Green Care: A Conceptual Framework - Frisk i naturen

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