Posted by Evoke Therapy Programs on February 03, 2014 | 0 comment(s)
A Second Nature Study, Published in the Journal of Residential Treatment of Children and Youth, Suggests Promising Results for Young Adults in Wilderness Therapy
The Journal of Residential Treatment for Children and Youth published an article by Second Nature researchers entitled, “Efficacy of Wilderness Therapy for Young Adults: A First Look”. This is one of the first studies examining outcomes for young adults in wilderness therapy, and suggests promising results for this group.
Posted by Evoke Therapy Programs on February 03, 2014 | 0 comment(s)
My Journey: Second Nature Entrada
October 22, 2012- December 18, 2012
My journey at Second Nature Entrada is one I will never forget. It was the start of the rest of my life. The feelings and emotions I had before entering the wilderness were ones I never thought would change. Feelings of emptiness, heavy sadness, hopelessness, and anger swirled in my body as I boarded the plane to go to Utah. I remember feeling anxious and overwhelmed, not knowing what to expect and not knowing what I had just signed myself up for. At this point I felt this program was my last shot at living, feeling like if it didn’t “work” I was destined to committing suicide. I held my breath, my heart beating out of my chest… I got off the plane, ready or not– my journey begins.
Posted by Peter Allen, MS, LPCI, NCC on November 15, 2013 | 0 comment(s)
Recently, I have been incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with the students. DBT as a treatment method was conceived and developed by Marsha Linehan, who was at different times in her life diagnosed as having both schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. Despite being committed to a secure psychiatric facility, several suicide attempts, and her very real mental health challenges, she was determined to develop treatments to help those who suffered as she did. She eventually earned her doctorate and became a clinician and researcher. For more on Dr. Linehan’s personal story, you can read this New York Times article on her from 2011:
Posted by Matt Hoag, Ph.D. on October 31, 2013 | 0 comment(s)
Matt Hoag, PhD, Katie Massey, MSW and Sean Roberts, MS present the major evolutions in Wilderness Therapy clients’ complexity and meeting the new challenges with sophisticated clinical intervention at Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER) conference Oct 31 – Nov 2.
Posted by Rick Heizer, Partner and Program Director on August 23, 2013 | 0 comment(s)
Recently, a reputable Wilderness Therapist presented on the effectiveness of Wilderness Therapy at the American Psychology Association conference. Upon his return he shared his presentation was grouped in the same category as dance therapy! This is an amusing illustration of the confusion in defining Wilderness Therapy. A growing number of behavioral healthcare professionals are asking what should and shouldn’t be considered “Wilderness Therapy.” With interpretations ranging from boot camp to adventure trips there is an obvious need for a clear definition of Wilderness Therapy. A clear definition provides universal understanding of what Wilderness Therapy is and the extensive benefits gained from it.
Posted by Matt Hoag, Ph.D. on July 23, 2013 | 0 comment(s)
Irvin Yalom1 identified eleven factors that contribute to healthy functioning in group therapy, which therapists may use to facilitate meaningful and effective interventions. Application of these factors to the Wilderness Therapy experience allows clinicians to both understand Wilderness Therapy on a more sophisticated level and to design interventions that serve to highlight or develop any of the factors.
Posted by Mike Bergeron on July 09, 2013 | 5 comment(s)
The sun was setting on this particular balmy evening in October. A gentle breeze rustled through the juniper trees and brought wafts of sweet smelling sage across the open field near where the group was camped. The temperature was that perfect in-between: not real warm or real chilly. It was altogether different than the images of red rock formations and sprawling cactus that comes to mind when one thinks of the southwest, but then this was autumn in the high desert.
Irvin Yalom