Picture slideshow of previous expeditions.
22-day program brochure
Application
Clinical research has repeatedly demonstrated the benefits of Wilderness Therapy, as well as Adventure-Based Counseling. Wilderness Therapy offers an alternative approach to traditional, office-based “talk therapy.” Blackwater’s 22-day expeditions combine wilderness living and adventure-based activities with individual, group, and family therapy to create a positive environment for personal growth and development.
OUR APPROACH
Unlike other wilderness therapy programs, Blackwater’s therapeutic approach is to build upon our client’s strengths, not breaking down clients as in a boot camp setting and only then re-build them. We believe our clients are bright individuals, possessing many strengths, and we see the value in helping them recognize those individual strengths.
FULL TIME THERAPY IN THE FIELD
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences is one of only a select few wilderness therapy programs in which a master’s level therapist accompanies the therapeutic group on the entire expedition, and facilitates both individual and group therapy sessions. Group therapy is used throughout the expedition due to its natural ability to encourage strong peer identification and group accountability. Individual therapy sessions offer further opportunities for processing the experience. Additionally, therapeutic journal writing allows time for personal and reflective exploration.
WHO BENEFITS
The 22-day Wilderness Therapy Expedition serves adolescents and adults 15-35 years of age. Most of our clients have experienced one or more of the following:
- Substance Abuse / Drug Addiction
(Blackwater’s Specialty)
*** “Self-Medication” related, but not limited to: prescription pain medicine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana and alcohol.
- ADHD/ADD
- Low Self-Esteem
- Bi-Polar Disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Behavioral Problems
- Lack of Motivation
- Academic Challenges
- Poor Social & Coping Skills
THE WHAT, THE SO WHAT, THE NOW WHAT
Course activities include, but are not limited to: backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, and team-building initiatives. Coupled with individual and group therapy, these activities are designed to facilitate growth in the areas of:
- Self-care
- Self-confidence
- Self-discipline
- Personal responsibility
- Trust
- Respect
- Problem solving
- Personal strengths and values
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Blackwater believes the family is an integral part of the healing and recovery process, therefore, the staff works closely with the family while clients are on the therapeutic expedition. Family Weekend, occurring the last weekend of the expedition when family is re-united with client, focuses on family interaction and includes family initiatives and multi-family therapy groups. As a conclusion to the experience, the Director, Field Therapist, and Field Guide meet with each family individually and share recommendations and suggestions for follow-up treatment.
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