What Is Wilderness Therapy for Troubled Girls from Clarkston, WA?
Wilderness therapy is an adventure-based, outdoor-residential therapy used to address underlying mental, emotional, and even spiritual issues that cause self-destructive living habits in troubled girls (including those from Clarkston, WA).
What sets wilderness programs apart from other types of residential treatment is that the entire healing process takes place outdoors in a natural, wild environment - typically, many miles removed from civilization, even hundreds of miles removed from Clarkston, WA.
While no two programs are the same, most top-tier wilderness programs utilize similar psychiatric treatments such as experiential, group, mindfulness-based, and cognitive behavior therapies.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Wilderness Therapy Programs for Troubled Teens From Clarkston, WA
While wilderness therapy programs may sound intriguing, adventurous, and therapeutically innovative at face value, parents from Clarkston, WA should keep some things in mind during the selection process.
Wilderness Therapy is Almost Always Used as a Preliminary Treatment
According to a recent statistical analysis of the 28 recognized wilderness therapy programs, 80% of enrolled teens on to an additional residential treatment program. In other words, wilderness therapy programs are primarily used as a 'first step' in treatment rather than a one-stop therapeutic destination.
Additionally, many wilderness programs are partnered with other traditional, indoor residential treatment programs that recommend a teen go back and go through wilderness treatment if said program deems the student is not ready to participate in their residential program.
They are also relatively small in size and short compared to other, more mainstream residential treatment centers.
Like most treatment centers, there are varying styles and levels of treatment at a wilderness program. Depending on factors such as one's age and reasons for being treated, behavioral and mental health interventions may include individualized treatment, group and/or family therapy sessions, medication management, family-repair workshops, drug and alcohol detoxification, and one-on-one therapy sessions with a mental health professional - to name a few.
Proponents of adventure-based therapy claim that wilderness is effective in modifying one's behavioral patterns due to a combination of being immersed in the natural and wild environment (removing oneself from all distractions of the outside world) and implementing modern therapies.
Parents should also know that many traditionally styled forms of treatment, such as therapeutic boarding schools near Clarkston, WA and residential treatment centers, provide aspects of wilderness therapy (sometimes called adventure-based therapy), but house their teens in an indoor facility.
These traditional programs are best suited for teens who might not be physically or emotionally mature enough to trek the challenging environment of wilderness therapy.
Matthew 11:29-30 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
While full-time wilderness therapy programs near Clarkston, WA can be potentially dangerous, many safer alternative residential treatment programs utilize aspects of wilderness therapy (such as engaging in outdoor activities for therapeutic purposes) but house their teenage residents indoors. Programs that use certain elements of wilderness therapy include therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers, and even group homes.
What Does Science Have to Say About Wilderness Therapy Near Clarkston, WA?
Regarding even the trendiest treatment models for troubled teens living in the city of Clarkston, WA, efficacy and science-backed empirical evidence truly matter. However, due to the constant and natural changes in teen-related studies, direct evidence is hard to come by. Studies in behavior, trends, and effective forms of treatment often take years, and government spending is unfortunately rarely spent on teenagers.
Since we can’t rely on unbiased and bipartisan-led scientific studies from our government – which is highly preferred in gathering scientific data – we must look to more localized organizations, like the Outdoor Behavioral Health Council.
1 Peter 5:10 “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory IN CHRIST, WILL HIMSELF perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”
Statistical caveats aside, the OBH (an outdoor behavioral healthcare program that “gathers evidence-based research on wilderness programs”) states that quality wilderness therapy has a higher average in successfully treating troubled teens' behavioral and mental health issues.
They also found that despite the inherent dangers of living in the wilderness, on average, wilderness therapy programs near Clarkston, WA are statistically safer for teens than living at home and attending public high school.
"Now to Him who can do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20
In addition to addressing specific challenges, these programs also focus on equipping teens with practical life skills and promoting personal development. This may involve teaching communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, decision-making skills, and self-care practices that align with Christian values and principles.
Ephesians 6:17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Christian wilderness therapy programs foster a supportive community environment where teens can connect with peers with similar struggles and beliefs. The community provides a sense of belonging, encouragement, and accountability, helping teens develop healthy relationships and support systems.
John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
It is important to note that the effectiveness of a Christian wilderness therapy program near Clarkston, WA can vary depending on the individual and the specific program. Parents or guardians should thoroughly research and choose a reputable program that aligns with their values and meets the specific needs of their troubled teen.
Philippians 2:5 "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,"
Mental Health Resources for Struggling Teens in Clarkston, WA
Families from Clarkston, WA, wanting help for their struggling child, trust the guidance that MasterNet provides for adolescents who may be undergoing issues related to food addiction (overeating, binge eating), child abuse, or bullying (or being bullied). Here at MasterNet, our trained counselors have a deep and wise understanding of the issues that struggling teenagers from Clarkston, WA are coping with every day. With dedication and expertise, our team offers guidance to our at-risk young students, so they may recognize and deal with their drug abuse/addiction (including marijuana) or substance use (including marijuana) in a way that is both healthy and productive. We specialize in a variety of relevant residential treatment strategies (equine, life training, behavioral therapy), that is based on a solid trifecta of trust and respect. Through this approach, we inspire an internally motivated transformation that lasts a lifetime.
Because working with highly resistant adolescents is challenging, most programs rely on level systems, punishments, and other behavioral techniques to manage the girl’s behavior. However, MasterNet recognizes that the personal circumstances of one struggling child doesn’t always apply to all of our young students. Because of this, MasterNet’s professional counselors are dedicated to the management of each adolescents requirements; and they do this with professionalism and sympathy. At MasterNet, we involve the entire family (especially the parents) in the adolescent’s therapy, transformation, and guidance. MasterNet has served numerous struggling teenagers over the years. Our track record has proven to cause life changing results for our young students and their families.
MasterNet has transformed the lives of countless struggling teenagers over the years, including many from Clarkston, WA. Our approach has improved the lives of our struggling young students, and their families. We see that at-risk adolescents can grow to be healthy adults with a desire to succeed! MasterNet understands that in order for our struggling young students to experience real transformation, the entire family needs to be part of the life skills development and experiential education guidance that our counselors give. Our consultants can be reached immediately at (435) 574-4518.
“He who gives attention to the word will find good, And blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20
