Wilderness Therapy
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.
Find Your Match
Meet the specialists
I provide ecotherapy in multiple ways, by engaging Spirit during sessions, facilitating therapy sessions at outdoor trails and parks, altar building, integrating herbalism and more!
— Mara Martinez-Hewitt, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
I have training in the facilitation of deep imagery from the Animas Valley Institute.
— Emily Fisken, Counselor in Eugene, ORI 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, CO
Prior to earning my masters in social work, I worked as a field guide in a wilderness therapy program. I am aligned with and familiar with aspects of the wilderness therapy model and currently work with several clients who have attended wilderness therapy programs in the past. I stay connected and up to date on research and professional development opportunities within the field of wilderness and adventure therapy.
— Julia Stifler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Bennington, VT❋ Restoring/strengthening relationship with nature. ❋ Connecting to self.
— Nica Ayala, Associate Professional Counselor
Nature is a great mirror for humans, since we too are nature. It is spiritual by nature and teaches us how to live abundantly and in alignment with ourselves. Nature doesn't need humans to survive but we most definitely need nature. Everything is alive and well in nature so we have a lot to gain from being in relationship with all the elements of nature. If life feels out of balance nature can help you restore the love that felt lost.
— Robert Watterson, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Black Hawk, COThe most important thing that happens during Outdoor (Wilderness) Therapy is that I accept you just as you are and hear & understand what you want and need. Amazing things are happening to you when you are outside. The Great Outdoors is a healing tonic for our busy brains. Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being. Combining nature and psychotherapy can lead to new breakthroughs, insights and understanding.
— Heather Kaminski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,
wilderness therapy
— Tania Adams, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Gig Harbor, WA17 years experience facilitating groups in wilderness settings (backpacking, canoeing, earth-based ceremonies)
— Bryce Downey, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Albuquerque, NM