The Wilderness Therapy Programs

Description

The Wilderness Therapy Programs are a collaborative effort between the Counseling Center and UREC.

The general program is a five day, four night therapeutic adventure program in the George Washington National Forest during the week of spring break. Participants will include two to three counseling center clinicians, one to two certified guide(s) from UREC, and six to ten students. Over the course of this trip, students will backpack through the wilderness and experience outdoor education sessions and therapy process groups. Activities include but are not limited to learning proper shelter and camp building techniques, Leave No Trace Education, and proper water filtration techniques as well as process groups, intra- and inter-personal skill building, natural interventions, and self-reflection. The purpose of this program is to use adventure as a platform to improve relational skills, build self-confidence and self-efficacy, and increase healthy coping skills.

A second, three day, two night trip will be offered during the Fall 2019 semester specifically for those who identify as survivors of sexual assault. This trip will be a collaboration between the Counseling Center, UREC, and The Well (UHC). Participants will include two to three counseling center clinicians, an advocate from The Well, one to two certified guide(s) from UREC, and six to ten students. Over the course of this trip, in addition to backpacking, outdoor education, and therapeutic activities, students will have the opportunity to engage in rock climbing.

Web Presence

https://www.jmu.edu/counselingctr/services/wilderness-therapy.shtml

Involvement

Involves Faculty, Involves Staff, Involves Students

Scope

JMU Campus Scope

Date

Beginning in 2018

Frequency

Ongoing (Currently in existence, year round)

Existing Center/Institute/Program

yes

Primary Focus of Program

Health and Healthcare; Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability

Begin Date

8-2018

Areas of Engagement

Engaged Learning

Format

Program

On/Off campus

Off campus