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 find great benefit in walk and talk therapy, gardening and activity based therapies.
— Sarah Vogt, Clinical Social Worker in West Bend, WI
I am still very much deep in learning and always will be in this field. It is important for my clients that they have a general idea of where they come from, what came on the land before them, and what is there now. I want them to have these things in mind when we are out on the land so that they can orient themselves and learn from the rich history, bio-life, and experience that they have during our sessions.
— Ariella Hubbard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Wheat Ridge, CO
Retreats are my favorite unique delivery system for therapy. It's intensive, accelerated, focused on providing all the safe and soft places for a person to dig their deepest to connect with their inner most wounded inner child and hurt places. When you include unplugging, solitude, forest bathing, mother nature supported, gentleness of all that is natural and organic - including delicious nurturing food prepared for you with love and a hot tub under the stars for starters.
— Diane Adams, Clinical Social Worker in Alberton, MTAt Evolve in Nature, nature-based or wilderness therapy is individualized therapy in a natural setting. These sessions take place outdoors instead of in the office, using traditional psychotherapy practices, such as: body-centered psychotherapy, mindfulness based therapy, EMDR therapy, psycho-education, gestalt therapy and when appropriate, combine experiences in nature as a catalyst for change and personal growth. We believe nature is a natural healer.
— Evolve In Nature Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist in Boulder, CO
17 years experience facilitating groups in wilderness settings (backpacking, canoeing, earth-based ceremonies)
— Bryce Downey, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Albuquerque, NM❋ Restoring/strengthening relationship with nature. ❋ Connecting to self.
— Nica Ayala, Associate Professional Counselor
I believe that nature is one of the best healers we have. A solid relationship with nature, including our own wild nature, is conducive to total health. The wilderness, which can be found even between cracks in the sidewalk, can teach us so much. Some of the best I've ever received came from a tree after it listened to me vent. I can't often work with clients in truly wild spaces, so I try to incorporate natural wisdom in the office or by taking walks along the creek outside the office.
— Gary Howard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO