Wilderness Therapy:

The Unique Benefits

Skye Berkowitz

Senior Thesis Paper

Sonja Linman
May 15, 2016
Primary Aim
Wilderness has a way of drawing out the poison from within. However, the
process of detox is neither quick nor painless. When left to surrender to the raw forces of
nature, one begins to realize the therapeutic methods of systematically breaking down
oneself in order to build the spirit back up. The primary aim of this treatment is to
enhance human wellbeing and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with
particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable,
oppressed, and living in poverty (NASW, 2008, para.1). All humans struggle with
tangible and intangible blockages that can disrupt a persons path towards success.
Wilderness supports the facilitation of releasing these blockages while also providing an
alternative method of therapy. Lindsey Jo Van Hovens, A Systematic Review of
Wilderness Therapy: Theory, Practice and Outcomes, discusses the diagnosis and

treatment of psychosocial function, disability, or impairment, including how addictions

and emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders occurs (Minnesota Statues, Section
148E.010) when exposed to wilderness therapy. Participants discover the healing values
of solitude, reflection, and social connectivity. The field of wilderness therapy seeks to
harness the power of the outdoors in combination with structured clinical interventions in
a way that promotes psychological healing and personal growth. Wilderness therapy is
considered to be this type of intervention, referred to by Amesberger (1998) as a
structured holistic model of treatment that addresses multiple factors of human
development and pathology (Christine Lynn Norton). Temporarily living in the wilderness
for an extensive time has many self-satisfying benefits. They therapeutically advocate for
the individual to take care of themselves in order to ensure a better outcome, for
example a student making sure their gear is properly packed away and clean in order to
avoid altercations the next hike the following day.
Importance for Adolescents
Troubled adolescents are the particular group most in need of the benefits of
wilderness therapy. There is an acknowledged shortage of treatment
options and providers in the field of child and adolescent mental health (Koplewicz,
2002). There is a plethora of programs all over the United States available to at risk
youth, usually ranging from ages thirteen to twenty one. Recent statistics revealed that
approximately three million youth, aged 12 to 17, either thought seriously about suicide
or attempted suicide in 2000, and the actual suicide rate for all adolescents has
increased more than 200% over the last decade (Borowsky et al, 2001). The
acknowledgement of mental illness being present in our youth has became more
apparent than ever, Adolescent depression has become epidemic in the United States,
with statistics showing that one in five may suffer from depression (Brent & Birmaher,

2002). Considering the statistics on juvenile mental health, an alternative therapy

approach may be needed. Wilderness has a very special approach with its benefits,
which can differ from other behavior modification programs. There is a sharp contrast
between the origins of wilderness programs, which stemmed from military influenced
boot camps, and the more therapeutic roll it takes on today. Industry Innovators have
evolved these camps into an entirely new approach to assisting young people with
healing and learning more about themselves and the world while also adding in the
assets of experienced therapists as additional support systems. Every program is
different, so it's important to research the different options before making a final decision,
but there are a lot of commonalities when it comes to these kinds of programs. The
approach works with the physical body, as well as the mental and spiritual, by having a
lot of heavy exercise. Long daily hikes are to be expected, alongside primitive teachings
such as using a bow drill fire kit to cook food on. Wilderness is available to anyone of
any age, however effort and mindfulness is crucial to solid therapeutic results. Although
it is clear from various studies that spending time in the wilderness does have
psychological benefits, it is also necessary to note that simply spending time outside
does not mean that therapy is occurring (Becker, 2010).
History of Wilderness Therapy in Native Culture
Belief in the profound healing capabilities available through nature is an ancient
practice, demonstrated within cultures from all over the world for hundreds of thousands
of years. Native American medicine refers to the combined health practices of over 500
distinct nations that inhabited the Americas before the European arrival at the end of the
fifteenth century. Specific practices varied among tribes, but all native medicine is based
on the understanding that man is part of nature and health is a matter of balance
(Center for Health and Healing). This sense of interconnectedness and finding balance

between oneself and their environment has been held in high regard with properly
maintaining mental health in native philosophies. The practices of Earth healing can be
considered magic in many cultures and the therapeutic values of wilderness are rich in
various approaches and uses. Native American medicine works by returning the
individual to a state of harmonious balance both within himself and in relationship to the
outer world. This holistic approach seeks to create a change not only in pathology, but
also in the patients understanding, a change towards healthier self-concept and greater
appreciation of the world around him. Such growth supports the patient in necessary
behavior modifications. The healers intention is that the person be not simply cured of a
disease, but transformed through the experience of disease (Center for health and
healing).
Wilderness is deeply ingrained in the history of all living things, and is greatly
intertwined with the source of all mans roots to this life. The indigenous healing
traditions we work with are known as uninterrupted live transmission lineages going back
to times immemorial. They are understood to carry illuminated reminders from the period
of humanity when our ancestors were fully immersed in the primordial enlightened
essence of humanitys true nature (Paititi Institute). Simply connecting with the idea of
reverting back to an almost primitive like state can have immense spiritual healing
outcomes. Humans are all born with the ability to tap into these beneficial properties of
wilderness, for we are part of it ourselves.
Treating the Body
However, Earth healing is not limited to only mental health practices, there is also
an abundance of medicinal herbs accessible to aid in physical therapy as well. For
thousands of years Native Americans have used herbs to, not only heal the body, but,
also to purify the spirit and bring balance into their lives and their surroundings

(Legends of America). There is not a separation between physical and mental health in
this sense, the healing process of both spiritual and physical bodies are connected and
dependent upon one another. Skullcap, St Johns Wort, and lavender are some
examples of herbs cultivated in order to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and or
depression, some herbs used as antioxidants and antiseptics are horsemint, white
willow, pinon, ginko biloba, and sarsaparilla to name a few. The major difference
between Native American healing and conventional medicine, both in the past and
present, is the role of spirituality in the healing process. Native Americans believe that all
things in nature are connected and that spirits can promote health or cause illness.
Therefore, it is necessary to heal not only the physical parts of an individual, but also
their emotional wellness, and their harmony with their community and the environment
around them (Legends of America). Wilderness therapy possesses endless depths of
understanding, approaches, applications, and philosophies. The first peace, which is
the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize
their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they
realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is
really everywhere, it is within each of us (Black Elk- Oglala Sioux).

Conclusion
Modern day society has become that of a fast-paced rhythm saturated with the
importance of materialistic importance. Wilderness therapy can be beneficial to any
person in any circumstance, for it has became a necessity to return to being present and
nurture ones senses in order to truly thrive in a world full of stress and distractions. With
so many distractions, it becomes easy to forget basics that youth need to practice, Early
research identified four benefits of a wilderness trek: for personal growth/maturity, to
develop resilience, to develop an internal locus of control, and to build self-esteem.

Adolescents have never before been surrounded by this level of technology, and it
impacts them greatly. Mental illness that stems in childhood can easily grow into
adulthood and become a nasty weed in the garden of success. "...Of course, wilderness
therapy is more than just the wilderness experience. True wilderness therapy programs
utilize the most widely accepted therapy practices. Credentialed therapists meet with the
young adult weekly and make a treatment plan. They structure a series of interventions
based on empirically supported techniques to intentionally create positive change.
The general availability of wilderness to youth is very flexible and reachable. Many
programs have financial aid systems set up and others have scholarship options in place
to allow equal opportunity to all. If someone you know is in need of a life changing
experience, expand their knowledge of wilderness therapy and spread awareness of the
benefits take occurs when one finds themselves immersed in nature.