Intentional Separation of Families: Increasing Differentiation Through Wilderness Therapy

Abstract

Family systems can become entrenched in unhealthily dynamics that manifest as acute clinical symptoms in adolescent children. Increasing differentiation levels and decreasing chronic anxiety are necessary to promote greater wellness for the adolescent and family. Intentionally separating the family system and intensely treating die clinical and family system issues can be the most effective way to meet those goals. Wilderness therapy provides an environment that can reduce chronic family anxiety by separating the adolescent from the family and treating the family system as a whole. Intentional interventions in wilderness therapy can increase differentiation of parents and adolescents by better balancing autonomy and connection, as well as rational thought and emotional experiencing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)