How Does Wilderness Therapy Work?

Not everyone has enough money for therapy sessions or the drive to go on a long journey to acquire some. There are many other ways that one can benefit from healing without traveling too far. One such method is through wilderness therapy, which is best suited for those between 12 and 24. Wilderness Therapy works with adults like it does with youth. The only difference is that teens must have a certain amount of maturity and wisdom to benefit from it.

This type of therapy aims to help people who need support gain confidence and some sense of self-awareness while they are going through a difficult period in their lives. One then has a better chance at getting out of it without succumbing to relapses early on, negatively affecting life chances later on.

Benefits of Wilderness Therapy For Your Child

1. It is tailored to the needs of each patient.

Wilderness Therapy works well for parents who might be hesitant about letting their child go into the wilderness to get some help. That includes mental health people as well as parents who have heard through the grapevine that this is a good thing for their child to do. The reality is that therapists can provide a level of security that no one else can while they are away from the comforts and relatives that they are used to.

2. It helps build a sense of confidence.

Being isolated in a very small area for long periods has its benefits. One learns how to deal with the uncertainty that comes with this type of situation and how to cope with different fears and stresses that one might encounter. That teaches one how to get fit for real-life situations, which is useful when they come up later. It provides a certain amount of wisdom that might be helpful when future problems arise.

3. One learns to trust themselves.

When one goes through some tough times during their stay in this type of therapy, they learn to trust themselves when dealing with the troubles they might encounter later on. They will know how to self-regulate and get fit for real-life situations. They also learn about relationships and skills for coping with difficult friends, family members or even colleagues later.

4. It teaches self-awareness skills.

Being in nature forces a person to face their problems head-on. It brings out the best in a person and helps them deal with stress confidently. It also makes one more self-aware without wondering what others think of them. Youth wilderness programs teach one truly how to care for themselves but also how to value others as well, especially those who are closest to them.

5. It builds self-esteem and confidence.

Many people who have been in the wilderness for long periods have come out with a better idea of how they feel about themselves. As a result, they are much more confident and can provide strong leadership skills when dealing with others. Another benefit is that they are better equipped with problem-solving skills and patience.

Conclusion:

Youth wilderness programs can be beneficial when they are conducted in the right way. It benefits those who need it most, such as those in middle or high school with mental health issues or severe family problems. But some people might think that such programs are very expensive, especially if they are not working specifically in their area. That could not be further from the truth; one can get just as much out of it for a fraction of the cost when you look at all the benefits one can get for their money.