Does Wilderness Therapy Work for Troubled Teens from Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, WA Send Their Child to a Wilderness Therapy Program?
Parents from Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, WA?
Regarding even the trendiest treatment models for troubled teens living in the city of Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis, 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 At-risk Teenagers in Fort Lewis, WA
Families from Fort Lewis, WA, searching for support for their at-risk child, trust the direction that MasterNet provides for teens who may be undergoing obstacles related to video game addiction (gaming), blended family (relationship), or low self-esteem. Here at MasterNet, our licensed counselors have a deep and wise understanding of the issues that at-risk adolescent girls from Fort Lewis, WA are battling every day. With dedication and expertise, our team delivers direction to our troubled teen students, so they may recognize and deal with their alcohol dependence or drug abuse/addiction (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 rehabilitation that lasts a lifetime.
Because working with highly resistant teens is challenging, most programs rely on level systems, punishments, and other behavioral techniques to manage the adolescent girl’s behavior. However, MasterNet recognizes that the personal circumstances of one at-risk child doesn’t always apply to all of our teen students. Because of this, MasterNet’s professional counselors are faithful to the management of each teens requirements; and they do this with professionalism and sympathy. At MasterNet, we involve the entire family (especially the parents) in the teen’s therapy, rehabilitation, and direction. MasterNet has served numerous at-risk adolescent girls over the years. Our track record has proven to cause life changing results for our teen students and their families.
MasterNet has transformed the lives of countless at-risk adolescent girls over the years, including many from Fort Lewis, WA. Our approach has improved the lives of our at-risk teen students, and their families. We see that troubled teens can grow to be healthy adults with a desire to succeed! MasterNet understands that in order for our at-risk teen students to experience real rehabilitation, the entire family needs to be part of the life skills development and experiential education direction that our counselors provide. Our admissions specialists can be reached immediately at (435) 574-4518.
“You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of gladness with Your presence.” Acts 2:28
