Does Wilderness Therapy Work for Troubled Teens from Des Moines, WA?
Over 70 benchmark controlled studies (the majority of which were independently conducted, 26 randomized) into the efficacy of wilderness therapy found the treatment provenly effective in treating a myriad of behavioral and mental issues, including problems stemming from childhood neglect/abuse, sexual promiscuity, substance abuse, and emotional disorders.
How Long Does Wilderness Therapy Typically Last?
While programs differ in their treatment duration, 8 to 10 weeks is the standard of most wilderness programs. Steve Dubois, a Ph.D. psychologist and proponent of wilderness treatment, states that it takes the allotted timeframe of 8 to 10 weeks to complete three stages of the treatment: avoidance stage, learning stage, and a stage in which teens internalize their behavior and adopt healthier behavioral patterns.
Should Parents from Des Moines, WA Send Their Child to a Wilderness Therapy Program?
Parents from Des Moines, WA sometimes wonder if they should send their troubled daughter to wilderness therapy. Whether wilderness therapy is a viable option for their teen, parents should consider the following: Wilderness therapy is a widely clinically proven treatment in rehabilitating self-destructive and dangerous behaviors in mentally and behaviorally struggling teens and young adults. Therefore, if their teenage son or daughter is displaying unhealthy behavior patterns due to mental and emotional deficiencies, wilderness therapy is a proven method in terms of rehabilitation.
Things for Parents from ~region to Consider When Considering Wilderness Therapy
One of the most frequently asked questions from parents from Des Moines, WA include, “is a wilderness therapy program located hundreds of miles from home really the best option for my struggling teenage daughter?”
Parents who are worried about the vast amount of distance between their family’s home and the actual location of a wilderness therapy program fear not; it’s by design. Almost all wilderness therapy programs are specially placed in the vast, middle-of-nowhere wilderness. Almost every child that is sent to a wilderness camp lives multiple states away from the camp’s geographical location. In terms of distance from home, the hundreds or even thousands of miles a wilderness therapy program is away from a person’s house should not be considered when deciding whether or not to send a troubled teen to its campus.
Parents should also know that many traditionally styled forms of treatment, such as therapeutic boarding schools near Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, WA?
Regarding even the trendiest treatment models for troubled teens living in the city of Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, 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 Adolescents in Des Moines, WA
MasterNet is the favored choice for parents from Des Moines, WA, who are investigating an therapeutic boarding school to offer assistance to their struggling child wrestling with sleep disorder, alcohol abuse/overuse, or narcissistic behavior related challenges. Here at MasterNet, parents and families from Des Moines, WA can expect the best results from our compassionate and licensed therapists. Our research-validated approach to a variety of relevant residential treatment strategies (equine, life training, behavioral therapy) and outdoor recreation and adventure therapy makes our work a success! MasterNet’s serene and distraction-free setting helps even the most treatment-resistant teenage girls find their way toward healing and recovery.
We are proud to offer inspired support to ensure a lasting recovery. We have the utmost respect for every student and family that we work with, and this is something that sets our therapeutic boarding school apart from the rest. MasterNet’s therapists acknowledge and appreciate the issues that teenage girls from Des Moines, WA deal with every day. With decades of collective experience in the therapeutic boarding school industry, MasterNet’s therapists have the ability to quickly assess, identify, and offer assistance to adolescent girls wrestling with alcohol abuse/overuse challenges, obstacles related to sleep disorder, and causes for narcissistic behavior.
MasterNet has served numerous struggling students from Des Moines, WA, and we can offer assistance for your child too. Don’t hesitate to contact MasterNet’s intake counselors for more information regarding enrollment, tuition, and insurance options. For testimonials from current and past MasterNet families, connect with our intake counselor at (435) 574-4518 today!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved.” Ephesian 1:3-6
