7 Reasons Why Adventures Therapy is Right for You
By Derek Daley
Adventure Therapy is a powerful tool for helping individuals develop social, emotional, and physical skills. It has been successfully used with adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and has been shown to be particularly effective for young adults facing a variety of issues such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, anger management, and PTSD. If you’re a young adult struggling with any of these issues, or are the parent of a young adult and are considering Adventure Therapy program for your child, here are 7 reasons why it may be a great choice:
- Improved emotional intelligence: Adventure therapy can help young adults recognize and address their own emotions and mental health issues, leading to improved self-awareness and self-regulation.
- Deeper connection to nature: Being immersed in the natural environment can deepen a person’s appreciation of nature and the outdoors, leading to improved stress management.
- Increased physical fitness: Adventure activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking can improve physical fitness and strength, leading to increased self-confidence.
- Improved social skills: Interacting with peers, mentors, and wilderness guides in an Adventure Therapy program can improve interpersonal skills and communication.
- Enhanced relationship skills: Adventure Therapy can help young adults better understand relationships, team-building, and communication, leading to improved relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners.
- Self-sufficiency skills: Learning self-sufficiency skills such as navigating by landmarks or using a compass/GPS can boost confidence and independence.
- Increased sense of connection: Adventure Therapy can help young adults feel more connected to the natural world and to themselves, leading to greater overall well-being.
Overall, Adventure Therapy is a valuable option for young adults looking to improve their social, emotional, and physical skills and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Author: Derek Daley is a co-founder of Legacy Outdoor Adventures and Juniper Canyon Recovery Center for Women, with decades of experience in the outdoor behavioral healthcare industry. He is currently serving on the board of The National Association of Therapeutic Programs and the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council. Derek received the 2017 Utah Community Service award for his nonprofit work, and is a passionate advocate for wilderness therapy, presenting nationally at universities and conferences to raise awareness about how nature experiences can change lives. On the weekends, Derek enjoys adventuring with his family in Utah and around the globe.
