Does Wilderness Therapy Work for Troubled Teens from Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, WA Send Their Child to a Wilderness Therapy Program?
Parents from Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, WA?
Regarding even the trendiest treatment models for troubled teens living in the city of Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, 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 Federal Way, 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,"
Federal Way, WA Resources for Parents and Struggling Teenagers
MasterNet is the favored choice for parents from Federal Way, WA, who are seeking an therapeutic boarding school to offer help to their troubled child experiencing ADD/ADHD (attentional disorder), pain medication abuse/addiction, or academic failure related trials. Here at MasterNet, parents and families from Federal Way, 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 teens find their way toward healing and restoration.
Our therapists are committed to not only giving assistance to our students in need, but also the whole family; with the care and commitment required for full restoration. It is our desire to assist, guide, and coach parents from Federal Way, WA, with a struggling child, through a very difficult time. MasterNet is here to serve! There is hope... and you are not alone. The vision of MasterNet is to bring forth peace while remedying emotional health for troubled teenagers from Federal Way, WA.
Our purpose is to see your struggling child make a successful transition into adulthood, while living independently as a dignified young adult. Don’t hesitate to contact MasterNet’s family advocates for more information regarding enrollment, tuition, and insurance options. For testimonials from current and past MasterNet families, reach out to our team; call one of our licensed family advocates at (435) 574-4518, and discover how we can offer a variety of relevant residential treatment strategies (equine, life training, behavioral therapy) for your troubled child today!
“so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:15
