The | Outside – Experiential/Adventure
Being outdoors is healing and creates an environment that allows for us to simplify our world and take a look around at our surroundings and within ourselves. The Adventure Therapy component of EVNSQ is designed to get clients connected to the world around them.
For those recovering from deep emotional wounds, unresolved trauma, or the grips of a destructive addiction, adventure therapy can open doors to healing that traditional forms of talk therapy often can’t by itself. This is why adventure therapy is a key component of EVNSQ and all of the Balance House programs.
Unlike most forms of therapy, adventure therapy does not require you to spend all of your time sitting and talking to a therapist one-on-one, or sitting in group all day. Programs that last for a weekend or several days out in nature provide individuals with ample opportunity to listen, instead, to the still, small (or perhaps raging or crying) voice within. For many participants, this may be a very foreign experience as the majority of their waking hours are bombarded with almost non-stop noise from multiple sources – mobile phones, computers, social media, traffic, planes, trains, and automobiles, neighbors, and family members, and the self-talk that is often so negative and can sometimes be the loudest.
Spending time in quiet reflection allows participants to gain a greater sense of self-awareness. They can think about the things they have accomplished (e.g. putting up a tent for the first time or climbing a challenging rock face), the fears they’ve faced (e.g. heights, performing a task while others watch), the connections they’ve established or difficulties they’ve encountered with other participants, and things they’ve learned about themselves. The activities used in adventure therapy represent, in some form or another, situations and challenges that participants face in the “real” world (whatever that might mean to you). Therapists will often encourage participants to talk or think about the similarities between a particular activity and experiences they’ve had in their lives.
Since adventure therapy is typically done in a group format, it also provides opportunities to talk to, learn from, work alongside, and share experiences with other participants. Activities often require working closely together as a team or unit. This helps participants develop better communication and social skills. It can also increase self-awareness as participants give each other both positive and negative feedback. If someone’s not pulling his weight, someone else is going to point it out. Likewise, if someone is doing an exceptional job, other participants will express their admiration and praise. Team activities also allow participants to learn from one another and practice new skills.
Benefits of Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy has many wonderful benefits for those who participate in it, including the following:
- Trust in oneself as well as others
- Opportunity to model healthy behaviors of therapy staff in a safe, supportive setting
- Sense of personal empowerment and accomplishment
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Increase in leadership skills
- Stronger self-esteem and greater self-confidence
- Greater sense of self-awareness
- Greater problem solving skills
- Emotional discovery and healing
- Greater sense of self-reliance
- Increased sense of worthiness and personal value
- Better communication skills
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- Ability to set appropriate limits and boundaries
- Ability to cooperate with others to achieve a common goal
- Greater sense of personal responsibility
- Willingness to accept help from others when needed
- More optimistic outlook on life
- More positive attitude
- Appreciation and respect for the needs of others
- Increased ability to face one’s fears rather than avoiding or numbing them
- Greater focus and attention
- Increased ability to identify unhealthy patterns of behavior
- Greater awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses
Adventure therapy can be fun, exciting, and challenging. It’s a great way to learn and practice new behaviors, improve your interpersonal skills, face your fears, overcome personal obstacles and challenges, and heal painful emotions.
Primary Elements of Adventure Therapy
- Therapy clients are directly involved in their treatment rather than merely observing from the sidelines
- Individuals receive positive therapeutic benefits from the process because they are motivated to participate in it
- Ongoing reflection during therapy enhances personal growth and progress
- The activities that are chosen must teach lessons that are applicable to both past and future experiences
Types of Adventure Therapy
- Wilderness excursions (e.g. camping, backpacking, hiking in the mountains and other remote areas)
- Problem solving initiatives
- Trust activities
- Outdoor activities (e.g. kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling, skiing/snowboarding, whitewater rafting)
- Ropes courses (high and low)
Each of these activities is designed to be therapeutic in nature. They may focus on fostering communication and cooperation, building trust in self and others, or developing and improving problem-solving skills.
Disorders, Issues, and Conditions that can benefit from Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy can be a very effective treatment for many different mental health disorders, challenging life issues, and other conditions and problems with which people struggle. Studies have shown it to be beneficial in the treatment of:
- Young adults with substance use/abuse disorders
- Anger management issues
- Eating disorders
- Recovery from trauma
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Individuals with developmental disorders
- Attachment disorders
- Grief and loss issues
- Emotional deregulation
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Issues with codependency
- Adventure therapy can also benefit families in conflict, individuals struggling with low self-esteem or lack of self-confidence, and those who struggle with taking initiative.
Keep Your Recovery Moving Forward
We know what it takes to get you back in running condition. Call (801) 899-3480 today.
We encourage you to reach out to our team with any questions you may have. Getting help can seem like an overwhelming process, but you don’t have to go it alone.
We’re here for you.