In other words, what exactly is wilderness therapy?

Published on : 03-06-2023

Trails Carolina described wilderness therapy as a form of talking therapy incorporating expeditions and other outdoor activities Substance addiction and mental health patients may both benefit from this therapy method. But, it should be taken in addition to conventional treatments instead of them.

Wilderness therapy, like adventure therapy, is helpful in changing negative patterns of behavior, although the two approaches are distinct When compared to adventure therapy, which can run for years, wilderness therapy is often a shorter-term program

The phrase "adventure therapy" refers to a wide range of interventions that make use of natural environments to help people in need develop social and emotional competencies, build resilience, test their physical and emotional boundaries, and strengthen their interpersonal and communication skills

Examples of such interventions include the use of potentially harmful activities as a means of motivating adolescents to make positive lifestyle adjustments Participants in an adventure therapy program may engage in activities like hiking, boating, or even rock climbing as a means of practicing risk taking

Selecting a wilderness treatment school that is accredited by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs is crucial if you want to ensure a positive experience for your loved one (NATSAP) To guarantee the health and well-being of their patients, the organization mandates that all programs conduct efficacy research and implement evidence-based procedures.

Another choice is to ask your primary care physician or mental health professional for a referral. Perhaps they can recommend a useful program that they have found useful in the past Wilderness therapy programs can be costly, so it's crucial to do your homework before deciding to pursue this option. Talking to people you know who have tried wilderness treatment can be useful as well

Our staff teaches adolescents self-care practices and compassion for others in addition to the therapeutic outdoor activities they participate in By letter writing and other activities, the treatment team fosters open dialogue, personal responsibility, constructive criticism, and positive interpersonal connections