is advisable to review your insurance coverage since many plans do not include wilderness therapy programs.
It is essential to recognize that wilderness therapy may not be entirely effective on its own; it is commonly utilized as a supplementary therapy alongside other therapeutic methods and interventions.
How to Begin Your Journey with Wilderness Therapy
When venturing into the realm of wilderness therapy, it is crucial to select a program that is accredited and staffed by licensed professionals.
If you have acquaintances or family members who have undergone such programs, seeking their recommendations can offer insight into safe and trustworthy options. Additionally, consulting with your mental health provider may lead to valuable referrals to suitable programs tailored to your needs.
Reading reviews of potential programs can provide further assurance regarding their adherence to health, safety, and ethical standards.
Prior to enrolling in a program, consider visiting the facility to ensure it aligns with your expectations and requirements. Distinguishing between a wilderness therapy program and other outdoor programs like wilderness camps is essential to clarify your intentions.
A Word From The Enlightened Mind
Wilderness therapy entails immersing oneself in nature, participating in outdoor activities, and engaging in therapy sessions to explore personal issues and self-discovery.
It is crucial to select a reputable, licensed, and accredited program for wilderness therapy to ensure safety and effectiveness, especially when spending an extended period away from home and family.
Wilderness therapy: Benefits, Activities & Wilderness Rehab near me. American Addiction Centers. (2024, August 23). https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment/wilderness
Zachor DA, Vardi S, Baron-Eitan S, Brodai-Meir I, Ginossar N, Ben-Itzchak E. The effectiveness of an outdoor adventure programme for young children with autism spectrum disorder: a controlled study. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2017 May;59(5):550-556. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.13337. Epub 2016 Dec 2. PMID: 27911014.
Owens M, Bunce HLI. The Potential for Outdoor Nature-Based Interventions in the Treatment and Prevention of Depression. Front Psychol. 2022 Mar 23;13:740210. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.740210. PMID: 35401311; PMCID: PMC8984301.
References on Wilderness Therapy
Becker SP, Russell KC. Wilderness therapy. Encyclopedia of Adolescence. Springer International Publishing; 2016:1-10.
Harper NJ. Wilderness therapy, therapeutic camping, and adventure education in child and youth care literature: a scoping review. Children and Youth Services Review. 2017;83:68-79.
Bowen DJ, Neill JT, Crisp SJR. Wilderness adventure therapy effects on the mental health of youth participants. Evaluation and Program Planning. 2016;58:49-59.
