Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

In this special episode Will discusses the announcement of the upcoming closure of Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, marking a significant moment in the private pay, adolescent-focused wilderness therapy sector. This closure is part of a larger trend, as Open Sky is the fifth program of its kind to shut down within a year. The episode offers an in-depth analysis of these closures, examining common challenges such as shifting societal perceptions, increased competition from other types of mental health treatment, and economic difficulties.

Listeners are taken through a journey beginning with a reading of Open Sky's closure announcement, offering a personal and direct insight into the issues faced by the program. The episode revisits previous interviews with Open Sky employees, highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional outdoor mental health care for adolescents. In a reflective essay, the Will draws parallels between the current state of wilderness therapy and a 'winter' phase – a time for introspection and preparation for future growth.

Significantly, the episode also revisits a January 2021 interview with Kenneth Rosen, author of "Troubled: The Failed Promise of America's Behavioral Treatment Programs", who had predicted these closures in a conversation with Will. This discussion offers a unique perspective on the challenges and criticisms facing the adolescent wilderness therapy sector, providing a comprehensive understanding of its evolution and the potential paths forward. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complex dynamics of wilderness therapy and the factors shaping its future.

We want to thank Adventure Recovery for underwriting Season 18 which focuses on addiction and recovery.

Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives of over 200 episodes of this podcast on Stories from the Field.com.

In this episode, Will talks with Tommy Rosen, founder of Recovery 2.0, for a profound exploration of overcoming addiction through holistic healing. The episode opens with a poignant tribute to the late Adam Tsapis, a key figure in both their lives, setting the tone for a conversation deeply rooted in personal transformation and the power of human connection. Tommy shares his tumultuous journey through addiction, emphasizing the life-changing moment of hitting rock bottom and the subsequent spiritual awakening that led him to over 32 years of sobriety. His narrative is not just his own but echoes the struggles and hopes of many who tread the challenging path of recovery.

As the conversation unfolds, Tommy expresses concern about pharmacological interventions in addiction treatment, advocating for a more encompassing and humane approach. He passionately discusses Recovery 2.0, a program he developed that emphasizes a holistic recovery path involving yoga, meditation, dietary mindfulness, time in the outdoors, and community support. He underscores the importance of adapting twelve-step programs to the current era, making them more accessible and relevant to individuals seeking help today. His perspective is not just about overcoming addiction but also about embracing a journey toward overall wellness and sustained mental health.

In the third part of the discussion, Tommy emphasizes the transformational power of embracing life's subtleties and finding joy in everyday experiences as a fundamental part of recovery. He stresses that recovery is not the end of the road but the beginning of a more conscious, connected way of living. His message is one of hope, stressing that recovery is possible for anyone willing to embrace change and seek a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. The episode concludes with Tommy imparting a poignant message to the Tsapis family and all listeners, affirming the enduring power of love, connection, and resilience in the face of adversity. His story and insights offer a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength of the human spirit in overcoming the challenges of addiction and mental health.

We want to thank Adventure Recovery for underwriting Season 18 which focuses on addiction and recovery.

Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives of over 200 episodes of this podcast on Stories from the Field.com.

In this first episode of 2024 Will talks with Melanie Gulde, the visionary program director of Divided Sky Recovery in Vermont. In this enlightening episode, listeners will delve into the heart of Divided Sky, a unique residential recovery program with an outdoor component co-founded by Melanie Gulde and Trey Anastasio of the renowned band Phish. Discover the inspiring history behind Divided Sky, its name derived from a Phish song, and explore its distinctive, holistic approach to addiction recovery.

Learn about the challenges Melanie and Trey faced while creating a facility dedicated to transforming lives through emotional sobriety, mindfulness, and a profound connection with nature. Melanie shares her personal journey, and the pivotal role nature plays in mental health and well-being. With a focus on outdoor activities like hiking and trail building, Divided Sky emphasizes the healing power of the outdoors, offering a sanctuary for those seeking recovery.

Understand the commitment of Divided Sky to make recovery accessible, offering scholarships and a testament to Melanie and Trey's passion for outdoor mental health treatment. This episode is not just a story of a recovery program but a tale of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of nature in mental health. Tune into this compelling episode to get a deep insight into the innovative approach of Divided Sky Recovery.

To learn more about a Adventure Recovery the sponsor of Season 18 focused on addiction and recovery, at Adventure Recovery.

Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives of over 200 episodes at Stories from the Field.com

Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 18 of Stories from the Field! This season, our spotlight is on addiction and recovery, and we're thrilled to have Adventure Recovery as our underwriter—a recognized leader in the realms of recovery and outdoor leadership.

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Walsh, the visionary founder of Adventure Recovery, and Josh Flaherty, now the executive director and a key partner in the organization. Tim shares his profound journey of recovery and how reconnecting with nature played a pivotal role in his healing process. His transformation inspired the creation of Adventure Recovery, a unique fusion of outdoor leadership and recovery principles. Josh, who transitioned from being a client to becoming an integral part of Adventure Recovery, recounts his path and highlights how the organization empowers individuals in recovery to become outdoor guides, seamlessly integrating mental health and substance use disorder recovery with valuable outdoor skills.

We delve into the array of training programs offered by Adventure Recovery, such as rock climbing, whitewater skills, and sea kayaking. These programs not only teach outdoor skills but also foster resilience and coping abilities, with nature serving as a profound teacher. Throughout the episode, we explore the transformative impact of these outdoor experiences on individuals in recovery, sharing inspiring stories of clients who triumphed over significant challenges.

As we wrap up, Tim and Josh emphasize their commitment to outdoor activities and their role in maintaining their own recovery and well-being. We conclude by highlighting the profound transformative power of nature and adventure in the recovery process, which extends beyond clients to the guides themselves. Join us on this journey of hope, healing, and inspiration.

To learn more about Adventure Recovery the sponsor of this season of addiction and recovery, at Adventure Recovery.

Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives of over 200 episodes at storiesfromthefield.com.

In this special episode of "Stories from the Field," host Will White shares his transformative experience at the Soul Degree retreat, a unique blend of outdoor therapy and holistic practices. Will's candid discussion reveals his struggles with mental health and how the retreat, founded by Chris Robbins, played a pivotal role in his journey towards healing. The episode delves into the power of nature, connection, and vulnerability in addressing mental health challenges, particularly for men.

Will's narrative begins with a personal crisis, leading him to Soul Degree. This retreat, combining elements like yoga, long hikes, breathwork, cold plunges, and group discussions, helped him confront his loneliness, trauma, and depression. It was a space for authentic connection and support among men facing similar struggles.

Chris Robbins, Soul Degree founder, joins the conversation to share his transformational journey. Chris shares his path from a corporate career to establishing Soul Degree is marked by introspection and a deep connection with nature. His approach to mental wellness emphasizes the importance of presence, listening, and community among men.

The episode concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of the retreat. Will emphasizes the importance of self-care, outdoor activities, and expressing love and gratitude. His experience at Soul Degree is a testament to the healing power of community, nature, and self-discovery.

Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives at storiesfromthefield.com and learn more or to contact Will White.

In this enlightening episode, we talk with Dr. Stephanie Marti, a pioneering adventure psychotherapist. The discussion begins with an introduction to Stephanie's unique therapeutic approach, which elegantly combines mental health services with experiential learning and adventure, all within the embrace of nature's beauty in Marin County, California.

Stephanie shares her journey as a teen, deeply intertwined with her professional evolution. She traces her passion for adventure therapy to her father, a fervent outdoor enthusiast, and her experiences at Cascade School, which she attended as a teen. Stephanie discusses the controversies about the now-closed Cascade School and her experiences attending this therapeutic boarding school.

While studying for her doctorate in the late 1990s, despite initial academic challenges in finding information about wilderness therapy, Stephanie's persistence in researching wilderness therapy for her dissertation reveals her commitment to this innovative approach. Her study on a female-only trek at Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy offers valuable insights into the healing powers of nature and adventure in therapy.

Throughout the episode, Stephanie articulates the significance of integrating physical activities with psychological healing, using compelling client stories to illustrate her methods. One particularly moving example involves a young girl overcoming trauma through rock climbing, highlighting the transformative potential of adventure psychotherapy. Stephanie also delves into the broader implications of her outpatient practice, advocating for the essential role of outdoor therapy in promoting wellness and fostering a deep connection with the environment.

Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives at storiesfromthefield.com and learn more about Mountain Valley Treatment Center, the sponsor of this season of anxiety, at mountainvalleytreatment.org.

In this enlightening episode we delve into the interplay of mental health and outdoor experiences, focusing on the therapeutic power of activities like rock climbing in addressing anxiety. We talk with Noah Kleiner, founder of Equinox Guiding Service in Maine, who shares his inspiring journey from a childhood immersed in nature to establishing a successful guiding service. Noah's narrative unfolds through his experiences in various outdoor programs and the inception of Equinox, highlighting the profound impact of climbing in fostering self-awareness, resilience, and mental well-being.

This episode explores how rock and ice climbing provide more than just physical challenges; they offer unique opportunities for personal growth and confronting internal fears. Noah discusses the parallels and differences between his work and wilderness therapy, emphasizing the therapeutic, albeit non-clinical, benefits of climbing. He sheds light on the nuances of guiding diverse groups, addressing on-wall anxiety, and the importance of building trust in these adventures.

The conversation pivots to the entrepreneurial aspects of starting Equinox, revealing Noah's journey through the anxieties of business ownership and his commitment to providing enriching outdoor experiences. Finally, the discussion touches upon the evolving nature of outdoor education and psychotherapy, underscoring the value of awe-inspiring experiences in personal discovery and growth.

Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives at storiesfromthefield.com and learn more about Mountain Valley Treatment Center, the sponsor of this season of anxiety, at mountainvalleytreatment.org.

In this special episode, we explore the evolution of adventure therapy certifications with Fred Borroel, a humble leader in the field. Fred shares his journey into adventure therapy and his contributions through his private practice at San Antonio Adventure Therapy and as the Certification Chair at the Association for Experiential Education (AEE.org).

The discussion centers on the newly introduced Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist (CCAT) and Certified Therapeutic Adventure Specialist (CTAS) certifications. Fred delves into the history and rationale behind their development, the eligibility criteria, and the process of obtaining these prestigious credentials. He emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the field, especially for professionals without traditional academic qualifications like a master's degree.

The episode also pays homage to trailblazers like Mark Ames and many others as well as reflects on the post-pandemic surge in outdoor therapeutic practices. Looking ahead, Fred discusses plans to expand the community of adventure-based therapists, including developing a CCAT Supervisor credential to mentor and support newcomers to the field.

Season 17 of Stories from the Field is focused on Anxiety and is underwritten by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. This is a special episode focused on a special topic.

In this thought-provoking special episode of Stories from the Field, we delve into the "Post-Pandemic Wilderness Therapy: Seven Trends in Outdoor Mental Health Practices," exploring the transformative shifts that have emerged in therapeutic outdoor practices following the global pandemic. With the world having navigated through unprecedented times, the mental health field has seen a pivotal evolution, particularly in settings that embrace the healing powers of the outdoors.

Join us as we dissect seven significant trends that have come to the forefront of wilderness therapy and outdoor mental health treatment. From the increase in outdoor activities as a newfound sanctuary for mental well-being to the profound growth of outpatient practices that incorporate nature's therapeutic benefits, we investigate the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic on this unique sector of healthcare.

We also tackle the poignant decrease in enrollments for wilderness therapy programs, delving into the contributing factors, such as the influence of critical testimonies, financial constraints, and a shifting workforce landscape that has seen seasoned therapists pivot towards less demanding environments.

Additionally, we shed light on the rise of alternative residential treatment options funded by private equity, the burgeoning movement of critics and activists advocating for change within the wilderness therapy space, and the nuanced changes in parental anxieties and expectations regarding mental health treatment for their children.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Will White, a seasoned expert and passionate advocate for integrating natural environments in therapeutic practices, offers an in-depth analysis of these developments. Listeners are invited to consider the complexity of these shifts, recognizing that whether they are perceived as positive or negative may depend on one's perspective, echoing nature's lessons that change is the only constant. You can email Will at [email protected]

Season 17 of Stories from the Field is focused on Anxiety and is underwritten by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. This is a special episode,

In this insightful episode of Stories from the Field, we welcome Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, a pioneering figure in nature-informed therapy and the founder of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. Dr. Heidi is not just an advocate for integrating the outdoors into mental health treatment; she is also a dedicated provider of training in this innovative field, offering valuable insights and guidance to both mental health professionals and outdoor educators. Her unique approach to treating individuals with anxiety, utilizing the healing power of nature, has proven to be an effective and transformative method of facilitating recovery and self-discovery.

Dr. Heidi's connection to nature and its therapeutic benefits is deeply rooted in her experiences, one of which she generously shares with us. Following a spiritual revelation she had after summiting a mountain in Austria, Dr. Heidi decided to dedicate her life to helping others unlock the benefits of nature in the counseling room. This profound moment led to the establishment of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy, which emphasizes the importance of nature as a crucial component of self-care and mental wellness. The center aims to equip mental health professionals with the necessary tools to incorporate nature into their practices, thereby broadening the scope of mental health treatment options available to those in need.

Further solidifying her commitment to enhancing mental wellness through nature, Dr. Heidi authored "Taming the Anxious Mind: A Guidebook to Relieve Stress and Anxiety," providing readers with practical strategies to manage anxiety by tapping into the calming effects of the natural world. This episode not only sheds light on the growing trend among mental health professionals to utilize the outdoors as a valuable ally in the journey toward mental wellness, but it also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to harness the benefits of nature in their healing journey.

Season 17 of Stories from the Field is focused on Anxiety and is underwritten by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.