×

Where to Find Wilderness Therapy in Washington State?

Where to Find Wilderness Therapy in Washington State?

It is one thing to be able to remove children and young adults from a potentially destructive environment brought on by emotional and behavioral disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse or ADHD, just to name a few. It's another thing, not just to tell these youth, but to show them they have the ability to take responsibility for their own actions as well as the skills and physical and mental strength to do so.  At Rites of Passage, our programs offer the unique opportunity to help these troubled youth and their families through a range of outdoor trek programs and long term treatment facilities such as wilderness therapy in Washington State.

There will always be a place for traditional therapies in intervention programs. In fact, a number of highly qualified counselors, therapists and instructors work very closely with the youth enrolled in the Rites of Passage Wilderness therapy programs on a daily basis.

However, one can clearly distinguish between a one on one 45 minute per week therapy session in an office setting between a doctor and patient, to that of being placed in a completely natural environment. Something as simple as being in an environment free of many of the influences which may be part of the problem and not the solution may very well open lines of communication.

Something as easy as being referred to as student instead of patient, can also create a positive change.

Taking responsibility for their own shelter, food preparation and navigation as well as overcoming the many obstacles presented to them in the wilderness can be therapeutic. Not only do these actions build self-confidence, it also encourages our students to communicate effectively and work with others including family.

Integrating the adventurous aspects of the program with the therapeutic process allows the student to understand what may have brought them to this point in their young lives'.

If you have a child or young adult struggling with emotional or psychological concerns and would like more information on the Rites of Passage approach to wilderness therapy in Washington State, give us a call at (800)794-0980. Let us help you!