Our Stories of Collaboration Throughout the Therapeutic Wilderness Process

Abstract

The authors share first person knowledge with clinicians about aspects of the experience of families whose children participate in outdoor behavioral healthcare programs. Through wilderness therapy, students develop self-efficacy, accountability, motivation, understanding of their own boundaries and how to establish them, and stronger family relationships. The process for suggesting wilderness or other alternative residential therapeutic programs starts with the family and the team collaborating to determine the most effective ways to work together and find the best path. The family makes the final decision—the consultant has focus on making educated recommendations that are tailored to each individual and family's needs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)