How Adventure Therapy Helps Teen Girls and LGBTQ+ Youths Heal
We know how difficult it can be to see teen girls struggling with social anxiety, depression, or school issues. Adventure therapy helps teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths overcome mental health challenges, build resilience, and rediscover their inner strength.
For teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, adventure therapy at Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School offers a powerful path to healing and transformation, reconnecting them with themselves and the world around them.
Key Adventure Therapy Highlights
- Adventure therapy provides a unique and effective approach to helping teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths navigate through mental health challenges.
- By combining outdoor activities with therapeutic techniques, teens can build resilience and rediscover their inner strength in a supportive environment.
- Adventure therapy at Chrysalis offers a transformative journey for teens dealing with social anxiety, depression, or trauma.
What is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure therapy is a therapeutic approach that blends outdoor experiences with structured therapeutic techniques to foster personal development and growth, healing, and self-discovery in natural settings.
The Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and leading developers of adventure therapy Keith Russel, Harlod L. Gillis, and Michael A. Gass further define adventure therapy as “the prescriptive use of adventure experiences provided by mental health professionals, often conducted in natural settings, that kinesthetically engage clients on cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels”.
By participating in this form of psychotherapy through challenging and immersive adventure activities like hiking, rock climbing, or wilderness exploration, teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths learn to overcome obstacles, engage their senses to access new experiences, improve physical health, build resilience, and develop trust in themselves and others with the guidance of mental health professionals.
What Types of Adventure Therapy Are There?
Adventure Therapy for teens encompasses a variety of experiential and outdoor activities designed to promote personal growth, healing, and emotional resilience. These activities are carefully chosen to challenge and support each teen in different ways. Here are some common types of adventure therapy:
- Outdoor Expeditions: These are extended journeys into nature, where teens learn survival skills, teamwork, and self-reliance. The challenge of the outdoors helps them build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.
- Team-Building Activities: Involving group challenges like ropes courses, trust exercises, and problem-solving tasks, these activities foster communication, trust, and collaboration among peers. They are particularly effective in helping teens develop social skills and improve their relationships.
- Physical Challenges: Activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and canoeing push teens to confront their fears and physical limitations with the support of experts. These challenges mirror the emotional and psychological struggles they face, helping them develop perseverance, courage, and a sense of accomplishment.
- Mindfulness-Based Nature Experiences: These activities focus on mindfulness, reflection, and connection with nature. Whether it’s through nature walks, journaling, or meditation, teens are encouraged to slow down, be present, and process their thoughts and emotions in a natural setting.
- Service-Oriented Adventures: In some programs, teens participate in community service projects within a natural setting. These experiences teach empathy, responsibility, and the value of giving back, while also fostering a sense of purpose and connection to the broader community.
What are the Benefits of Adventure Therapy for My Teen Daughter?
Therapeutic adventure therapy offers a wide range of benefits for teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths, including skill development and the prescriptive use of adventure experiences by mental health professionals to address behavioral health issues in a group setting.
During adventure therapy, teens can develop self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and improve symptoms of mental health conditions. Success on a ski run or mountain summit translates to a positive and successful self-identity. Students can also learn to have fun in healthy ways and enter a mental state of flow.
Through the practice of adventure therapy, teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths can grow to be strong adults who are confident in their ability to overcome obstacles and develop effective solutions, no matter what they come up against in life. Outdoor adventure therapy can also provide teens with a diverse range of new sensory experiences that can help improve treatment effectiveness and provide a good alternative when traditional talk therapy hasn’t worked for your teen. The physical challenges also offer a significant improvement to physical health and overall fitness, allowing teens to reconnect with their physical bodies and avoid substance use.
Is Adventure Therapy Effective for Teens?
Adventure therapy has been shown to be effective in helping teens improve their mental health and well-being
For example, a study published in the Journal of Evaluation and Program Planning found that adventure therapy improved symptoms of anxiety and depression in teens while improving emotional functioning.
What Kind of Activities Are Involved in Adventure Therapy?
At Chrysalis, we invite and encourage teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths and their families to participate in many of the scheduled adventure therapy outings throughout the year. These activities build and reinforce the mutual trust that is integral to the growth of relationships.
Our therapeutic boarding school's 47-acre campus in beautiful Eureka, Montana becomes part of the expanded classroom, each environment bursting with rich learning opportunities.
Year-round, every day of the week at our therapeutic boarding school we focus on a diverse range of outdoor adventure therapy activities designed to healing and growth, which can consist of:
Biking
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Boating
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Gardening
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Hiking
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Rafting
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Rock Climbing
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Skiing
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Snowboarding
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Textile Art Projects
What Therapies Are Used Alongside Adventure Therapy?
Adventure therapy integrates a range of therapeutic modalities and techniques, all aimed at fostering personal growth, emotional healing, and resilience through. Here are some of the primary therapies and modalities used in adventure therapy for teens:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Often incorporated into adventure therapy, CBT helps teens identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. During outdoor activities, therapists use CBT techniques to help youths process their experiences and develop healthier coping strategies.
Experiential Therapy
This broad approach involves learning through direct experience. Activities like rock climbing, canoeing, and hiking provide real-time opportunities for teens to confront fears, make decisions, and experience the consequences of their actions with the support and guidance of therapists, leading to deeper self-awareness and personal growth.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Adventure therapy programs integrate mindfulness practices, encouraging participants to be fully present in the moment. This can include mindful hiking, nature meditation, or reflective journaling, all aimed at reducing anxiety and increasing self-awareness.
Group Therapy
Adventure therapy often includes group-based activities that require teamwork and communication. These sessions allow participants to build trust, develop social skills, and work through interpersonal issues in a supportive environment.
Narrative Therapy
In some programs, teens are encouraged to tell their own stories, either verbally or through journaling. This helps them reframe their experiences, gain new perspectives, and take ownership of their personal narratives.
Solution-Focused Therapy
This modality focuses on identifying strengths and solutions rather than dwelling on problems. During adventure activities, therapists guide participants to discover their strengths and use them to overcome challenges, fostering a positive and forward-thinking mindset.
Nature-Based Therapy
Rooted in the idea that nature itself is therapeutic, this modality emphasizes the healing power of the natural environment. Activities like wilderness expeditions, camping, and eco-therapy immerse teens and young adults in nature, helping them feel grounded and connected.
What Are the Focuses of Adventure Therapy?
The core tenets or themes of adventure therapy revolve around the principles of experiential learning, personal growth, and holistic healing. Here are the key themes:
- Experiential Learning: Central to adventure therapy is the belief that real change occurs through direct experience. Teens engage in challenging outdoor activities that require them to apply problem-solving skills, manage emotions, and make decisions in real time. This hands-on approach fosters self-discovery and growth.
- Challenge and Overcoming Obstacles: Adventure therapy intentionally places teens in situations that push their physical, emotional, and mental limits with the support and guidance of therapists. By facing and overcoming these challenges, teens build resilience, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.
- Nature as a Healing Environment: The natural world plays an important role in adventure therapy. The serenity and unpredictability of nature help teens disconnect from daily stressors, reconnect with themselves, and gain perspective on their lives. Nature’s inherent therapeutic qualities can also support emotional regulation and healing.
- Group Dynamics and Relationship Building: Many adventure therapy activities are group-oriented, emphasizing teamwork, trust, and communication. Through these support groups, teens learn to form healthy relationships, resolve conflicts, and develop social skills, all within a supportive community.
- Mindfulness and Reflection: Mindfulness practices can help teens stay present and aware of their thoughts and feelings. Reflective exercises, such as journaling or group debriefs, are used to process experiences and are a significant part of adventure therapy.
- Strength-Based Approach: The therapy focuses on identifying and leveraging each teen’s strengths. By emphasizing what teens can do rather than what they can’t, adventure therapy promotes a positive self-image and encourages a growth mindset.
- Holistic Healing: adventure therapy views healing as a comprehensive process that involves the body, mind, and spirit. The integration of physical activity, emotional support, and spiritual reflection creates a balanced and holistic therapeutic experience.
How Does Adventure-Based Therapy Help Teens?
Adventure therapy at our therapeutic boarding school uses techniques designed to help teens face and overcome emotional and behavioral challenges. Here’s how some of these techniques are applied:
- Building Resilience through Challenge: Adventure therapy group activities like rock climbing and hiking require teens to push their limits and face fears in a safe environment with healing clinicians and trained adventure therapy experts. These challenges help them develop resilience as they learn to cope with adversity and build the mental toughness needed to handle real-life situations.
- Fostering Trust and Communication: Group-based activities, such as team-building exercises, adventure-based counseling, and guided expeditions, emphasize trust and communication. Teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths learn to rely on one another, share responsibilities, and communicate effectively, which can help improve their interpersonal relationships both within the group and in their daily lives.
- Increasing Mindfulness: Time spent in nature, away from digital distractions, encourages mindfulness of the natural surroundings. Therapists integrate reflective exercises, such as journaling or group discussions around a campfire, allowing teens to process their experiences and gain insights into their thoughts and behaviors.
- Overcoming Anxiety and Depression: Confronting the unpredictability of the wilderness parallels the unpredictability of life. By successfully navigating these challenges, teens build confidence and learn coping strategies that help them manage anxiety, depression, or self-esteem issues.
- Empowering Teens: Completing difficult tasks, such as reaching the summit of a mountain, empowers teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths. This sense of accomplishment fosters self-esteem and helps them recognize their potential to overcome obstacles in their personal lives.
What Conditions Can Adventure Therapy Help Teen Girls With?
Adventure therapy offers a unique and transformative experience for teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths struggling with mental health conditions. Chrysalis adventure therapy helps teens overcome:
- ADHD: Adventure therapy offers new sensory outdoor experiences and flexible activities that help teens struggling with ADHD to channel their energy, improve focus, and develop self-regulation skills.
- Anger/Mood Regulation: Engaging in physically challenging activities allows teens to express and work through anger and other emotions in a safe, supportive environment.
- Anxiety: Nature-based activities promote mindfulness and relaxation, helping teens reduce anxiety and build coping mechanisms.
- Bipolar Disorder: The combination of physical activity and therapeutic support helps stabilize mood swings and provides a constructive outlet for energy.
- Body Image Issues: Outdoor challenges foster body positivity by focusing on strength, resilience, and what the body can achieve, rather than appearance.
- Borderline Personality Disorder: Adventure therapy builds trust, enhances emotional regulation, and encourages positive relationship-building.
- Bullying: Group activities develop social skills, self-esteem, and peer support, empowering teens to overcome the effects of bullying.
- Depression: Immersive nature experiences combat feelings of isolation and hopelessness, encouraging a sense of accomplishment, joy, and connectedness.
- Eating Disorders: The program promotes a healthy relationship with the body through physical activities that emphasize strength, resilience, and self-care in teens.
- Excessive Technology Use: Time spent in nature breaks the cycle of technology dependence, fostering real-world connections and mindfulness.
- Family Conflict: Adventure-based family therapy strengthens bonds, improves communication, and builds mutual understanding in a neutral, engaging setting.
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Activities requiring teamwork and cooperation help teens develop respect for authority and peer relationships.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Nature provides a calming environment where teens can process trauma, build resilience, and regain a sense of safety.
- Reactive Attachment Disorder: Trust-building exercises and consistent support help teens form healthy attachments and improve social connections with others.
- School-Related Issues: Problem-solving activities improve focus, self-discipline, and a sense of achievement, translating to better academic performance.
- Self-Harm/Cutting: Adventure therapy redirects destructive impulses into positive challenges, promoting self-worth and healthier coping strategies.
- Social Isolation: Group-based activities build social skills, boost confidence, and create meaningful connections with peers.
- Trauma: Therapeutic activities in nature provide a safe space to process trauma, encouraging healing and empowerment.
- Other Mental Health Conditions: The personalized approach of adventure therapy meets teens where they are, offering holistic support for a wide range of challenges.
A Story of Adventure Therapy Healing at Chrysalis
Our adventure therapy program has helped teen girls and LGBTQ+ youths overcome difficult mental challenges. For example: one Chrysalis student on a ski outing was afraid to take the chairlift. Later in the season, with the support of her Chrysalis family, this particular student finally found the courage to take the lift and ski down a novice trail.
Her emotional triumph immediately led to breakthroughs in her family relationships. At Chrysalis, we put an emphasis on taking advantage of our beautiful northwest Montana location to offer any recreational interest imaginable that can help students grow in overall confidence and well-being.
How to Get Your Teen Daughter Started with Adventure Therapy at Chrysalis
We're here to walk you through every step of finding and helping your teen daughter or LGBTQ+ youth heal. Getting your teen started with our adventure therapy program at Chrysalis is a straightforward process designed to ensure the best possible support for their growth and healing. Here’s how you can begin:
- Initial Consultation: The first step is to call or contact us for a free consultation. This allows the admissions team to understand your teen’s unique needs, challenges, and goals. During this consultation, you’ll learn more about how adventure therapy can specifically benefit your teen.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Once your teen is enrolled, a thorough assessment is conducted to tailor the program to their individual needs. This assessment helps to identify the specific therapeutic approaches and outdoor activities that will be most effective in supporting their emotional, mental, and behavioral growth.
- Enrollment Process: We'll make the enrollment process easy and help you work closely with the admissions team to complete all necessary paperwork and understand the program’s structure and expectations.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, a personalized treatment plan is developed. This plan integrates adventure therapy with other therapeutic modalities, ensuring a holistic approach to your teen’s healing journey.
- Engaging in Adventure Therapy: Once enrolled and at our beautiful campus, your teen will then begin participating in various outdoor activities and group sessions with a nurturing adventure therapist that is designed to challenge and support them. These experiences are guided by experienced adventure therapists who provide continuous support, helping your teen build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.
- Ongoing Support and Communication: Throughout the program, Chrysalis maintains regular communication with you, providing updates on your teen’s progress and involving you in their therapeutic journey. Family involvement is encouraged to reinforce the skills your teen is learning.
Start The Transformation with Adventure Therapy at Chrysalis
At Chrysalis, our adventure therapy program teaches students to imagine and explore new ways of coping and living. Fostering healthy risk-taking behavior in adolescent girls is a central component of our program. While the term “risk” may have a negative connotation and elicit images of unhealthy behavior, risk-taking also helps a young student shape her identity. Healthy risk-taking behavior can result in a positive sense of self and bolster your daughter’s self-esteem.
If your teen daughter or LGBTQ+ youth is struggling with mental health conditions or symptoms such as anxiety, depression, social media addiction, or school issues, contact our team. We'll help you find out if adventure therapy is an effective treatment for your teen daughter or LGBTQ+ youth. Find an adventure therapy program near you, and help your teen start a journey of transformation.