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. 

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.