Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy is an experiential form of group therapy that teaches perseverance and accountability in the face of challenges. Through intentional wilderness activities that foster teamwork skills, individuals develop trust in their teammates and their recovery program. Perhaps best of all, individuals develop a sense of confidence in themselves and their abilities to succeed through hard situations. Each nature-based activity requires focus and effort. Individuals are rewarded with a sense of personal accomplishment. Overall, adventure therapy is a valuable addition to group therapy when it comes to holistic growth.
Aliya Health Group offers adventure therapy for addiction and mental health recovery at our facilities across the country. If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental health or end addiction, adventure therapy could be a valuable part of your treatment plan.
What Is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure therapy is a hands-on group form of therapy that takes place in nature. It encourages greater self-improvement and self-reliance as part of their substance abuse healing journey. Uniquely, adventure-based groups combine physical activities with psychological exercises. This unity of the mind and the body encourages clients to begin a new relationship with themselves—one of trust. Therapy groups trek into unfamiliar terrain to complete challenging physical tasks. To this end, they learn how capable they are of pushing themselves.
Adventure-based therapy activities can take many forms. The types of experiential therapy options near you will vary based on your location and the season.
Some nature-based activities used during adventure therapy include:
- Kayaking
- Rock Climbing
- Hiking
- Camping
- Nature Walks
- Biking
- Ropes Course
- River Rafting
Most importantly, these activities take place in a natural environment, encourage risk-taking and personal growth, and teach physical skills. In one sense, adventure therapy is effective because it helps individuals step outside of their heads and into their bodies. Thus, healing and growth take place subconsciously. Adventure therapists lead their teams in later reflection to inspire them to put the pieces together in a way that resonates.
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No one should have to wait to heal, which is why our specialists are available 24/7 to help guide you through the admissions process every step of the way.
Adventure Therapy Groups
Adventure-based therapy is a group activity that fosters both self-reliance and teamwork. Group therapy can include this experiential component in combination with traditional talk therapy to promote a stronger sense of “team.” Sharing personal life experiences and addiction trauma can be difficult. Thus, nature-based therapy places groups together in an environment where they can forget their pain and simply bond.
Aliya Health Group’s addiction treatment centers emphasize hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and nature walks as adventure therapy. Each activity is action-based and challenging but allows individuals to focus on their strengths. Also, these four wilderness activities have a perceived risk in a stimulating environment yet are entirely safe. Hiking, nature walks, and kayaking take place in local wilderness terrain. Conversely, indoor rock climbing can happen all year round, regardless of the weather.
Above all, adventure therapy group facilitators always support adventure therapy groups. They ensure everyone excels at the physical component. They also guide clients in reflecting on the psycho-social elements of their tasks.
How Can Adventure Therapy Help in Recovery?
Adventure therapy activities are not simply sports and other recreational outings. Although these ventures require physical activity and can be combined with sports, nature-adventure therapy is different. It requires critical thinking, mind-body unity, and survival skills. Nature-based therapy places individuals in an environment of perceived risk for great reward.
To elaborate, each undertaking is primarily hands-on but has many holistic health benefits. Not only is the body engaged, but the mind as well. Adventure activities require physical effort, quick decision-making, and overall psychological awareness. The counselor will prompt individuals to see the connection between the activity and its tie to their inner healing journey.
Regarding the body, clients engage in physical fitness that keeps them moving and feeling good. Most activities engage the muscles and increase strength and prowess over time. Further, adventure therapy helps clients maintain regular exercise routines even after treatment.
Equally, adventure therapy programs benefit the individual on an identity level. For example, each experiential therapy activity is included because it fosters growth. Individuals set goals and meet them. They solve complex problems that feel significant because of the wilderness setting and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. They find a sense of motivation, resilience, and commitment to follow through with their tasks. Additionally, they learn to focus more on the present moment, which teaches practical, real-life mindfulness.
Further, adventure activities are not solely individual-oriented but team building. Having peer support throughout the challenges of addiction recovery is monumental, but it’s often difficult for clients to be vulnerable. Members of the group connect with each other in meaningful ways in nature and begin to learn trust. Clearly, adventure therapy groups lead to many positive results.
Looking for Recovery Services?
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, our admissions team is available 24/7. Our compassionate and understanding team can help answer your mental health treatment questions and get you started on the path to recovery.
Deciding to seek treatment can be intimidating. We are here to make this process as easy as possible. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our treatment centers can help!
- How we can help
- Programs and locations
- Payment options
What To Expect in Adventure Therapy
The first thing to know is you will always be safe and supported in your wilderness-based therapy outings. Understandably, stepping outside of your comfort zone can be frightening, but each activity is designed to be both enjoyable and challenging. Outdoor activities—especially exciting ones—boost adrenaline, but simply getting outside is shown to increase serotonin. As such, nature therapy lets physical activity and outdoor time become a coping mechanism. It lets you replace substance abuse with a physical “high” from your effort.
Challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone will have many benefits for your mind, body, and spirit. Markedly, you’ll realize the value of taking risks on your recovery journey. Instead of staying trapped in the cycle of addiction, making a change is the right step. Trained adventure therapy facilitators will be right beside you to protect and encourage you as you tackle satisfying exercises. Likely, you’ll notice a difference in your mood, problem-solving skills, and drive to persevere under challenging situations. Your peers and counselors will be there to point out areas of growth that you don’t see!
Are you ready to leave drugs & alcohol in your past? Reach out today through live chat, email, or phone.
Adventure Therapy at Aliya Health Group
At Aliya Health Group, we prioritize holistic wellness through traditional practices and experiential therapies. Our goal is for clients to experience whole-body healing and wellness. Adventure therapy targets the body, mind, and soul. As such, this multimodal therapy intrinsically leads individuals to work through personal blockades that stop them from healing. We offer nature therapy at our treatment centers because of the results achieved from the fusion of goal-setting, hard work, and reflection.
When individuals exert themselves in wilderness therapy, they see how strong and resilient they are. Thus, they gain a new determination to beat addiction in recovery. More than this, they finally believe they can. Such substantial improvements in self-esteem cannot be taught—they can only be earned by the individual. Simply put, we can help you feel like yourself again.
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Adventure Therapy Near Me
If you are ready to make the change from feeling poorly about yourself and your substance abuse struggles, we would love to help you! We can get you set up at one of our outpatient or residential treatment facilities for addiction and mental illness located around the country, so you’re never far from the help you need. Clients work with a dedicated case manager, and you’ll create an individualized treatment plan suited to your needs. This master plan for your recovery is entirely tailored to you and your needs and goals. What’s more, it can include experiential groups like adventure therapy. Above all, we will make sure you’re comfortable and well cared for in our treatment facilities.
Change is just a phone call away, so please reach out today. Face your fears, step outside of your comfort zone, and begin the journey of sobriety.
We accept health insurance
Aliya Health Group accepts most major health insurance providers on both a national and local level. Some of the health insurance providers we work include:
Check to see if your insurance is in-network at one of our rehab facilities.
PTSD Treatment at Aliya Health Group
Aliya Health Group offers specialized trauma-based treatment for veterans and others suffering from PTSD. Our tailored approach addresses the painful memories, flashbacks, and co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse that often accompany PTSD.
Intensive, Trauma-Informed Care for PTSD
Intensive, trauma-informed care for PTSD involves a comprehensive, holistic approach that addresses all aspects of the individual. Treatment programs that offer this level of care work closely with clients to create a tailored treatment plan using a combination of evidence-based therapies and alternative treatments.
Evidence-based therapies may include:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
These therapies help clients process traumatic memories, change unhelpful thought patterns, and gradually confront trauma reminders in a safe environment.
In addition to psychotherapy, alternative treatments like massage, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation are often incorporated to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. The goal is to provide a multifaceted approach that addresses the complex needs of those who have PTSD.
Intensive, trauma-informed care typically involves frequent sessions, close monitoring by the treatment team, and a strong emphasis on patient education and empowerment. By working closely with patients and using a combination of evidence-based and complementary therapies, these programs aim to help individuals with PTSD achieve lasting healing and recovery.
Treatment For PTSD and Trauma Near Me
Many treatment centers offer specialized programs for PTSD and trauma, often incorporating a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic approaches. Seeking care from a provider experienced in treating PTSD is crucial for finding the right treatment plan and achieving the best possible outcomes. With various facilities, Aliya Health Group offers mental health and addiction treatment. Contact Aliya today to find out more and begin your journey to recovery and healing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Before entering outpatient treatment for substance abuse, most people have a long list of questions and concerns. To help you gain a better understanding of what to expect during outpatient programs, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions.
Yes, our rehabilitation facilities have designated smoking areas available. However, kindly note that all cigarettes brought into the facility must be in unopened packs or cartons. The same rule applies to any cigarettes sent or brought by family or friends. Our staff will be more than happy to provide you with additional details regarding these guidelines during the admission process.
Yes, in most cases, we can offer repayment options tailored to your unique circumstances. For more details regarding personal repayment options, we recommend reaching out to our admissions team. They’ll be more than happy to assist you.
We accept all major insurance plans at our treatment locations. To learn more about insurance and treatment cost, contact our admissions team or fill out our secure insurance verification form.
Yes, we provide integrative dual diagnostics alongside a wide array of treatment modalities. Our core objective revolves around tackling addiction, while simultaneously addressing the underlying factors that contribute to substance use disorders. Our mission is to deliver effective and holistic care that encompasses both symptom management and the exploration of root causes of addiction.
In terms of cost, outpatient treatment is typically more affordable than inpatient options which require round-the-clock medical supervision. This makes it a viable solution for individuals who may be deterred from seeking help due to financial constraints.
