What is adventure therapy?
Adventure Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes learning through outdoor activities. Activities usually involve some form of risk (whether it is real or perceived) that creates an emotional or physical challenge. It can be implemented by using games, trust exercises, or wilderness adventures. This adds a little bit of excitement to the treatment experience and allows clients to learn more about themselves and how they work with others. Ultimately, these experiences will aid them in their recovery.
Adventure therapy program
The Morningside Adventure Program (MAP) is an intensive program where clients can participate in a wide range of outdoor activities throughout their stay in treatment. We recognize that the natural beauty of the outdoors is a catalyst for serenity and the MAP takes advantage of the experiential elements we find in outdoor challenges to help produce positive changes in our clients.
The Adventure Program offers a great alternative to traditional forms of therapy and allows clients the chance to break away from the traditional clinical setting. They will have the chance to venture into the great outdoors and break out of their comfort zone.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE ADVENTURE PROGRAM
- White water rafting
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Mountain hiking
- Kayaking in the ocean
- Camping in the desert
- Zipline
Benefits of adventure therapy
Recognizing social roles
Clients’ behavior within a group setting can provide insight into the roles they play in the workplace, school, in relationships and their family. They will have the chance to see how they fit in with working with others and learn to work through any emotional and social barriers they are facing.
Self-management skills
You will explore a wide range of emotions within the group dynamic such as fear, frustration, hostility and grief. The focus on managing personal emotions and actions, will allow the group to bond and work together. This bonding and teamwork will allow them to achieve a common goal.
Increased cooperation & social bonds
Client’s own self-centered behavior and insecurities will often come out during activities, so they will acquire a new sense of self-awareness and learn to apply appropriate coping skills. Through working on their own problems in a tight-knit and supportive environment, they can learn how to better work with others and build satisfying relationships.
Communication skills
Activities in the Adventure Program promote team work and harbor a sense of community. Most activities require clients to reach out for help from the others in their group. This provides opportunity for social growth, which builds trust within the group and challenges clients to look outside of themselves.
Adventure safety
To participate, clients must be medically and clinically cleared with 30 days of successful stabilization at Morningside or another facility. Adventure programming is administered by a Wilderness First Responder and Clinical First Responder certified counselor along with a Morningside Primary Therapist. These certifications are imperative for dealing with a client’s emotional and physical well-being in the wilderness.
To get started with adventure therapy and our adventure therapy program, call today at 855-416-8202.