What Is Wilderness Therapy for Troubled Girls from Elk Plain, 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 Elk Plain, 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 Elk Plain, 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 Elk Plain, WA
While wilderness therapy programs may sound intriguing, adventurous, and therapeutically innovative at face value, parents from Elk Plain, 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 Elk Plain, 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 Elk Plain, 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 Elk Plain, WA?
Regarding even the trendiest treatment models for troubled teens living in the city of Elk Plain, 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 Elk Plain, 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 Elk Plain, 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 Guidance in Elk Plain, WA for At-risk Teens
Families from Elk Plain, WA have made MasterNet their first choice for child change and guidance. Parents, looking for help for their child, can expect a team of compassionate, expert practitioners and leaders here at MasterNet. MasterNet operates from the understanding that "change" must come from the inside-out, not from the outside-in. We are devoted to the life skills development and experiential education for all adolescents, who may be struggling with depressive disorder, technology addiction (social media, cell phone), or divorce reaction problems, but also the entire family; with the guidance they need for lasting change.
MasterNet recognizes that the circumstances of one troubled child does not always apply to other teenage girls. As a result, our skilled practitioners are devoted to the administration of each client’s needs; a commitment illustrated by their expert professionalism and sympathy. Here at MasterNet, we include the entire family (especially the parents) in the process of our client’s therapy, change, and progress.
Our purpose is to see your troubled child make a successful transition into adulthood, while living independently as a dignified young adult. 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, reach out to our team; call one of our expert intake counselors at (435) 574-4518, and discover how we can provide a variety of relevant residential treatment strategies (equine, life training, behavioral therapy) for your at-risk child today!
“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.... And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.' ” Luke 15:20-24, 31
