Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen
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concise definition stating that wilderness therapy “is an experiential<br />
program that takes place in a wilderness or remote outdoor setting”.<br />
Essentially, wilderness therapy uses the ‘wilderness as co-therapist’ in<br />
addition to any professional therapy that might take place whilst out in the<br />
wilderness.<br />
Wilderness therapy is an emerging treatment intervention which uses a<br />
systematic approach to work largely with adolescents with behavioural<br />
problems. Although this is not the only cohort that can benefit from<br />
wilderness therapy, it is most often used with this group to help<br />
them address any emotional, adjustment, addiction or psychological<br />
problems (Hobbs and Shelton, 1972; Bandoroff, 1989; Russell, 1999;<br />
Russell and Phillips-Miller, 2002; Caulkins et al, 2006; Russell, 2006a;<br />
Bettmann, 2007). Programmes typically provide healthy exercise and<br />
diet through hiking and physical activity, individual and group therapy<br />
sessions, educational curricula, primitive skills, group-living with peers,<br />
opportunities for solo time and reflection leadership training and challenges<br />
resulting from ‘back-to basics’ living.<br />
The rationale for wilderness interventions involves separating participants<br />
from daily negative influences and placing them in safe outdoor<br />
environments. Spending time in a natural setting enables participants to<br />
access those aspects of their self that may elude them in more conventional<br />
personal development or therapeutic settings.<br />
The key therapeutic factors emerging from several reviews of the<br />
wilderness therapy literature (Hans, 2000; Wilson and Lipsey, 2000; Russell<br />
and Phillips-Miller, 2002; Russell, 2006b) which facilitate a positive<br />
behavioural change include personal and interpersonal development,<br />
restructuring of staff-youth relationships and reduced recidivism rates.<br />
Wilderness therapy programmes facilitate self-awareness, communication,<br />
cooperation and contribution to the wellbeing of the group whilst allowing<br />
participants to discover what they have taken for granted (Connor,<br />
2007). Participation in wilderness therapy also helps to address problem<br />
behaviours by fostering personal and social responsibility and providing the<br />
opportunity for emotional growth (Russell, 1999).<br />
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