The wilderness challenge: an adjunctive treatment (original) (raw)
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The Impact of Wilderness Therapy: Utilizing an Integrated Care Approach
With roots in experiential education and Outward Bound, wilderness therapy (WT) is a growing field of mental health care for youth. WT uses outdoor modalities combined with therapeutic interventions to assist youth to promote clinical changes. Previous research has shown it to be effective in improving the mental health of clients; however, little research has looked at the impact of WT on physical outcomes as well. This study examined changes in the body composition and mental health outcomes of adolescents participating in one WT program. On average, youth in the sample moved to a more healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) or were able to maintain at a healthy level. Youth also experienced significant improvements in their mental health functioning. Given the adolescent obesity crisis along with adolescent female challenges with body image, these results show that WT could be a promising intervention for youth struggling with these issues.
Perspectives on the Wilderness Therapy Process and Its Relation to Outcome
Child Care Quarterly, 2002
This study examined the wilderness therapy process in order to better understand how the intervention effects change in problem behavior of adolescent clients. A review of literature reveals multiple definitions of wilderness therapy, numerous studies evaluating treatment outcomes, and a need to focus research on how the process facilitates change. This study investigated four established wilderness therapy programs using a multisite case study approach and a variety of qualitative data collection methods to carefully examine the wilderness therapy experience of 12 clients in four wilderness therapy programs. Findings indicate that physical exercise and hiking, primitive wilderness living, peer feedback facilitated by group counseling sessions, and the therapeutic relationship established with wilderness guides and therapists were key change agents for adolescents. These factors helped adolescents come to terms with their behavior and facilitated a desire to want to change for the better.
Youth, 2024
Outdoor behavioral healthcare is a specific model and industry utilizing wilderness therapy (WT), a residential treatment approach comprised of outdoor travel and living for youth experiencing mental health, substance use, and behavioral concerns. We present data from 6417 participants about reasons for referral, admission, and discharge scores from the Youth-Outcome Questionnaire (Y-OQ), youth interest and commitment to treatment, reliable change scores, and the relationship between these variables. One-third of youth entered WT with sub-clinical scores, varying levels of client motivation and voluntariness in relation to clinical outcomes, a diverse range of presenting problems without clear indication of specialized treatment planning, and differing responses to treatment by referral reason. Identifying those not responding to WT and those at risk of deterioration from the time of admission requires further investigation to improve client outcomes for this treatment modality. Recommendations include placing increased importance on accurate and thorough screening and assessment, utilizing baseline and routine outcome monitoring, reducing coercion, and considering specialized intervention.
The Next Frontier: Wilderness Therapy and the Treatment of Complex Trauma
Nature and Health (Edited text), 2021
This chapter explores wilderness therapy practice through the lens of complex trauma in an attempt to map the application of theory to practice. We explore the question, if adverse experiences can shape the way a child’s brain develops, can therapeutic experiences, in this case physically active experiences in natural environments, lead to changes that orient a person toward healing and recovery? For Perry (2009) and others, the short and long answers are ‘yes’ (Cozolino, 2002; Doidge, 2007; Kezelman & Stavropoulos, 2012; van der Kolk, 2000). Informed by practice and treatment guidelines (see Kezelman & Stavropoulos, 2012; 2019a; 2019b), a phased model is presented as to how wilderness therapy practitioners can implement trauma-informed practice to ensure physical and emotional safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, choice, and empowerment (Fallot & Harris, 2009). This, we offer, is the next frontier in the pursuit of safe, effective, and relational wilderness therapy practice.
Children and Youth Services Review, 2019
Wilderness therapy is a specialized approach to adolescent substance use and mental health treatment. While empirical evidence of positive outcomes grows to support this approach, qualitative understandings are lacking in the literature, thereby limiting theoretical explanations. Additionally, the voice of adolescent clients is hardly present, and was therefore the focus for this research. A sample of 148 adolescent wilderness therapy clients at one Canadian residential treatment program for addictive behaviour and mental health issues participated in the study. A realist approach utilizing thematic analysis of written open-ended responses produced six major themes; three depicting participant experiences (social dynamics, wilderness, catalyst for change) and three for perceived outcomes (skill development, self-concept, health). These findings are discussed in relationship to the development of a clinical model of wilderness therapy and the potential of wilderness interventions in adolescent residential treatment. Recommendations for practice and future research are discussed.
Understanding the Impact of Wilderness Therapy on Adolescent Depression and Psychosocial Development
2009
Adolescent depression has become epidemic in the United States, with statistics showing that one in five may suffer from depression (Brent & Birmaher, 2002). According to the World Health Organization, depression is the second leading cause of disability for people ages 15-44 (World Health Organization, 2009). Despite the prevalence of adolescent depression, there is an acknowledged shortage of treatment options and providers in the field of child and adolescent mental health (Koplewicz, 2002).
Exploring the Nexus between Wilderness and Therapeutic Experiences
Implicit Religion, 2010
This article was written in South Africa, where there are still tracts of wilderness in which people are able to spend a number of days away from the pressures of modern existence. The narrative draws from personal experiences in the wilderness, and explores aspects of the "call" of the wilderness for some, and links between wilderness experiences and effective psychotherapy. The cognitive freedom possible in the wilderness is contrasted with the ever-tightening infiuence of technology and "progress" on human well-being, providing a recurring theme. Shared metaphors, the nature of the journey and encounters with the self are explored in the contexts of the wilderness and therapy, and engender a form of spiritual experience. Some of the emergent ideas are intended to be thoughtprovoking, engaging the reader in questions about the promotion of well-being.