Wilderness Therapy Intensive

Wilderness therapy in the 21st century can be seen as a specialized form of residential mental health treatment and can also be understood in the context of western and indigenous cultural traditions. This course will explore the application of mental health and substance abuse treatment in outdoor settings with adolescents (i.e., Outdoor Behavioral Health Care) and discuss therapeutic uses of wilderness experiences for recreation, personal growth and reflection, and athletic challenge. We will examine research on the benefits of green spaces and outdoor experiences on stress reduction, restoration of attention, enhanced self concept and sense of mastery, cognitive development, treatment of emotional and substance abuse disorders, and promotion of personal meaning.

The course will have classroom and field experiences,including a 3-night stay at Beacon Rock State Park in the Columbia Gorge. The course is open to counseling and education students and qualified students in other Lewis & Clark programs. The course is also open to continuing studies students and may be helpful for individuals interested in exploring the health benefits of nature and those employed in outdoor-related fields.

Dates: August 17-21, 2009; meets on campus on M 8/17 and F 8/21, room TBA. The class leaves on M 8/17 for the camping trip and returns on F 8/21.
Times: 8:30 a.m - 5 p.m., off site camping
Instructor: Thomas Doherty
Noncredit/PDU/CEU: $500, 30 hours
Continuing education credit: $700, CECP 866, 2 semester hours
Degree-applicable credit: $1,198, CPSY 590-13, 2 semester hours
Course Fee: $180, for food and logistical support

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