During their teenage years, youngsters face many challenges that lead to affecting their mental health. The challenges are often due to social pressure, emotional health changes, and behavioral issues. According to reports, 1 out of 5 teenagers face serious mental illness as they turn 18.
Some teens also face common struggles such as gaming addictions. Life is just as challenging for young adults, affecting their academic careers and mental and physical health. This is where you introduce your children to wilderness therapy for teens. At Anasazi Foundation, we have brought comprehensive wilderness therapy to let teens overcome and prevent these challenges.
In this blog, let’s discuss the wilderness therapy in detail;
Overview of Wilderness Therapy
Wilderness therapy is not just a therapy; it is a treatment approach for adolescents struggling with mental health. These programs integrate therapy with challenging outdoor experiences to engage teens in every way, both physically and emotionally. The goal is to help teenagers connect with their emotions and improve their cognitive and behavioral responses. By working in a wilderness setting, youngsters actively participate in their healing process.
Accredited wilderness therapy programs are also called outdoor behavioral healthcare treatment. The program is curated by experts to address mental and behavioral problems and foster social responsibility. Also, the therapy focuses on personal and emotional growth.
Our comprehensive goal of wilderness therapy includes the following:
- A thorough therapeutic assessment
- Intervention and treatment for problem behaviors
- Safety and stabilization during the process
- Lasting change through transformative experiences
What Does Our Exclusive Wilderness Therapy Bring For You?
Our wilderness program offers YoungWalkers a chance to dive into the environment and get free from clutter and distractions. It will let them reflect on their lives, take responsibility for past choices, and prepare for a fresh start. YoungWalkers learn here to take on the responsibility of cooking their meals, with food packs replenished weekly. They also build shelters to protect themselves from the elements. Each day, they may hike up to 10 miles and rarely camp in the same spot for more than two nights. This immersive experience promotes growth, independence, and self-reliance.
Role of Parents in Wilderness Therapy Program
Parents are meant to play an active role in wilderness therapy for teens. Parent involvement leads to the success of the wilderness program and the maintenance of the positive changes achieved on the trail. We make sure to let parents participate in the following activities:
- Let parents attend an orientation on the day of admission of their children to the therapy.
- A one-day Anatomy of Peace workshop is held after admission with parents.
- Weekly sessions involving both teens and their parents with a family therapist.
- At the end of the wilderness therapy programs, parents can join their children for the final two nights and three days on the trail. This time allows them to strengthen their relationship and build trust. The program also offers an opportunity to make commitments and start fresh, walking forward together.
- After the three days on the trail, families participate in a half-day Family Walking of WE session with their children.
- After the Family Walking of WE, parents engage in seven weeks of shadowing their children.
How Does Wilderness Therapy Work?
Wilderness therapy includes activities that usually differ across programs. It generally follows a well-structured program that includes hiking from site to site for primitive camping and lasts nearly two months.
The wilderness therapy for teens of our Anasazi Outdoor behavioral health programs is designed for youth ages 12 to 17 who face challenges of behavioral and emotional issues and substance abuse. Participants have to spend at least 49 days in hiking and camping activities, getting lost in the wilderness of Arizona.
The teenagers participating in the program will adopt a primitive lifestyle and immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. During this time, they will learn various skills and techniques passed down by older generations. The program emphasizes personal growth and development through these challenging, hands-on experiences.
What Teens Will Experience During Wilderness Therapy?
- Brings A Positive Change – Wilderness therapy immerses participants in nature to encourage introspection and promote change as part of the therapeutic process.
- Challenging Experiences – Teens will dwell in self-discovery with challenging activities. This will further boost their personal growth and teach them important psychological concepts.
- Development of Healthy Relationships – When teens learn to live in a group, they will start developing healthy relationships.
- Therapy Sessions – Teens participate in therapy sessions and boost their personal progress. They also use group dynamics to enhance interpersonal effectiveness in families and relationships.
Wrapping It Up!
Looking to bring a positive change in your children’s lives and improve their mental health? Let them join our wilderness treatment center. At Anasazi Foundation, we offer wilderness therapy with a healing approach to help teenagers learn various aspects of overcoming mental and emotional challenges. With our guidance, they will learn to take on social responsibilities and boost their skills.
