Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

In this story we delve into a hiking approach to psychotherapy with our guest, Aimee Frazier, the visionary behind Portland Hiking Therapy in Oregon. Aimee's outpatient mental health work revolves around the transformative practice of conducting psychotherapy sessions while hiking, individually and in groups. This innovative approach not only benefits her clients but also plays a crucial role in Aimee's journey as a mental health practitioner.

Aimee's hiking-based psychotherapy sessions offer a refreshing twist to traditional therapy. She combines the healing power of the natural world with therapeutic insights, creating a holistic and immersive experience for her clients. Whether it's a one-on-one session or a group excursion, Aimee harnesses the therapeutic potential of nature, encouraging clients to connect with their surroundings and tap into a more profound sense of self. During our conversation, Aimee also provided valuable insights into her work with individuals struggling with anxiety, shedding light on how the natural environment can be a powerful ally in managing and overcoming this common mental health challenge. This dual-purpose approach underscores the profound impact that nature and outdoor experiences can have on mental health, making Aimee's work a trailblazing example of how psychotherapy can harmonize with the natural world for the betterment of all involved. Join us for this enlightening conversation that explores the unique fusion of psychotherapy, hiking, and self-discovery.

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

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Justin Messinger, a primary therapist at the Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Program located in Georgia. Justin shares the myriad challenges presented by today's world, from the relentless pace of technology to complex social dynamics, many adolescents often find themselves feeling adrift, searching for a sense of identity and belonging.

Drawing upon his experience in the field, Justin shares the transformative power of nature on the young mind. At the heart of this is a belief that basic outdoor living – from regular sleep patterns to the simple act of being in sunlight – has an inherent power to calm the human nervous system and provide a foundation for introspection.

But Justin's expertise doesn't stop at the general youth population. He specializes in helping adolescent boys with neurodevelopmental and learning differences, a group that frequently grapples with feelings of isolation and frustration. Through the structure of Blue Ridge, these students find countless opportunities for social interactions, turning potential challenges into teachable moments. Nature, Justin believes, provides the safe space required to develop social skills, gain confidence, and ultimately, find belonging.

The episode delves deep into Justin's clinical approach, which is characterized by warmth, empathy, and a commitment to individualized care. As he succinctly puts it, in order to truly effect change, both the individual and their family must be part of the therapeutic journey.

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

In this enlightening episode of "Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors," we sit down with Zack Schafer, the Executive Program Director at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. With a rich background in occupational therapy, Zack opens up about how the center uniquely addresses the challenges faced by young people battling anxiety and OCD. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding exposure response prevention (ERP) therapy, as Zack shares stories aboout this technique as well as juxtaposes ERP with adventure therapy and other ways to address anxiety. The conversation also delves into the intricacies of school phobia and the anxiety maintenance cycle, topics that resonate with many parents and young adults. As a special treat, Zack shares "Fear Less," his brand-new podcast co-hosted alongside Mountain Valley, CEO, Will Laughlin. Tune in to acquire invaluable insights, learn about transformative therapeutic methods, and understand the profound impact of ERP and the great outdoors on mental health.

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

This week, we talk with Jake Weld, an experienced educator and Vice President of Mansfield Hall, as he delves into the multifaceted nature of anxiety among college students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With nearly 35% of college students and 40-50% of those with Autism confronting anxiety, this episode aims to unravel why these rates are significantly high within the ASD community. Jake sheds light on various contributing factors, from sensory sensitivities like light and sound to challenges in handling task-based frustrations and navigating social nuances.

Utilizing an illustrative metaphor, Jake depicts the unique neurological landscape of autism as a powerful Ferrari engine constrained by a Yugo's transmission and an old Jeep's suspension. He explains how neurodiverse students' reliance on repetition and familiarity can be challenged by sudden or unexpected changes, leading to fascinating insights into their coping mechanisms.

However, the conversation is not solely about challenges. Jake ardently discusses the therapeutic potential of outdoor adventures and travel for neurodiverse students. He emphasizes that while certain environments may not suit everyone, with appropriate support and guidance, these experiences can become transformative milestones. The episode underscores the significance of inclusion, aiming to ensure that neurodiverse students can access enriching experiences on par with their neuromajority counterparts. Expanding horizons and fostering resilience, adventure, and travel can play a pivotal role in enabling these students to develop a harmonious interdependence with the world around them.

Don't miss out on this enlightening exploration of autism, anxiety, and the enriching potential of embracing the great outdoors.

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

Dive deep with us in this heartwarming episode as Jenna Krueger, a former field guide at Aspiro, opens up about her journey and the profound shifts in her career and the outdoor therapy landscape. Jenna's candid revelations about learning of Aspiro's closure after dedicating over a year and a half of her life to the program offer an intimate glimpse into the ever-evolving world of wilderness and adventure therapy and the struggles when programs close. Sharing both personal and professional anecdotes, Jenna touches on the nuanced challenges of aiding students with anxiety, all while managing her own fears and responsibilities in the wild as a lead field guide. But the transformative power of nature doesn't end there. Listen in to discover how Jenna has seamlessly transitioned to harnessing the magic of the outdoors in her current role at a nature-based preschool. An episode brimming with inspiration, resilience, and the undeniable magic of nature—don't miss it!

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

In this enlightening episode of "Stories from the Field: Mental Health in the Outdoors," we're joined by the insightful Mike DeLuca, LCSW, a clinician at Summit Achievement - a unique adolescent residential treatment program with an adventure therapy component.

Mike delves deep into his transformative journey, starting from his years at Outward Bound and the experiences that shaped his perspective on therapeutic outdoors practices. It was these formative years that led him to his different roles at Summit Achievement. Mike's narrative shines a light on how Summit Achievement not only influenced him professionally but also played a role in his decision to pursue a career as a clinical social worker.

A significant portion of our conversation is dedicated to Mike's specialized work with young individuals grappling with anxiety. He shares his empathetic approach and proven strategies in engaging both the young person and their families, ensuring a holistic support system. By marrying traditional clinical techniques with the healing power of the outdoors, Mike emphasizes the profound positive impact this synergy can have in alleviating anxiety and related mental health challenges.

This episode provides listeners with an intimate look into the world of outdoor mental health therapy, its transformative power, and the professionals like Mike who are at the forefront of this therapeutic approach. For anyone keen on understanding the intersection of outdoor experiences and mental health, especially as it pertains to anxiety in young people, this is a must-listen.

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

In this revealing special episode, we dive into the announcement that WinGate Wilderness Therapy in Utah is closing in September. WinGate has joined three other outdoor behavioral healthcare programs (SUWS of the Carolinas, Aspiro, Outback) to shutter its doors in recent months. We trace WinGate's origins, its rapid rise under Shayne and Sherry Gallagher and Family Help and Wellness, and ponder why these wilderness therapy programs, once hailed as life-changers, now face such existential challenges. Beyond the heartfelt narratives, we also explore the broader shifts in the industry, from public perceptions to the financial challenges that many residential wilderness therapy programs face today. By contrasting historical trends, such as the closure of Tent Therapy programs in the early 1900s, the post-Great Recession closures, and the current mental health crisis, we attempt to paint a comprehensive picture of where wilderness therapy stands today and where it may be going. Tune in for a broader understanding of the evolving field of mental health treatment in the outdoors.

Listen to the Nov. 2018 interview with WinGate Co-Founder Shayne Gallagher on Stories from the Field.

Family Help and Wellness Website

In this episode, we hear the story of Jessica Jo Stenquist, the inspiring Founder and CEO of Millcreek Experiential Wellness Center. With an illustrious seventeen-year-long career as a mental health clinician, Jessica Jo is no stranger to the transformative power of experiential therapy, and at Millcreek, she's sculpted a haven where nature becomes the ultimate therapist.

In our conversation with Jessica Jo, we explore her journey, from her early days in therapeutic recreation to working at a wilderness therapy program to her vision behind Millcreek Experiential Wellness Center. Through her narratives, we come to understand how nature, when paired with expert therapeutic guidance, can be a potent tool for healing. It's not just about healing past traumas or finding inner peace due to anxiety; it's about embracing a holistic vision of health, where one's emotional, physical, and spiritual needs are met in harmony.

Millcreek is more than just a therapeutic center; it's a sanctuary of holistic wellbeing. As the world outside races in its relentless pace, Millcreek offers a retreat where tranquility, healing, and nature intertwine. Here, nature-based therapy isn't merely a concept; it's an experiential journey of healing and self-discovery. The location provides a backdrop for guided nature walks, mindfulness exercises, and a suite of outdoor activities, all designed to reconnect the individual with the unfiltered beauty of the natural world.

But the magic of Millcreek doesn't stop there. As Jessica Jo and her team of seasoned therapists will attest, it's a place to nurture the mind, body, and soul amidst the lush meadows and gentle murmur of flowing streams. It's a sanctuary where individuals can unlock inner peace, embrace personal transformation, and experience the seamless fusion of mind, body, and spirit.

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

In this episode, we talk with Darcy Holt, admissions director of Three Peaks Ascent, a new outdoor mental health treatment program in Utah. Darcy also helps at Red Cliff Ascent, a wilderness therapy program that is a partner program of Three Peaks. Darcy discusses the similarities and differences between the two programs and how Three Peaks Ascent is reimbursable by insurance companies to help young people and their families get financial support for treatment.

Darcy highlights the unique aspects of the Three Peaks program, such as the ability for program therapists to have phone calls and conduct family sessions with parents and students staying in yurts during their stay. She shares the story of a 15-year-old boy who has experienced significant mental health treatment and is currently covered by insurance for his treatment at Three Peaks. She also shares how Three Peaks helps young people with anxiety.

Darcy reflects on her unexpected journey into the field after leaving an unhealthy job over a half dozen years ago to find purpose in helping families around a campfire at Red Cliff. Darcy also highlights the benefits of outdoor spaces on mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of providing experiences that traditional hospital settings do not offer.

Darcy also reviews the upcoming 2023 Wilderness Therapy Symposium, of which she is the chairperson as well as her hopes and concerns for the future of the field.

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

In this episode, we delve into the compelling narrative of Will Laughlin, an ultra-marathoner, father, and CEO. Laughlin, a seasoned athlete who has endured the scorching heat of Death Valley and the severe cold of the Yukon, articulates how ultra-running has become a therapeutic tool for addressing his fears and anxieties. He expounds on the evolution of high-risk adventure expeditions and the impact of fatherhood on his perception of risk.

Currently serving as the CEO of the innovative Mountain Valley Treatment Center, Laughlin examines the instrumental role physical challenges and adventure play in mental health. He openly discusses his struggles with fear and how the continuous forward motion of running symbolizes his journey to face and surmount his own challenges.

Listeners will be captivated as Laughlin discusses his latest endeavor, the 'Fear Less' podcast. Here, he magnifies his experiences and imparts knowledge on fear and anxiety, leveraging both his professional and personal expertise.