Outdoor Therapy is a diverse field of practice combining adventure and outdoor environments with the intention to achieve therapeutic outcomes for those involved.
Outdoor (adventure) therapy, as a distinct and separate form of psychotherapy, has become prominent since the 1960s. Influences from a variety of learning and psychological theories have contributed to the complex theoretical combination within adventure therapy. The underlying philosophy largely refers to experiential education. Existing research in adventure therapy reports positive outcomes in effectively improving self-concept and self-esteem, help seeking behavior, increased mutual aid, pro-social behavior, trust behavior and more.
Outdoor (adventure) therapy encompasses varying techniques and environments to elicit change. These include cooperative games, problem solving initiatives, trust building activities, high adventure (rock climbing/rappelling, ropes courses, peak ascents); and wilderness expeditions (backpacking, canoeing, dog sledding, sailing, etc.). Wilderness therapy, adventure based therapy, and long term residential camping are common forms of outdoor therapy.
Source
Wikipedia
Queensland Providers
Youth Flourish Outdoors is a Business 2 Business Health Promotion charity. Our job is to help other organisations run adventure therapy that works for their young people.
- Trauma focused adventure therapy for adolescents
- Adult training
- B2B mentoring and capacity building
- Adventure based youth work
- Volunteers and interns are welcome
Adversity during childhood leaves tell-tale signs. Complex trauma focused adventure therapy heals. Keeping it simple: Learn – Flourish – Grow
See also:
HYPAR WILD specialises in outdoor education and adventure therapy for young people and adults who have experienced trauma from adverse life events. We facilitate outdoor adventure activities in natural environments to build individual and group qualities, giving participants the tools and abilities to thrive in the modern world.
Operating across Greater Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the surrounding SE Queensland region, we offer a range of tailored activities in a safe space for participants to explore their potential while supported by positive role models. Activities are available to all ages and abilities and can be accessed by NDIS and Child Safety participants.
At Tribes Adventure Group, we are passionate about outdoor adventures and making a difference in people’s lives. We specialise in providing exceptional support and empowering experiences for individuals facing unique challenges.
We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with nature and unleash their inner adventurer. Our team and eco-mentors are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and discover their full potential.
We provide mentoring, group programs (day activities and camps) and tailored leadership & team building events for:
- NDIS Participants
- Organisations & Community Services
- Schools
- Corporate Clients
MySUMMIT ABS offers adventure-based activities to support children, young people and families with their behavioural, psychological, and psychosocial development. Our approach can appeal to those hesitant and less responsive to traditional interventions.
Our programs are underpinned by trauma-informed and evidence-based practices. They are provided in individual and small group settings that focus on increasing participants’ mental and physical health and overall wellbeing. Our intensive support is delivered by experienced and accredited professionals who encompass our four core values of Integrity, Respect, Empower and Safety.
The Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy Inc. is a professional body for practitioners who have an interest in supporting, developing and promoting the field of Bush Adventure Therapy in Australia. The breadth of our work is guided by our intended actions document. We encourage interested persons to connect with the association and get involved in the many areas of work the association is engaged with.
Blue Peter The Sea School delivers fun programs with a heightened sense of adventure by using both literal and metaphorical voyages of discovery. Activities such as sailing, snorkelling, paddling, bushwalking, island camping and sunset reflections help us to learn about the magnificent ocean and how we can use our strengths wisely. We pay close attention to creating a safe, positive learning environment for all participants, trainees and staff. Our skippers are truly amazing, you will love it!
Blue Peter is our training program for sea leaders, focussed on skills development, group facilitation and personal growth through adventure education and expeditionary learning processes.
Bornhoffen is Police-Citizens Youth Club’s (PCYC) Leadership Development Centre, a not for profit community organisation and social enterprise located at Natural Bridge in the Gold Coast hinterland.
The purpose is to inspire young people to be self aware, to build their social skills and to contribute positively to their community.
Services include:
- Group Accommodation and Conference/Retreat Facilities
- Professional Catering or Self Catering
- School Outdoor Education Programs
- Youth Leadership Programs
- Centre-based or Expedition Programs
- Youth at Risk Intervention Programs in partnership with other agencies
Birdwings Forest School teaches intuitive nature connection through play in wild spaces. We strengthen connection to Country and promote an inclusive and sustainable culture committed to ecological projects and the conservation of wild nature. Our mentoring practices are based on a trauma-informed approach encouraging individual growth and confidence through challenge, creativity and therapeutic nature connection practices.
Held Outside provides nature connection experiences, often called nature therapy or forest bathing, for everyday adults and families. We can all benefit from the therapy nature offers, but sometimes we don’t know how or where to start.
Held Outside hosts public walks as well as private groups on Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi land (Sunshine Coast, Australia) and online nature connection video calls in the spirit of raising awareness of nature relationship for our ecological, community and individual wellbeing.
Nature in Mind Psychology is a Brisbane-based private practice that provides psychological support for a range of issues and offers a unique and effective approach to therapy. Nature in Mind combines the outdoors with traditional psychological practice.
Offering evidence-based psychological support for a range of developmental differences, disabilities, and mental health issues including:
- Life transitions and adjustment
- Relationship and attachment concerns
- Self-esteem and resilience
- Parenting support
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Social-emotional and mental health support
Heartwood Nature Bathing offers mindful outdoor experiences that support the health, wellbeing and happiness of both people and the planet. Gentle wanders, inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, help people to slow down and connect with nature in a conscious and contemplative way. The practice is trauma informed, and open to a wide range of people and abilities.
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