Wilderness Therapy

Name: TherapyDen LLC
Price range: $

Wilderness therapy, sometimes known as outdoor behavioral healthcare, is an experiential, adventure-based therapeutic treatment style that takes place in a wilderness setting. Wilderness therapy is typically targeted at adolescents and young adults and uses expeditions into the wilderness as a way to address behavioral issues or mental health problems. Wilderness therapy is used in both individual and group settings and its primary goal is usually behavior modification and/or self-improvement. Participants develop communication skills, self-confidence, learn how to work in groups and how to rely on their own knowledge and strengths. Think this approach might be right for you (or a young person in your care)? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s wilderness therapy experts today.

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Meet the specialists

My research in graduate school focused on the healing powers of being outdoors. I have an extensive background in working in Wilderness Education and have seen the impact of being outside on the mental health of clients and for myself. Wilderness Therapy is one of many modalities that increases our time and experiences in the out of doors.

— Marie Graven, Counselor in Swannanoa, NC

My Masters degree is in Transpersonal Wilderness Therapy. I integrate elements of nature and the outdoors into the therapeutic process in a safe and approachable way for each client. I specialize in working with traumas that are based in nature and working with survivors of the Troubled Teen Industry.

— Elena Woughter, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Boulder, CO

I have a background in wilderness therapy and outdoor behavioral health. I have hopes of beginning the first active wilderness therapy program for teens (not counting substance use programs) in the state of Virginia within the next 5 years.

— David Gosling, Licensed Professional Counselor

At Evolve in Nature, nature-based or wilderness therapy is individualized therapy in a natural setting. These sessions take place outdoors instead of in the office, using traditional psychotherapy practices, such as: body-centered psychotherapy, mindfulness based therapy, EMDR therapy, psycho-education, gestalt therapy and when appropriate, combine experiences in nature as a catalyst for change and personal growth. We believe nature is a natural healer.

— Evolve In Nature Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist in Boulder, CO

wilderness therapy

— Tania Adams, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Gig Harbor, WA

I am still very much deep in learning and always will be in this field. It is important for my clients that they have a general idea of where they come from, what came on the land before them, and what is there now. I want them to have these things in mind when we are out on the land so that they can orient themselves and learn from the rich history, bio-life, and experience that they have during our sessions.

— Ariella Hubbard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Wheat Ridge, CO

I have training in the facilitation of deep imagery from the Animas Valley Institute.

— Emily Fisken, Counselor in Eugene, OR

I wrote my dissertation on wilderness therapy with youth at risk. I believe strongly in nature as a healing modality. I try to incorporate that into the work I do with all my clients.

— Rami Vissell, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Aptos, CA

Nature is a great mirror for humans, since we too are nature. It is spiritual by nature and teaches us how to live abundantly and in alignment with ourselves. Nature doesn't need humans to survive but we most definitely need nature. Everything is alive and well in nature so we have a lot to gain from being in relationship with all the elements of nature.

— Robert Watterson, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Black Hawk, CO