No single therapy program works for everyone. Sometimes, it takes a unique program that gets people outside of their comfort zones. For many of them, outdoor therapy does that. It provides healing and rewarding experiences that they simply can’t get from other forms of therapy.
Do you want to know more about experiential therapy? Call us today at 866.262.0531 for more information.
What Is Wilderness Therapy?
Wilderness counseling, which some people simply refer to as outdoor or adventure therapy, works like traditional programs. Similar to traditional counseling, outdoor therapy aims to help them heal and overcome hurdles in their lives. Unlike traditional therapy, though, the sessions occur outside. They might also include services such as hiking therapy.
In fact, holding therapy sessions outdoors has many benefits. For example, wilderness therapy removes distractions and avoidance strategies that people typically use in other settings. As a result, it’s easier for people to focus on the therapy and get the most out of treatment. Remember that outdoor therapy is a very versatile program that people of all ages can enjoy. However, these programs tend to resonate the most with young adults. The various challenges and chances for personal growth are part of the reason why.
Benefits of Outdoor Therapy
The first benefit of wilderness therapy programs in Oregon is that they encourage growth. They do so with an array of challenges. While outdoors, people tend to gain insight into themselves from hands-on experience.
Also, adventure therapy teaches people coping skills. These skills help them not only deal with mental disorders but also cope with addiction. The skills boost their self-esteem and self-confidence as well.
It’s important to note that outdoor therapy involves more than just being outside. It also consists of more than competing in outdoor challenges. In fact, it’s about immersing oneself self in the great outdoors. Nature creates a surreal atmosphere that helps people reduce stress in a natural way. Lastly, wilderness programs turn people on to new hobbies. After rehab, it’s crucial for them to fill their downtime with activities that keep their minds off of using substances. Some of the hobbies that they enjoy during outdoor therapy make for great hobbies after treatment too. Some excellent examples include hiking, fishing, and camping.
Another benefit of wilderness therapy is that it allows people to unplug from technology and clear their minds. In today’s day and age, it’s difficult to find time to disconnect from our electronic devices. They run our lives more and more with each passing year. We are constantly bombarded with notifications, alerts, and messages. Sometimes, it’s good to be away from all of that.
Although it’s important to stay connected, it’s also crucial to take a break from time to time. Outdoor therapy provides people with the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with themselves.
People often feel more relaxed and refreshed after spending time in nature. They are able to return to their everyday lives feeling recharged and rejuvenated.
How Can an Anxiety Treatment Program Help?
While a patient is part of an anxiety treatment program, professional medical staff and counselors can thoroughly observe and carefully interview them to determine if they have a social anxiety disorder. This is the first step to an official diagnosis and to discover what triggers a patient’s anxiety. When properly diagnosed, social anxiety disorder responds well to treatment. Being in nature can help people stay calm and work through the symptoms of anxiety, including:
- Racing heartbeat
- Sweating
- Feeling out of control
- Racing thoughts
- Paranoia
Take a Hike with Friends
Push yourself to participate in activities and engage with your peers outdoors. This can push you out of your comfort zone and support your ability to communicate. This strengthens the successful navigation of your world. Don’t forget that part of communication is asking for help when you need it. Even if you don’t usually enjoy being outside, learning to appreciate the world around is an important part of recovery.
Don’t Wait to Get the Help That You Need
Are you looking for wilderness therapy programs Oregon offers? If so, you can’t go wrong when you turn to Crestview Recovery for help. We offer a combination of outdoor and traditional therapy services. Some of the other programs that we offer to include:
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Aftercare
- Exercise therapy
- Adventure therapy
Don’t just give up on therapy if more traditional methods aren’t working. There is alternatives available that may be exactly what you need. Find out if wilderness therapy is right for you. Reach out to us at 866.262.0531 for more information about our adventure therapy programs.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
