Wilderness Therapy for Teens and Young Adults: A History and Considerations for Parents with Will White, DA, MSW

ABOUT THE EPISODE:Wilderness Therapy, or Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, is an option parents often consider when locally-based treatments aren't working for their teen or young adult who's struggling with emotional issues or substance use. But it can be scary and confusing if you're unfamiliar with what wilderness therapy actually is (and isn't.) This episode does a deep-dive into the origins of wilderness therapy, with someone who's been around it since it's earliest days. Will White, co-founder of Summit Achievement and Summit Traverse, and industry historian provides parents with a grounded explanation of how this therapeutic model developed and gives perspective from his 25+ years in the field.This is also a valuable resource to pass along to a parent you may know who has a child struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, "failure to launch" or substance misuse. EPISODE RESOURCES:Stories From the Field, a History of Wilderness Therapy (book)Stories From the Elders: Chronicles and Narratives from the Early Years of Wilderness TherapyStories From the Field: Demystifying Wilderness Therapy (podcast)Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare CouncilOutdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center (research) Association for Experiential EducationAll Kinds of TherapyThe Parallel Process Man’s Search for Meaning Finding a Therapeutic Educational Consultant:Independent Educational Consultants AssociationTherapeutic Consulting AssociationThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream CommunityLearn about The Stream, our private online community for momsFind us on Instagram hereWatch the podcast on YouTube hereDownload a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and AlcoholHopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.