Often, we encounter social issues that may indirectly influence our personalities. There is a need for therapy that can help us reform or face the realities of life. Wilderness therapy is such a therapy: this mode of psychological treatment relates to clinical medicine. It dates back to the 1940s when it was proven effective in enforcing experimental education and self-improvement programs. Precisely, it can be defined as a form of behavioral healthcare program in which an individual is given different tasks in a unique environment to enable them to exploit various challenges. The ‘wilderness’ aspect comes in the fact that the individual is normally put in a different environment, usually a forest, and allowed to interact with their group members.
Unlike other forms of psychological therapy, this therapy brings out the best results. With the outdoor setting of the medication combined with the supervision of qualified personnel, those taking the therapy are provided the many opportunities to reflect on their lives. The therapy can be administered either in groups or individually. The more productive of the two types is group therapy because it allows one to interact with others and build teamwork. The therapy helps in learning how to overcome different challenges through experimental education and the association that one is put through.
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Programs
Many programs have been proposed by the pioneers of the industry. However, given that, the therapy is behavioral, most companies have come up with different programs that aim at solving different problems individuals face. The choice of such programs depends on the age, gender, and the nature of treatment one is looking forward to getting. The therapy can either be child, teenage (adolescent) adult-based. In most cases, the programs are distinguished by age groups and range from 10-17 and 18-28 years. Each program selected targets the different psychological problems that one is facing.
Benefits
Wilderness therapy focuses on shaping one behavior and giving them a sense of belonging. Studies show that the therapy is effective in eradicating:
- Suicidality
- Anxiety
- Relationship Depression
- Dependency on drugs and substances
- Aggressiveness
- Impaired school performance
- Poor peer relationship
- Sleep disruption
- Defiance
Note that the benefit of wilderness therapy in shaping one’s behavior depends on the nature of the program one is put through. The therapy has proved effective in transforming individual-based behavioral and personality disorders. Those who have undergone the therapy fully report a change in how they relate to others in society. Notably, therapy seeks to transform one’s behavior and make one product in the community.
Who should go for the program?
These programs are open to all individuals facing various behavioral issues. It is mostly recommended for those addicted to drugs and substances and looking forward to reform. Adolescents and adults facing issues like suicidality, drug abuse, abusive relationship, and other social problems are ideal for the program. Since we all face personality and behavioral issues in society, wilderness therapy is ideal for anyone interested in correcting their personality disorder. For instance, the fear of heights can be easily removed by the various activities incorporated into the therapy programs.
How it works
Wilderness therapy aims at inflicting a sense of belonging to individuals through a series of outdoor tasks and challenges. Ideally, people who are confused about life; do not know why they are living today and why they should live to see another day. The therapy takes advantage of nature and exposes an individual to the free world allowing them to develop a relationship with people and the environment as a whole. It teaches one to let go of what they cannot change and make adjustments on those aspects of life that they can change. For instance, those involved in abusive relationships can be advised on how to bond with others through teamwork. The aftermath of wilderness therapy is an ultimate change in one’s behavior.
One learns easily how to relate with people through multiple activities and tasks they are put through such as river rafting, backpacking, and rock climbing. When one is put in a different environment, one naturally adapts to a different personality. Therefore, wilderness therapy works by engaging through experimental and outdoor education.
Choosing a program
When selecting a program that will suit you, it is advisable to consult professionals in the sector. The wilderness therapy programs are designed to solve different behavioral needs. Children or adolescents have a different therapy program from adults. Factors to consider when choosing a therapy program include age, fee, location of the program, program package, age, gender inclusion, and many other factors. Those intending to get an actively engaging experience should choose a program offered by an experienced company in the industry. This will guarantee them a thrilling experience as the companies apply different approaches to their programs.
Controversies
Wilderness therapy is surrounded by disputes based on its ability to cure personality and behavioral disorders. In order to ensure that companies offering wilderness therapy are consistent with their marketing claims, they have faced criticism from other advocates who are calling for extensive research and standardization in the industry. Compared to boot camps, wilderness therapy programs have reported accidental death and abuse. Some critics argue that wilderness programs provide a less appealing environment for experimental learning.
The states have no valid records to prosecute the companies offering wilderness programs in case of accidental deaths and abuse. Also, some individuals have been escorted to wilderness programs forcefully. Psychologists claim that this action reduces the effectiveness of a therapeutic program individuals are put.
Conclusion
Wilderness therapy is one of the most effective methods of psychological healing. For many decades, this method has been used by psychologists to place individuals in different therapeutic programs that can help them change their behaviors and personality. The concept applies the role of nature in influencing behavior. Given the many challenges that individuals encounter in changing their lifestyle, for instance, the withdrawal effects of addiction, wilderness programs ensure no relapse. In most cases, individuals are put into groups while undergoing the program. This helps them heal from trauma, anxiety, and other disorders that directly influence their personality.
The aftermath of wilderness programs is beneficial to most individuals. Individuals who have attended the programs have reported a change in personality and behavior. In some cases, individuals may be enrolled in wilderness therapy programs. To avoid any relapse, parents consider taking their children to a therapeutic boarding school. Notably, the effectiveness of a wilderness program depends on the choice of the program based on the problem one is undergoing.
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