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Unpacking the Black Box of Wilderness Therapy

“…The wilderness therapy clinical model proposed here seeks to integrate the components that are specific to this approach to treatment along with the more psychological/psychotherapeutic-specific elements into the model to arrive at a framework that includes the complete nature of the intervention. In addition, through incorporating the psychological/clinical dimension, we can explore how psychotherapy may present itself in a “new” way in the wilderness setting as opposed to conventional, institutional settings (Williams, 2000). For instance, one can assume that the same therapist is a different version of him- or herself in the wilderness context compared with a hospital-based office setting or that a group therapy session will take a different form when sitting around the campfire rather than being seated on chairs inside the clinic.…”

Readiness to Change, Trait Emotional Intelligence, and Client Fit in Wilderness Therapy

“…Despite the diversity across WT programs, common factors include outdoor travel and living, challenge and risk, a 24/7 milieu, connecting with nature, reflection, and experiential learning through planned activities (Becker & Russell, 2016;Harper et al, 2015;Gabrielsen & Harper, 2017;Gass et al, 2012;Norton et al, 2015). 9 WT often operates in a comparable manner to non-wilderness RTCs both therapeutically and administratively (Harper & Russell, 2008;Williams, 2000).…”

Into the Wild: A Group Wilderness Intervention to Build Coping Strategies in High School Youth Through Collaboration and Shared Experience

“…Cooking, cleaning, setting up camp, and packing up camp are all small responsibilities that require group organization. If facilitated correctly, these small tasks play a large role in allowing the members of the group to behave in an unguarded manner that will ultimately foster stronger connection, understanding, and social support (Williams, 2000). As members become more comfortable with each other, the opportunity for authentic expression and engagement is increased through structured therapeutic interventions and activities.…”

“…The time in between activities, as well as time spent on campsite responsibilities (e.g., setting up tents, cooking food, etc. ), was attributed as a vital aspect of the intervention; much of the comfort between group members is built in these moments (Williams, 2000). All specific activities listed are my original creations and were created with the theoretical ideas discussed previously.…”