For many, therapy has the classic stereotypical appearance of meeting with a counselor and talking over all the things that bother you the most. While talk therapy plays a very real, crucial role in the recovery journey of many, it does not always benefit everyone in the way they most desire. 

Thankfully, because of this reality, countless therapy modalities offer new perspectives on recovery. Options like adventure therapy allow men and women to recover in a way that uniquely meets their needs and fosters overall well-being.  

What is adventure therapy?

Adventure therapy is a unique form of therapy in which therapists take men and women from traditional outpatient and residential treatment settings and place them in an environment that may be slightly out of their comfort zone—i.e.; they take their clients on an adventure. 

These “adventures” usually occur outside in nature, as the natural environment has been proven to impact people’s mental health positively. According to this philosophy, adventure therapy incorporates nature with treatment through activities like camping, hiking, ropes courses, mountain climbing, kayaking, and more.

There are three kinds of adventure therapy. 

1. Wilderness therapy – Where the group will go to a remote location and stay together as a group to face challenges for multiple days in this ever-changing outdoor environment; this form of therapy not only teaches healthy communication and problem-solving but forces the group to adapt and live in an unfamiliar environment
2. Adventure-based therapy – Where adventure-like therapy is included as part of the treatment plan but does not take place out in the wilderness; for example, a residential facility may have a climbing wall or provide kayaks for boating on a nearby pond – this form of therapy includes the adventure aspect without venturing too far from the facility 
3. Long-term residential camping – Where camping or other long-term living situations like sailing are used to teach therapeutic habits like problem-solving, self-discipline, accepting the consequences of one’s actions, and appropriate peer relationships 

For those who have found limited success in the more traditional forms of therapy, the benefits of adventure therapy’s unique model may be the key to recovery success. 

Does adventure therapy work?

Adventure therapy has numerous benefits and can help address countless mental health conditions, including: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Eating disorders
• Grief and loss
• Schizophrenia

Adventure therapy provides a unique space for recovery and offers benefits unique to this form of treatment. These benefits include:

• Decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Increased ability to self-advocate for one’s needs, especially when it comes to recovery needs/goals
• Trauma resilience
• Decreased likelihood of recidivism
• Improved executive functioning
• Increased sense of self
• A greater ability to face and overcome challenges
• Improved self-esteem

In addition, adventure therapy has been proven to reduce suicidal thoughts and promote a stronger resilience overall in men, women, and teens who have struggled with significant mental health conditions.

Would adventure therapy be good for me?  

Adventure therapy could benefit anyone who has not seen immense success in traditional medicine or is looking for new ways to enhance their recovery journey. In addition, adventure therapy’s main focuses and characteristics can help recovering individuals in unique ways. 

Adventure-based therapy is incredibly action-centered, which may benefit those who struggle to sit in group or individual therapy meetings. The therapist, too, takes an active role in the challenges that adventure therapy provides, giving a unique spin on the traditional roles of therapist and client and building a strong sense of teamwork.

Adventure therapy is known for putting its participants in challenging, unfamiliar situations. This is highly beneficial for forcing individuals to adjust to complications, step outside their comfort zone, and learn their own strengths and weaknesses in an environment that is mostly uncontrolled. 

In addition, adventure therapy gives the therapist a new perspective on their client, which they may not see in a treatment room. When people are forced to adapt to changes in unfamiliar situations and need to adjust to ever-changing environments (like out in nature), both the therapist and the clients themselves may learn more about their resilience and capacity for changing behaviors and adopting new methods of thinking.

Are you ready to start your new therapy journey? 

If you are interested in the unique benefits of adventure therapy and would like to explore this area of treatment for your recovery journey, contact Pyramid Healthcare. Our treatment facilities in West Virginia are pleased to offer adventure-based therapy to both local WV residents and anyone seeking the benefits of therapy in nature. 

To learn more about our programs, contact Pyramid Healthcare by calling 888-461-7426 to speak with an admissions counselor and begin the process of enrolling today.