The | Outside – Outdoor/Wilderness

Adventure therapy often involves spending time in nature. This has therapeutic benefits in and of itself, particularly young adult men who come from urban areas. Getting away from the day-to-day stressors of daily life, as well as being surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, breathing fresh air, and listening to the unique and often tranquil sounds of nature, can boost anyone’s spirits and help them gain a new appreciation for the present moment and what they have.

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 doesn’t 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.

Facing and reflecting upon one’s thoughts during moments of silence is an important therapeutic aspect of adventure therapy. 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 in our lives as we are trying to be our best selves.

Overtime, journals provide invaluable information regarding patterns of behavior and emotional triggers that further increase self-awareness. Just putting thoughts and feelings down on paper can also be cathartic. Even though they are still private, they’re no longer silently held inside. The journaling process can be especially helpful for Young Adults who have a difficult time expressing identifying and expressing their real feelings.

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.

• 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
• The experience is both meaningful and real to the participants because it reflects their real life.

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.