Treating Trauma with Wilderness Therapy

Often synonymous with wilderness therapy, outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH) is a residential treatment in the United States for young people, more than half of whom are sent via secure transport services. While empirical evidence suggests the secure transport of adolescents to OBH does not impact quantitative outcomes, limited research exists exploring client voice and the lived experience of OBH participants. This qualitative study, utilizing narrative inquiry, builds knowledge on experiences of secure transport services from nine past OBH adolescent participants. Findings are analyzed, interpreted, and discussed through a social work and trauma-informed lens. Recommendations for ethical practice, linking with human rights, and future research are provided.

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Animal Mimicry as OBT - Wilderness Therapy

10.31234/osf.io/72bpe ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anil Kumar Bheemaiah

Keyword(s):

Motor Coordination ◽

Wilderness Therapy ◽

Positive Outcome ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Adventure Therapy ◽

Social Responsiveness ◽

Therapeutic Camping

Abstract:Animal Mimicry using the Alexa Skill ‘Animal Sounds’ for mimicking animal cries, in ritualistic group outdoor therapy, is a part of adventure, wilderness and OBT. Part of therapeutic camping. In this paper, the author conducts ten ten minute sessions of animal mimicry, channeling vital energies in a close primordial connection to the elements , twilight and nature, with a positive outcome in decreasing stress, improving attention, removing negative trauma, and improving sensori-motor coordination as indicated in a social responsiveness scale.Keywords: Animal Mimicry, Adventure Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, OBT, Autism Spectrum, Struggling Youth, Detox, Vitality

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Wilderness Therapy

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Theory in Counseling and Psychotherapy ◽

10.4135/9781483346502.n373 ◽

2015 ◽

Keyword(s):

Wilderness Therapy

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Where’s the Wilderness in Wilderness Therapy?

Journal of Experiential Education ◽

10.1177/1053825913489107 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 36 (3) ◽

pp. 218-232 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Ebony A. Rutko ◽

Judy Gillespie

Keyword(s):

Wilderness Therapy

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Dissecting the Wilderness Therapy Client

Journal of Experiential Education ◽

10.1177/1053825914540837 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 382-396 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Matthew J. Hoag ◽

Katie E. Massey ◽

Sean D. Roberts

Keyword(s):

Wilderness Therapy

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Research Update: Two-Year Follow-Up Report for the Wilderness Therapy Program

Journal of Experiential Education ◽

10.1177/105382599401700110 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 48-50 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Jennifer Davis-Berman ◽

Dene S. Berman

Keyword(s):

Locus Of Control ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Wilderness Therapy ◽

Behavioral Symptoms ◽

Therapy Program ◽

Post Test ◽

The Stability

This study presents four-month, one- and two-year follow-up data on 23 participants in the Wilderness Therapy Program for Lifespan Counseling Associates of Dayton, Ohio. All participants were administered self-efficacy behavioral symptoms and locus of control inventories at four months and one and two years following the program. The results suggested a regression to pre-test levels at four months, with a return to the original post-test change levels at one and two years. This study supports the need for follow-up programs to facilitate the generalization of change. Finally, the stability of change is discussed and the need for follow-up research is underscored.

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