Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

235: Thriving After Wilderness Therapy: Colin MacDonald's Path to Not Therapy


Listen Later

In this episode, Will talks with Colin MacDonald, co-founder of Not Therapy Coaching. Colin shares his journey from being a wilderness therapy client and therapeutic boarding school student to graduating college and then entering the work-force.  Not finding deep meaning in his initial career path, Colin decided to become a certified young adult life coach to help others. He recounts the challenges he faced as an adolescent, including struggles with ADHD, depression, and substance abuse, and how wilderness therapy helped him turn his life around. Colin also discusses the mission of Not Therapy Coaching, which aims to bridge the gap between therapeutic programs and successful transitions to home, college, or independent living. He emphasizes the importance of spending time outdoors for mental health and how it benefits both him and his clients.

Colin further explains the unique approach of Not Therapy Coaching, highlighting the role of relatable mentorship and community building. He details how the program supports young adults and teens by providing daily accountability, fostering healthy habits, and helping them find communities that support their interests and goals. Colin's passion for helping others through his lived experience is evident as he shares success stories of clients who have benefited from the program. This episode offers valuable insights into the transformative power of wilderness therapy and the innovative ways Not Therapy Coaching is making a difference in the lives of young people.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the OutdoorsBy Will White

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

101 ratings


More shows like Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

View all
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,523 Listeners

Radiolab by WNYC Studios

Radiolab

43,821 Listeners

This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

90,860 Listeners

The Dirtbag Diaries by Duct Tape Then Beer

The Dirtbag Diaries

2,596 Listeners

Planet Money by NPR

Planet Money

30,688 Listeners

Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,353 Listeners

Finding You: by Dr. Brad Reedy by Dr. Brad Reedy

Finding You: by Dr. Brad Reedy

331 Listeners

Feeling Good Podcast | TEAM-CBT - The New Mood Therapy by David Burns, MD

Feeling Good Podcast | TEAM-CBT - The New Mood Therapy

845 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

110,822 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

55,991 Listeners

Today, Explained by Vox

Today, Explained

10,137 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,176 Listeners

Post Reports by The Washington Post

Post Reports

5,405 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

57,413 Listeners

The Opinions by The New York Times Opinion

The Opinions

460 Listeners