Wilderness Therapy Settings: An Industry in Need of Legal and Regulatory Oversight.

Abstract

Wilderness therapy, aimed primarily at adolescents presenting with problem behaviors, includes a range of interventions that incorporate nature and the wilderness as prominent aspects of treatment. In theory, wilderness therapists seek to effect both behavioral and attitudinal changes. Through providing a context of challenging outdoor living and a group setting in an emotionally safe place, wilderness therapy aims to address problem behaviors and to facilitate an emerging sense of healing, well-being, and personal and social responsibility. Wilderness therapy’s action-oriented approach is said to be particularly appropriate for adolescents and is intended to build self-esteem, internal locus of control, interpersonal skills, trust and team building, and a sense of group belonging.