Effective Wilderness Therapy Outcomes | Adventure & Healing in Utah | Legacy Treatment Center
Legacy Outdoor Adventure uses wilderness therapy to provide clients with a safe space to practice coping skills and build resilience. The beautiful natural setting promotes calmness and relaxation, improving mental health and increasing the effectiveness of treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Wilderness therapy encompasses a wide range of activities. Peers mutually support and uplift one another while working together to achieve therapeutic goals.
The Transformative Power of Wilderness Therapy: Achieving Lasting Change
Outdoor adventure or wilderness therapy is ideal for individuals who struggle to function in everyday life. The transformative power of outdoor treatment can help people achieve lasting change through emotional healing and personal growth. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Outcomes research has supported outdoor therapeutic approaches as improving the lives and wellbeing of those experiencing mental health issues as well as for general health promotion.” Legacy Outdoor Adventure combines traditional talk therapy and wilderness adventure activities to engage clients and develop essential life skills. Clients learn to effectively manage stress and symptoms of SUD in a controlled setting to bolster self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Beyond Traditional Therapy, Embracing the Healing Power of Nature
Spending time in nature promotes emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. Research has shown that green outdoor spaces may significantly increase the quality of life for individuals struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. According to Behavioural Processes, “A promising adjunct treatment for improving the physical, affective, and behavioral correlates with OUD (hyperalgesia, stress, depression, discounting), and simultaneously enhance non-substance related reinforcement, may be exposure to greenspace (i.e., areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation)” The beautiful scenic landscape around Legacy Outdoor Adventure provides clients with many opportunities to engage with nature.
Legacy Outdoor Adventure Treatment Center: A World-Class Wilderness Therapy Experience
Spending time in nature promotes emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. Research has shown that green outdoor spaces may significantly increase the quality of life for individuals struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. According to Behavioural Processes, “A promising adjunct treatment for improving the physical, affective, and behavioral correlates with OUD (hyperalgesia, stress, depression, discounting), and simultaneously enhance non-substance related reinforcement, may be exposure to greenspace (i.e., areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation)” The beautiful scenic landscape around Legacy Outdoor Adventure provides clients with many opportunities to engage with nature.
Our Unique Approach: Combining Evidence-Based Therapy With Adventure and Nature
Psychotherapy and other evidence-based therapies work well alongside holistic nature-based techniques, exercises, and group activities. Adventure therapy introduces healthy behaviors and routines into everyday interactions by allowing clients to explore structured activities with people who share similar life experiences. Social support and peer encouragement reduce stress and increase self-confidence. Legacy Outdoor Adventure uses comprehensive assessments to determine the best combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies to meet each client’s needs and preferences.
How Wilderness Therapy Works: A Holistic Approach to Healing
Wilderness therapy introduces a wide range of positive factors into the treatment process, including:
- Nature-induced healing that promotes mindfulness and enhances emotional regulation
- A distraction-free environment that eliminates many everyday triggers and allows for deeper self-reflection
- Increasing resilience through creative problem-solving and perseverance
- Improving physical activity, boosting endorphins, and helping the body repair itself from damage caused by chronic substance abuse
- Fostering a sense of purpose and creating a deeper connection with nature
Spending time in nature can improve many aspects of a person’s physical and emotional wellness by providing a much-needed break from everyday stressors.
Experiential Education: Learning Through Action and Reflection
Different forms of therapy provide new perspectives and allow people to grow in new ways. Experiential therapy and education involve utilizing hands-on activities to explore, learn, and grow. Adventure therapy is a type of experiential therapy that uses outdoor group events combined with therapeutic modalities. Wilderness recreation encourages clients to self-reflect on how their actions affect themselves and others.
Experiential therapy does the following:
- Helps individuals process emotions through physical activities
- Provides hands-on experience for practicing coping skills
- Helps people make conscious connections between thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors
- Keeps individuals actively focused on the present moment
- Improves self-esteem by showing people their progress and capabilities
Many clients benefit from participating in a combination of psychotherapy and experiential therapy. Integrative care and tailored therapy sessions ensure that clients have the opportunity to process and address the root causes of addictive behaviors and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Connecting With Nature: Reducing Stress and Enhancing Well-Being
Stress is one of the most common causes of relapse and complications during rehabilitation. Spending time outdoors provides natural stress reduction and enhances overall well-being. Many theories exist to explain the benefits of nature. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health.” For example, “The Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) describes how spending time in nature might influence feelings or emotions by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and autonomic arousal because of people’s innate connection to the natural world” Legacy Outdoor Adventure uses innovative outdoor therapies to help clients develop life-changing strategies for long-term sobriety.
Therapeutic Interventions in the Wilderness Setting: Addressing Core Issues
Therapy interventions in a natural setting help clients stay focused, mindful, and aware of their surroundings while working through core issues related to substance abuse. Often, the root causes of addiction involve trauma or emotionally distressing past events. Addressing these issues in a safe and calming environment can reduce stress and improve the effectiveness of therapeutic techniques. People who have not responded well to traditional talk therapy in the past may find it more helpful to participate in treatment outdoors. The new setting can give clients a different perspective on therapeutic techniques and their recovery.
Mindfulness and Meditation in Nature: Cultivating Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation
Wilderness programs take advantage of how easily nature lends itself to meditative and mindfulness-based practices. In an open environment where they feel comfortable and relaxed, clients are less likely to feel pressured or stressed. Nature activities also provide many opportunities to use metaphors for better explaining complex therapeutic ideas and topics. For example, learning survival skills or walking on a challenging trail can help clients better understand the value of perseverance and creative problem-solving.
OQ45 HEALTH CHANGE SCORES FROM ADMISSION TO POST-TREATMENT 2013 - 2022
RESULTS
Scores on all three health domains decreased significantly from before to after Legacy. On Mental Health Distress, the average score at intake was 1.2, meaningfully higher than the healthy line, and this reduced to -1.1 at Week 12, and these treatment gains were sustained 6-12 Months Post-Treatment. On Relationship and Social Role Distress, clients begin the program at about a half point above the healthy line and improve to about a half point into the healthy range. For all three health domains, these changes are statistically and clinically significant.
GENDER DIFFERENCES
HEALTH CHANGES BY TIME AND GENDER
Legacy began working with female clients in 2018, at Juniper Canyon. Since then, 59 females (and 177 males) completed surveys at Admission, Week 12, and 6-12 Months Post-Treatment. Their results are shown here9. Notably, another 6 clients who identify as gender-diverse also completed all surveys, but 6 is not enough to include in these analyses. Future work hopes to include results across the spectrum of gender identity.
RESULTS
Males and females show similar trajectories of change in Mental Health and Social Role Distress. However, females tend to enter the program with higher distress levels and show an upward trend post-program, particularly in Mental Health Distress. This trend is not indicative of ineffectiveness but presents an opportunity for clinical discussion and professional development. In terms of Relationship Distress, females demonstrate greater improvement during the program and maintain these gains afterward, while males continue to improve post-program, resulting in similar levels between genders post-treatment, with small differences in magnitude.
Effective Wilderness Therapy Outcomes: Research-Backed Results
Some of the most effective outcomes of adventure therapy include:
- Reduced Mental Distress: alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma
- Improved Behavior and Emotional Regulation: development of coping skills and management of anger
- Increased Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: building belief in oneself
- Enhanced Insight and Self-Awareness: understanding personal patterns and triggers
- Improved Interpersonal Relationships: building healthy connections with family and peers
- Decreased Substance Abuse and Addiction: supporting long-term sobriety
- Positive Changes in Family Dynamics: strengthening family bonds and communication
- Long-Term Effects: sustaining growth and well-being after treatment
Clients in adventure therapy gain many valuable tools and skills to support sobriety.
Who Benefits From Wilderness Therapy Programs?
Research studies have shown the many health benefits of spending time in nature. However, wilderness therapy programs may not be the best fit for everyone. Although programs accommodate for chronic health concerns and disabilities, not everyone will feel comfortable participating in some of the more athletic activities offered at Legacy Outdoor Adventure.
Individuals who benefit most from adventure programs include:
- Young adults and adults (18-40) seeking personal growth and change
- Individuals struggling with addiction
- People who do not respond to more traditional addiction treatment programs
- Those experiencing mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.)
- Individuals with behavioral issues (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder, etc.)
- Families seeking healing and improved communication
- Patients looking for a more effective and engaging treatment experience
Outdoor activities are created with the needs of each client in mind. All group events and adventures help clients heal, learn, and grow together.
The Legacy Outdoor Adventure Experience: A Transformative Journey in the Utah Wilderness
Utah has many beautiful locations around the Legacy Outdoor Adventure facility. Through transformative activities and wilderness challenges, clients learn to connect with themselves, their peers, and the natural environment. Equine therapy, low-stress exercises, and group events bring people closer together. Mutual empowerment and healing allow peers to practice the skills learned in treatment.
Our Unique Setting: The Majestic Landscapes of Utah
Legacy Outdoor Adventure offers more than most treatment centers. The majestic landscapes and wide range of outdoor activities make it ideal for individuals who want to explore or incorporate more physical therapeutic modalities into their treatment experiences. Our unique setting allows clients to become more fully immersed in nature.
Some of the mental health benefits of spending time in nature include:
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues
- Better stress management
- Enhanced mood through increased serotonin and dopamine production
- Improved sleep quality
- Decreased rumination and intrusive thoughts
- A wide range of opportunities for social bonding
Outdoor therapy sessions provide holistic support and guidance, motivating clients to make healthier decisions as they navigate recovery.
Our Personalized Approach: Tailored Treatment Plans for Each Individual
Outdoor therapy sessions provide holistic support and guidance, motivating clients to make healthier decisions as they navigate recovery.
Our Aftercare Program: Supporting Continued Healing and Success
Aftercare planning is essential to ongoing sobriety. The transition between structured care and aftercare may feel overwhelming for some clients. Legacy Outdoor Adventure offers comprehensive aftercare planning and an aftercare program designed to prepare clients for independent sobriety. Continuing care ensures clients and their loved ones can access vital support services and additional resources to support their recovery.
Aftercare planning generally involves ensuring clients have information on the following:
- Relapse prevention and crisis management strategies
- Medication management
- Individual therapy
- Community-based support groups
- Family support services
The care team at Legacy Outdoor Adventure ensures that clients have the skills and resources to maintain sobriety after completing rehabilitation. Our aftercare program gives clients the tools to incorporate healthy routines into their daily lives, allowing them to continue progressing in their healing journey.
Choosing the Right Wilderness Therapy Program: Key Considerations
Multiple treatment facilities offer wilderness therapy programs, and choosing the right one to meet a person’s needs and preferences can be overwhelming. Intake specialists at Legacy Outdoor Adventure ensure that potential clients and their loved ones understand all the benefits of participating in our unique and personalized treatment programs.
The primary factors that draw clients to our wilderness therapy program include the following:
- Therapist Credentials and Experience: Expertise in wilderness therapy and innovative integrative care
- Program Philosophy and Approach: Prioritizing client needs and values
- Safety Protocols and Risk Management: Focusing on client well-being
Clients have access to luxury amenities and high-quality treatment services in a picturesque setting where they can enjoy a wide range of adventure activities.
Wilderness therapy combines traditional therapeutic approaches with outdoor adventure to create a more holistic treatment program. To learn more about our programs and services at Legacy Outdoor Adventure, call us today at (435) 836-2272.