Why Wilderness Therapy Works

There is a new trend sweeping the world of behavioral therapy, but it’s old in practice. The concept is called wilderness therapy and it serves a similar function to that of a therapeutic boarding school. The programs are aimed at troubled youths who have a tough time interacting with their peers and obeying authority figures.

Teens who enter these programs generally feel much more capable of taking care of themselves, and have improve self esteem. They are also equipped to solve problems the real world throws at them, a skill that is invaluable in society today. The practice is affordable too, with parents from all across the country sending their kids off for a dose of the outdoors.

No Where to Hide

Wilderness therapy removes the ability to hide from the problems we face in life. There is no computer room, where kids can bury themselves in video games and forget their troubles. There are no outside social groups where kids can meet the wrong type of people. Therapy is performed in groups, and kids even sleep in the same areas together. Everything is done as a unit, which promotes team work and cooperation.

It also helps that they are in an emotionally safe space, eating and exercising well too. Physical activity has ties to improved mental acuity and happiness, so it’s important for kids to stay active. Many programs for troubled youth tend to forget these methods in favor of talking issues out. Wilderness programs perform the same function, but in a setting that is conducive to imagination and wonder.

Assessments and Therapy

Therapy begins with an assessment of each youth, dissecting where his troubles lie and how he perceives himself. Staff can then begin to develop a program aimed at improving these behaviors, teaching some practical skills along the way.

The therapy is really a matter of surviving the experience. Camps aren’t unnecessarily dangerous, but living off the land is not easy either. When kids see that they can cook and prepare dwellings for themselves, they begin to develop a greater sense of self worth. This therapy also has the appearance of an experience, so kids don’t catch on that they are being rehabilitated even though the effects are apparent. The result is a happier and better-adjusted child equipped with skills they need to survive in the real world.

Final Thoughts

Therapy is a big step, and one parents should take seriously. Youths are rarely equipped to handle problems on their own, especially the problems of adults. Invest in therapy now for your child’s rewarding future.

Related Story: Programs for Troubled Kids

Related Story: Therapy Gone Wild
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Wood Creek Academy is an outdoor boot camp for teenagers that teaches survival skills and wilderness therapy.