Wilderness Therapy

Wilderness therapy is designed to dynamically affect the behaviors and choices of at-risk youth through the engagement of wilderness elements. Wilderness Therapy was developed by The New York Asylum, The San Francisco Agnew Asylum, and Kurt Hahn. Adolescents are given an opportunity to change the perceptions that they have of themselves by challenging their mental and physical abilities. Children who pose a risk to themselves or others, or are engaged in activities that are the result of negative behaviors, are often urged to participate in wilderness therapy. Schools, institutions, and criminal justice organizations rely on this form of therapy for the correction of misguided youth.

• Model and Environment of Wilderness Therapy
• Wilderness Therapy Results
• Resources Related to Wilderness Therapy

Model and Environment of Wilderness Therapy

A secure, non-critical and supportive environment is the platform for self-discovery. Clients who engage in wilderness therapy are guided to examine the maladaptive behaviors that have led them to the negative circumstances in which they find themselves. Disruptive and unproductive beliefs and views are transformed into healthier more realistic thoughts and expectations.

Wilderness therapy is modeled to mimic the true challenges and pressures found within family and social structures, but delivers them in an atmosphere free from negative influences. Children learn how to develop healthy relationships, live within boundaries and accept and process feedback while relying on their own sense of inner wisdom and strength.

Wilderness Therapy Results

Children see dramatic results from wilderness therapy because they are forced to look inside themselves to assess their own abilities and limitations. The therapy is conducted in such a way as to provide immediate consequences to the actions performed and to enable the child to draw on their own motivation and introspection before, during and after the activity. The techniques are ever changing and require the child to adapt and respond continuously, while accepting full responsibility for their choices throughout the process. Additionally, children are often required to forge alliances with other children for self-preservation. By doing this, the children are developing the skills necessary to communicate in a relational way and to rely on the ability of others for their well-being.

Resources Related to Wilderness Therapy:

Second Nature Wilderness Programs

Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs

Aspen Educational Group

National Youth Network

Wikipedia's Page about Wilderness_Therapy