Adventure therapy is a form of psychotherapy originating in the 1960s. The therapy combines nature, community, and daring exercises for therapy. The intent of adventure therapy is to improve an individual’s physical, social, spiritual, and psychological well being through the healing power of the wilderness with evidence-based, experiential therapy, recreational activities, and wilderness expeditions. When you and your family are researching the appropriate substance addiction programs for your young adult, you may encounter references to adventure therapy and wonder what role it can play in assisting your loved one back to full health and well-being.
Adventure therapy assists individuals, groups and families as they overcome behavioral issues, substance abuse problems, or various mental health concerns. Adventure therapy is a highly effective method, and the adventure therapist seeks to actively stimulate clients with different tools. For example, some adventure therapists encourage healing by allowing patients to use ropes to build trust while enjoying outdoor activities.
Benefits of Adventure Therapy
- Adventure therapy is a powerful treatment approach for anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
- It is an exciting and productive element of family or relationship therapy.
- Adventure therapy has shown to be beneficial for schizophrenia treatment.
- It is highly beneficial for adolescents, teenagers, young adults, and individuals with various mental health concerns.
How Does Adventure Therapy Work?
Effective adventure therapy is not simply temporary escapism from problems that are simply returned to as soon as the patient leaves the treatment program. Adventure therapy promotes rehabilitation, growth, development, and enhancement of an individual’s physical, social, and psychological wellbeing through the application of structured activities involving direct experience. Adventure therapy includes the use of activities supported by traditional therapy.
Empowering activities utilized in adventure therapies include:
- Canyoneering
- Mountain Biking
- Rock Climbing
- Backpacking / Hiking
- Alpine Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Primitive Skills
This is why adventure therapy and experiential therapy are avenues everyone on the road to recovery should explore. If you want to find out more, be sure to give us a call at Oak Forest Recovery on 1-888-597-6257.
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