Outbound Collective logo

Wilderness therapy for teenagers.

Wilderness therapy for teenagers.

By: James Helliwell + Save to a List

Wilderness therapy which is also referred to as outdoor behavior healthcare is an adventure-based therapy treatment for behavior change and personal self-improvement, which combines innovative education, individual and group therapy in a wilderness scenery. Wilderness therapy is a developing field of treatment that uses out-of-doors setting to boost personal development, positive transformation, and building of self-esteem as a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. There are several different approaches to wilderness therapy, but the standard feature they all have is that they involve nature which is a dominant force for both change and balance in ways that can be used to assist individuals struggling with life challenges.

Majority of wilderness therapy programs tend to focus more toward teens and young adults who are facing the challenges of growing up. Peer pressure, the need to perform well in school, family problems, drugs, and numerous struggles that overwhelm the young generation including the new changes of adolescent life. If a teenager is enrolled in the type of wilderness camp that suits him or her the experience and results can be positive. Wilderness camps are short-term, usually one, two or three months. It may seem that much cannot be accomplished within such a short time. However, factors such as working as a team, following a strict schedule, performing difficult tasks, and Mother Nature all help to create a quick behavioral change in the child. Many qualities can be achieved including self-confidence, the feeling of security, self-esteem, and respect for themselves and others.

A wilderness therapy has so much to offer a disturbed teen. They offer a mixture of therapies and healthy outdoor activities. The professional staff provide therapy on a one-to-one level and then in group sessions. The well-designed outdoor programs can cover a number of activities including camping, hiking, rock-climbing, cooking, running, boating and more. These activities are good for the body and mind of your teen and get them thinking about challenges which help them develop self-discipline, leadership abilities and self-esteem. They also discover who they are as an individual. They may find new activities that they love and are positive to make them forget their old behaviors, something they are no longer interested in being associated with.

Through the many team activities that are part of the wilderness program, youth learn that it is not all about themselves. They have to work as part of a unit to achieve what the goals of the team. Many of the activities in wildness therapy are fun, and they are exciting. As a result of that sense of challenge and competition, the teens want to be involved with them. A teen who attends wilderness therapy is going enjoy exercises and learn some excellent skills for coping and teamwork that can be applied to many different life situations. Their self-confidence can also soar during such events. That allows them to feel empowered to take on new challenges both while they are in the wilderness program and when they return from it. For you to get most of this wilderness therapy, you require the appropriate clothing, footwear such as boots for hikingand other accessories.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Do you love the outdoors?

Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.

Related

Exploring the United Kingdom's Lake District

Alex Coleman