Wilderness therapy, sometimes known as outdoor behavioral healthcare, is an experiential, adventure-based therapeutic treatment style that takes place in a wilderness setting. Wilderness therapy is typically targeted at adolescents and young adults and uses expeditions into the wilderness as a way to address behavioral issues or mental health problems. Wilderness therapy is used in both individual and group settings and its primary goal is usually behavior modification and/or self-improvement. Participants develop communication skills, self-confidence, learn how to work in groups and how to rely on their own knowledge and strengths. Think this approach might be right for you (or a young person in your care)? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s wilderness therapy experts today.
I have 9+ years of experience within outdoor education, wilderness therapy guiding, nature connection, and primitive skills. I have worked within a variety of different settings and system configurations to do this work. For example, I have facilitated a weekend of family therapy while camping in the San Juan Mountains and I have guided a day hike for a group of youth activists on retreat in the Sierra Nevada in California.
— Mary Beth Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Denver, COI have 9+ years of experience within outdoor education, wilderness therapy guiding, nature connection, and primitive skills. I have worked within a variety of different settings and system configurations to do this work. For example, I have facilitated a weekend of family therapy while camping in the San Juan Mountains and I have guided a day hike for a group of youth activists on retreat in the Sierra Nevada in California.
— Mary Beth Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Denver, COAt Evolve in Nature, nature-based or wilderness therapy is individualized therapy in a natural setting. These sessions take place outdoors instead of in the office, using traditional psychotherapy practices, such as: body-centered psychotherapy, mindfulness based therapy, EMDR therapy, psycho-education, gestalt therapy and when appropriate, combine experiences in nature as a catalyst for change and personal growth. We believe nature is a natural healer.
— Evolve In Nature Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist in Boulder, COI am still very much deep in learning and always will be in this field. It is important for my clients that they have a general idea of where they come from, what came on the land before them, and what is there now. I want them to have these things in mind when we are out on the land so that they can orient themselves and learn from the rich history, bio-life, and experience that they have during our sessions.
— Ariella Hubbard, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in Golden, COMy research in graduate school focused on the healing powers of being outdoors. I have an extensive background in working in Wilderness Education and have seen the impact of being outside on the mental health of clients and for myself. Wilderness Therapy is one of many modalities that increases our time and experiences in the out of doors which has been shown to have positive impacts on a variety of both Mental health and Physical health conditions.
— Marie Graven, Counselor in Swannanoa, NCAs a clinician, I offer walk-and-talk therapy in natural settings to clients who express interest in alternative therapeutic modalities. I have often found that clients are able to open up in new and insightful ways when we are walking side-by-side, and I believe that nature holds such power to heal. I only offer these services to folks living in Santa Cruz County.
— Sienna Forest, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist17 years experience facilitating groups in wilderness settings (backpacking, canoeing, earth-based ceremonies)
— Bryce Downey, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Albuquerque, NMWork in nature enables us to use metaphor and experiencing to heal and more deeply understand ourselves. Its benefits are innumerable. I offer counseling combined with time in nature to provide you with increased benefit. We will collaboratively design a treatment plan that brings more nature into your life in ways that work for you. This can be accomplished through walk and talk therapy in the forest, sitting in a peaceful setting by the pond, or in almost any way we can imagine!
— Sabrina Merz, Counselor in Boulder, COI have a background in wilderness therapy and outdoor behavioral health. I have hopes of beginning the first active wilderness therapy program for teens (not counting substance use programs) in the state of Virginia within the next 5 years.
— David Gosling, Licensed Professional CounselorI wrote my dissertation on wilderness therapy with youth at risk. I believe strongly in nature as a healing modality. I try to incorporate that into the work I do with all my clients.
— Rami Vissell, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Aptos, CAMy introduction to providing therapy was in the field of Adventure/Wilderness Therapy. This highly engaging method of therapy provides clients with real-life opportunities to learn and practice various mental health skills. Adventure Therapy can be a fantastic tool for children and adolescents who are reluctant to do traditional talk therapy, but has benefits for anyone who chooses to engage in this method. You don't have to be a nature lover to benefit from Adventure Therapy sessions.
— Megan Kochheiser, Licensed Clinical Social Worker