262: The Evolution of Outdoor Therapy Research: Dr. Tucker & Dr. Norton on the Outdoor Research Collaborative for Health, Wellbeing, and Experiential Engagement

In this episode Will talks with Dr. Anita Tucker and Dr. Christine Norton about the transformation of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Center into the newly established Outdoor Research Collaborative for Health, Wellbeing, and Experiential Engagement (ORC) at the University of New Hampshire. The ORC's mission is to expand research efforts beyond wilderness therapy to encompass a wider array of outdoor-based mental health interventions, including community-based programs, trauma-informed practices, and experiential engagement. Dr. Tucker and Dr. Norton explain how the ORC is creating a more inclusive research environment by incorporating diverse voices, including former clients, and prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) to better reflect the evolving field of outdoor therapy. The conversation delves into the ORC's collaborative research efforts with programs across the country, from wilderness therapy to outpatient adventure-based counseling, and highlights the growing interest in nature-based mental health interventions post-pandemic. The ORC's strategic planning process involved engaging various stakeholders to ensure the research center's direction aligns with the field's needs. The episode also explores how outdoor therapy can reduce practitioner burnout and discusses the importance of research accessibility for practitioners and clients alike. Listeners will gain insight into the field's future, the role of community-based programming, and how the ORC continues to build trust and foster innovation through research and collaboration. Stories from the Field is sponsored by White Mountain Adventure Institute. Helpful links to learn more about information shared in this episode: Outdoor Research Collaborative Website  Dr. Tucker talks about her background and the OBH Center in 2018 on Stories from the Field. Dr. Norton talks about her background and her work at the OBH Center in 2019 on Stories from the Field. Dr. Noton talks about research at the OBH Center about transporting young people to wilderness therapy programs in 2021. Dr. Mike Gass talks about the OBH Center and its research and focus in 2021. Dr. Tucker and Dr. Norton talk on the podcast Therapy +