Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

Katie Asmus is the founder of the Somatic Wilderness Therapy Institute in Boulder, Colorado. Katie shares her journey into the field which began when she learned about outdoor education and committed to pursuing a path of growth. Katie is an inspiring therapist, coach, guide, teacher, mentor, and workshop facilitator. Her story includes being Assitant Director of Naropa University's wilderness therapy degree program and a field guide at Outward Bound. Her passion is for people and growth through wilderness therapy.

Katie's bio from her website:

• Is a Ceremonialist, Therapist, Coach, Guide, Teacher, Mentor, Workshop Facilitator, and overall Alive Human Being.
• Founded the Somatic Wilderness Therapy Institute to bring more connection to our bodies and the Natural World, as well as to bring more consciousness to how we as humans move through life transitions.
• Her personal mission statement is to bring forth the inherent wisdom within every-Body, to open people's minds and hearts to greater possibilities, and to bring more love and peace to the planet through tending to the humans.
• Is a prolific speaker and creator of courses and trainings, working alone or in collaboration with others, I have presented hundreds of workshops and courses around the world and have spent thousands of days and nights teaching and guiding in the Wilderness.

• MA Somatic Psychology, The Naropa University
• BA of General Studies, University of Dayton

• Certified EMDR Therapy Practitioner, Consultant, & Trainer
• Certified Body-Mind Psychotherapy Practitioner
• Certified Right Use of Power trainer
• Matrix Works Group Leadership
• 29 years therapeutic nature-based and adventure trainings

Nick Magle-Haberek is the clinical director of BaMidbar Wilderness Therapy and co-founder of Adventure-Therapist.com. Nick shares his story of experiences from working as a field guide at Second Nature to being the first student in the dual master's program in Social Work and Outdoor Education at the University of New Hampshire. He has served as a clinician at Wendigo Lakes in Canada, Soltreks in Minnesota, and several others. He shares what inspired him to start Adventure-Therapist.com and its growth.

Bio from BaMidbar website: Nick grew up on a small farm in Richmond, Rhode Island where he developed a love for adventures in the outdoors. While attending the University of Maine, Nick fell in love with the field of Outdoor Education. After completing his degree Nick heeded the advice of a mentor, and moved to Utah to work as a wilderness therapy guide. This ultimately led him to the University of New Hampshire where he earned masters degrees in both Social Work and Outdoor Education. During his graduate career and onward Nick continued to develop his passion for the outdoors and helping others. He has worked in a variety of roles in the field including field guide, facilitator, individual therapist, clinical supervisor, program manager, family therapist and consultant. Nick is also on the leadership committee for the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group where he regularly helps to organize workshops and conferences for other therapists using adventure therapy. During his career, Nick has worked with a diverse blend of adolescents and young adults who are trying to find their direction in life. Nick's love for this work is rejuvenated during moments of connection, vulnerability, and break-through. Nick has joined the BaMidbar clinical team as a Primary Therapist and is looking forward to sharing his passion with staff and clients. When not in the wilderness helping others, Nick can be found backcountry skiing, climbing, hiking, training for triathlons, and enjoying family time with his wife and two children, Birch and River in Estes Park, CO.

Lorri Hanna is co-founder of Soltreks. Lorri has had a long career in the field from being a field guide, program director, clinician and owner of a program. Her passion for wilderness therapy began in 1980 when she hitchhiked across the country and fell in love with the outdoors. She shares her stories of working at Outward Bound, Wilderness Education Association, Ascent, and others before starting Soltreks in 1997. Lorri's inspiring story includes being a cancer survivor and a wellness warrior.

Bio from the Soltreks website: Lorri is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with more than 25 years of practice. She is a MN Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Registered Yoga Teacher (200), Reiki Level I & II and a Yoga Dance Instructor. Her coach training is with the Center for Transformational Coaching and Living, and the Institute of Life Coach Training. Lorri is also an artist who uses creative expression as a meditative process experience. She is also the Founder, Wellness Warrior and Vision Steward of Barefoot Souls, a body-centered wellness practice, inviting individuals to awaken and embody a deeper expression of who they are by listening to the power of their heart.

Dr. Scott Bandoroff is the founder of Peak Experience Training, which provides the Clinical First Responder Certification for those working in the field. Scott has worked in the field since the 1980s. Scott was a field guide at SUWS, where he researched family dynamics while working on his doctoral dissertation. Scott shares his thirty-year journey from being a field guide to a clinician and developing the Clinical First Responder. He shares his concerns about the future and the challenges of COVID-19.

Bio from the Peak Experience website:

Scott Bandoroff, Ph.D. is a Psychologist with over 30 years of experience in the use of adventure therapy for the treatment of teens and families. In addition to his clinical work in his private practice in Ashland, Oregon, he has served as an internship training director, clinical supervisor, consultant and trainer.

Scott began his career as a wilderness treatment program field staff where he became interested in integrating family interventions into wilderness therapy. This served as a catalyst for his dissertation research where he developed a wilderness family therapy program in 1990. He went on to publish and present extensively, and is a recognized authority in the field, learning to the co-development of the CFR training with several other recognized experts in the field.

Scott currently provides consultation and training to schools, mental health agencies, juvenile justice departments, residential treatment centers, and wilderness treatment programs. He also offers Family Adventures for families interested in an intensive wilderness therapy experience. Scott continues to enjoy backpacking, skiing, and outdoor pursuits of all kinds. He recently did a multi-day river trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho and took his 12-year-old son backpacking.

What is going on in the field, and where is it going? Wilderness therapy is an essential service in every state in the nation, and most programs are operating during this early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Will White shares a summary of research as to how wilderness therapy is adapting and changing to meet the challenge COVID 19. He focuses on Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council Programs, which are accredited by the Association of Experiential Education and licensed by their state to operate.

David Wieder is a therapist at Legacy Outdoor Adventures. He grew up in New Mexico and ended up, after traveling through Asia, going to Prescott College. He got his first job in wilderness in 2003 as a guide at Second Nature. David shares why he was drawn to high-risk adventures like paragliding. David tells his long history of working in the field, including at Wilderness Quest, Open Sky, and Aspiro, his love of being a field guide and why he choose to become a wilderness therapist at Legacy in Utah.

Bio from Legacy Website: David Wieder, CMHC

David's journey to wilderness therapy began with his own struggles as a teenager. What brought him through that time in his life was his discovery of the outdoors, travel, and adventure sports. These passions led him to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Adventure Education from Prescott College. David began his career in wilderness therapy in 2004 and has guided for a number of industry-leading programs. Extensive periods of time living in small groups in the backcountry inform his therapeutic emphasis on connection, the transformative nature of honesty, and experiences of overwhelming beauty. David believes that developing one's relationships is a life long practice that serves as a foundation for mental health. He knows that the context of each individual's culture and family system is central to their therapy work. David sees adventure, and not just the kind that happens in the outdoors, as an integral part of holistic health. He encourages clients to develop self-awareness and self-compassion, a prosocial orientation, and a thirst for personal growth. Witnessing breakthrough moments for individuals and groups is one of the most meaningful parts of his life.

David is from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has spent time in each of the Four Corners states. He received his Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in southern Colorado. David can often be found playing outside, usually on large rocks or in deep snow. He also enjoys getting lost in less developed regions of the world and has lived in Asia and Latin America. He is proud to call Legacy home.

Jacob Thomason is a Parent and Family Specialist at Trails Carolina. Jacob's journey into wilderness therapy began in his last semester in graduate school when he saw a help wanted flyer at an outdoor store. He went home and applied to every wilderness therapy job he could find as he was just about to complete his degree in clinical psychology. He shares his stories of working as a clinician at Passages to Recovery in Utah, Foundation House in Maine, New Visions in Wisconsin and now at Trails Carolina.

Bio from the Trails Carolina Website:

Parent and Family Specialist

Jacob is a Licensed Clinical Professional.

Jacob began working in the wilderness therapy field nearly a decade ago and has worked in wilderness programs in Utah and Wisconsin. Additionally, he worked at an extended care sober living program in Maine and ran adventure camps while in college. Having had a family member in treatment, Jacob understands first-hand the value of including parents and siblings in the process. He is passionate about keeping attuned to the wants and needs of parents and siblings throughout the wilderness therapy experience. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Dr. Steve DeMille, Executive Director, RedCliff Ascent. He grew up outside of Las Vegas and was encouraged to work at a wilderness program by his sister after he was laid off from a job. He was hired by RedCliff and then had an experience with a student, which inspired him to make wilderness therapy his career. Steve shares his inspiring story as to how he worked his way through college while working part-time in wilderness, then on getting his master's degree in counseling and later his doctorate.

Bio from the RedCliff website:

EXECUTVE DIRECTOR

When a teen's life gets off track due to significant emotional distress or dysfunctional behaviors, it is not uncommon for their life and their family's life to unravel. My passion is to bring families the healing experiences they need to reconnect as a family and help their child put their life back together. Using nature and outdoors as our setting, we help struggling teens reconnect with their families. We also help them find happiness, and develop the maturity to handle the challenges ahead of them.

Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, I spent much time in the outdoors of Southern Utah. Whether hiking in Zion or rock climbing in Veyo, the outdoors was a place of peace and growth. Hence as a Mental Health Professional, I believe that the best environment for healing individuals and relationships is in the outdoors.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have worked with teens in various capacities. I began working with adolescents as a field guide at RedCliff Ascent in 2000. Subsequently, I've held numerous positions at RedCliff. These include Senior Field Instructor, Field Support Manager, Assistant Medical Coordinator, Primary Therapist, Research Director. And I am currently the Executive Director for RedCliff Ascent.

As a clinician, I bring a wealth of experience. This experience includes Experiential Therapies, Narrative Family Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have also worked with adolescents and families in many different settings over the years, including residential treatment, community mental health, and foster care.

My educational experience includes an MA in Mental Health Counseling and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. My research focus is on wilderness therapy, nature, adolescent development, and counseling ethics. I am actively involved in the counseling and psychology profession and hold regional and national leadership positions. I publish and present on wilderness therapy and the use of the outdoor. This is done around the world at the national and international conference level.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife (who was also a field staff at RedCliff Ascent) and four children. Living just outside of Zion National Park, I enjoy spending time in nature with the family. I also like history and art, and enjoy visiting fine and contemporary art museums when I travel.

Anne Wilzbacher is a therapist at Blue Ridge Wilderness Therapy's Emerald Arrow. Her journey into the field began as a child growing up in a state park as her father was a park manager. She worked at Eckerd Youth Alternatives as field staff for three years and then onto Naropa University for her Master's degree. Her vast experiences include working at AIM House and Open Sky. She also shares her inspiring story of being given the opportunity to develop the Emerald Arrow young adult program at Blue Ridge.

Bio from the Blue Ridge Website:

I have worked with adolescents and young adults since 2004. I rooted myself into this work by first being a field guide for several years. This is where the journey began for me. This opened up parts of myself I didn't know existed and I experienced others way of being that inspired me to want to know more and know better about this human experience and relationships. With this foundation and continued education, I developed a strong devotion to do continued self-growth and supporting others to know their edge. With my insight and observation, I have the ability to swiftly assess and directly address students in a way that is both disarming and incredibly warm and compassionate. With my relational and authentic manner, I aim to quickly build rapport and effectively challenge core issues. I often use a psychodynamic lens to approach both individual and group with students in the wilderness. I see people as already whole and brilliant; and we are supporting them in making contact with this amidst the confusion, destruction, chaos, struggle, and depth of pain. The natural essence of the wilderness, and the creativity it provides, is my co-therapist. I collaborate closely with the field instructor team to provide a powerful united container and structure in order to create effective, change-inspiring, growth challenges for our students. I truly assess what each student may require in order to settle into this environment and into themselves. I often use playfulness, humor, and softness as well as directness and sharp redirection where it is needed.

Trauma, family systems, identity struggles, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, personality disorders, substance abuse and addictive behaviors. Utilize Mindfulness, somatic-based practices and awareness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family Systems Awareness, Group dynamic interventions and Group Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Theory and Modern Psychoanalysis.

My love of the wilderness started at a very young age in a state park of Minnesota. I grew up there with my four older brothers and the park was essentially our backyard and was very much integrated into our daily life. I discovered early on how being in nature and relating to the elements infused resilience (well that or maybe it was my older brothers) and an appreciation for life and beauty that comes with hard work and play. Throughout my schooling and travel adventures, I became intrigued with how to access and bring to light one's own brilliance – my own and others. I enjoy working on discovering this through being outside, spontaneous adventures, playfulness and grace, mindfulness, meditation, photography, reading, writing, and listening and dancing to music any chance I get. I really value and enjoy travel (and the unique nooks and cranny's of this world), embracing my own creativity, challenging myself daily to be better and know love more fully, and deeply appreciate connection to my family and friends. Being in and near water is one of the most healing experiences for me. I strive for and am devoted to personal growth in order to be of best contribution to myself and this world. I am a very proud Auntie Anne to currently 2 nieces and 6 nephews.

Masters of Contemplative Psychotherapy, Naropa University Bachelor of Arts: Communication/Public Relations, Marquette University

Josh White is the Executive Director/Co-founder of Red Mountain Sedona. Josh's journey into the wilderness therapy field began while he was at Naropa University, where he first heard about the field. Josh would meet his future wife, Maureen, at Naropa, and they would both, later on, co-found Red Mountain. Josh, who is a "teacher at heart," worked at Wingate as a therapist for young adults. Josh shares the magic of the field, how his dog, Lulu, found him and the mindfulness focus of Red Mountain.

Bio from Red Mountain Website:

Josh earned his Master's Degree in Psychology from Naropa University, the nation's premier mindfulness-based therapeutic training institution, in 2002, and has had a long and distinguished career as a recognized leader and innovator within the adolescent and young adult treatment field.

A Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Certified Group Psychotherapist, Josh has presented nationally at over 30 behavioral health conferences, including the Young Adult Transition Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, Independent Educational Consultants Association, Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council, and National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs.

After beginning his career with adolescents and young adults as a martial arts instructor in 1994, Josh shifted his focus to behavioral health in 1998, serving as both a behavioral health technician and a Master's-level clinician before becoming an administrator in 2005. In addition to his clinical work, Josh has served as a Program Director, Clinical Director, and Executive Director in top treatment programs for adolescents and young adults.

Josh is a Senior Instructor and the second-ranking active practitioner of Ten-Chi Kenpo, an innovative martial art combining Karate, Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido, and T'ai Chi. Josh is also one of approximately 500 teachers worldwide authorized to teach in the White Plum Zen tradition, and enjoys incorporating Zen teachings into his clinical and administrative work.

Josh served on the faculty at Naropa University and Oregon Health and Science University, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the White Plum Zen Teachers Association and as President of Prajna Zendo, the nonprofit Zen training center founded by his teacher. Josh was also a founding officer of the Colorado Group Psychotherapy Society, has coached numerous youth baseball and soccer teams, and actively supports a number of local and national charities.

A proud husband and father whose greatest joys in life are his wife and teenage son, Josh is also an avid guitarist and former professional musician who opened for Run DMC, Vertical Horizon, Edwin McCain, and the Violent Femmes. When he's not spending time with his family and students, he enjoys hiking in the beauty of Sedona and the Front Range; playing with his dogs; seeing live music; building and playing guitars; and competing in (and occasionally winning) Red Mountain's long-running fantasy baseball league.

"Mindfulness saved my life. Learning how to watch and consciously engage with my thoughts, feelings and impulses saved me from a self-destructive path fueled by past trauma and poor choices. Today I am living my dream teaching and mentoring young people who are just like I was, and helping them find a path of productivity and peace."