What is Adventure Therapy?

Adventure therapy is a form of experiential therapy that utilizes challenging adventure activities to aid in the therapeutic healing process.

For a long time, nature has been seen as a balm to the problems we face in society. Even during pre-industrial times, people would seek out the countryside as a means to feel better. Many people have also used nature as a way to understand the world around them. Albert Einstein said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Adventure-based outdoor therapy is a form of therapy that aims to help individuals in recovery by gaining new life skills. This should enable them to better deal with everyday challenges in life and have a better chance at maintaining sobriety. Adding the adventure component to outdoor therapy helps individuals push themselves, reconnect with nature, and accomplish new goals. There are various options for adventure therapy that range in difficulty and can be adjusted depending on the ability of each individual.

Adventure Therapy and Mental Health

Mental health is often a significant factor in many people’s journey with addiction. Its possible people will experience mental health disorders before or because of addiction. Any mental health problems may also further deteriorate as a result of addiction. Even without a severe mental illness, it’s likely that most people struggling with substance abuse and addiction will need to work on improving their mental health. For many people in nature, feel calm and at peace. Adventure therapy is a great way to improve mental health and strengthening mental health is essential in recovery. In an article published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the authors cited studies finding, “Interaction with nature can increase self-esteem and mood, reduce anger, and improve general psychological well-being with positive effects on emotions and behavior.”

A lot of people find nature to be therapeutic. It provides an escape from the daily stresses we deal with in real life, many of which feel worsened by modern features – loud noises in towns and cities, technology, and work among many other possibilities.

Why Adventure Therapy?

Sometimes talk therapy is not possible for individuals or they have difficulty opening up about certain topics. Nature allows time to get away and reflect internally. Wallace Nichols, a marine biologist, said“…the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation.” Adventure therapy can involve activities like kayaking, white water rafting, or swimming, but it can also involve simple activities like walking by the water. Improving your mental health, by any means, helps improve your physical health. Doing so with adventure therapy helps create a positive cycle of improving mental and physical health.