Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

In this deeply moving episode Will sits down with Melissa and Graham Squier, founders of the Harlan Serenity Foundation. This foundation, created in memory of their late son, Chris Squier, supports young people struggling with addiction by providing access to wilderness therapy programs. The interview takes a poignant turn when Will realizes he had interviewed Chris back in 2020, unaware that Chri...

In this episode Will talks with Dr. Denise Mitten, a pioneering figure in outdoor education, adventure, and wilderness therapy. Denise shares her journey from her early days in the 1970s, overcoming gender barriers in a male-dominated field, to co-founding the influential Woodswomen organization, which focused on emotional safety and support in outdoor programs. Throughout the conversation, Denise...

In this episode Will talks with Sheldon Nelson, founder of Crossroads Discovery and a veteran of the wilderness therapy field. Sheldon discusses the inspiration behind Crossroads Discovery, a program that bridges the gap between traditional wilderness therapy and ongoing support for adolescents and their families. He highlights the unique approach of offering short-term wilderness immersion experi...

In this episode, Will talks with Andy Benckart, a former wilderness therapy participant whose transformative journey has led him to pursue a master's degree in social work. Andy shares how his time in wilderness therapy helped him confront and process deep-seated anxiety and trauma, giving him the clarity and tools needed to rebuild his life. Through a technique referred to as brainspotting and th...

In this episode Will talks with Ciara Fanlo, founder of Homing Instinct , to discuss her transformative journey from a "troubled teen" to a dedicated mentor for adolescents. Ciara opens up about her personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and self-harm, and how wilderness therapy played a pivotal role in her recovery. She candidly addresses the pros and cons of teen treatment programs, highli...

In this episode Will welcomes Kim Sacksteder and Nick Magle-Haberek from Adventure-Therapist.com to share their story. Discover how they have expanded their training and supervision programs, emphasizing safety, clinical efficacy, and the integration of outdoor activities into therapeutic practices. Kim and Nick discuss their journey from initial training sessions to becoming leading voices in adv...

In this week's episode Will sits down with Zack Shaffer, executive director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center , to discuss their recent hike up Mount Moosilauke. They recount the challenging Memorial Day hike with ten residents and adventure coordinator TJ Bauman, exploring the profound physical and emotional benefits of outdoor adventures in addressing anxiety. The episode delves into exposure...

In this episode, Will welcomes David Segal and Bonnie Dyck from the Human Nature Counselling Society . They dive deep into their journeys into nature-based therapy, sharing how personal experiences and a profound connection to the natural world led them to the field. David discusses the systemic and experiential approach of Human Nature Counselling, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting indiv...

In this episode, Will talks with Colin MacDonald, co-founder of Not Therapy Coaching . Colin shares his journey from being a wilderness therapy client and therapeutic boarding school student to graduating college and then entering the work-force.   Not finding deep meaning in his initial career path, Colin decided to become a certified young adult life coach to help others. He recounts the challen...

In this episode Will talks with Dr. Patrick McMillon and Alex White from Westminster University in Utah. They discuss the Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy, a program designed to train clinicians in integrating adventure therapy into their practice. Dr. McMillon, the program coordinator, shares insights on the program's structure, which includes three intensive courses focused on theory, p...

In this timely episode, Jessica Miller from the Salt Lake Tribune shares insights from her investigative article on the closures of wilderness therapy programs for teens in Utah. She discusses the factors driving these closures, such as negative media attention and financial challenges. Jessica provides an in-depth look at the current state of wilderness therapy in Utah and explains how the state...

In this episode Will chats with David Wynn, LCMHC, an outdoor mental health provider from Blue Ridge Treks. David shares his transformative journey from a river guide and camp mentor to a mental health professional, revealing how natural environments play a crucial role in psychological healing. He delves into the power of nature to transcend traditional therapy boundaries, offering clients a uniq...

In this compelling episode, Will engages with Cash Lambert about his groundbreaking new book, "Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being." Cash discusses his evolution from a journalism student, initially participating in a surf therapy event to fulfill volunteer hours, to an author dedicated to documenting the profound impacts of surf therapy. His jou...

In this episode, Will talks with Will Cockrell, author of the new book, "Everest Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World." Cockrell delves into the untold stories of the Everest guiding industry, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges the sensational narratives often associated with Everest. His book presents a counter-narrative, focusing on the complex...

In this episode, Will talks with Bryn Lottig who shares her compelling journey from an aspiring pilot changed by 9/11 to a pioneering force in the field of outdoor experiential education. Through her personal experiences with adversity, including a challenging childhood and a transformative experience with Outward Bound, Bryn discovered her passion for the outdoors and its profound impact on perso...

In this special episode, Will sheds light on the upheaval in the wilderness therapy landscape, particularly spotlighting the closure of Embark Behavioral Health's New Visions Wilderness Therapy programs. This narrative delves into the broader implications of private equity's role in the mental health care industry, with a focus on how these financial underpinnings have influenced the recent pivot...

In this enlightening conversation, Will talks with Tripp Johnson who shares his unique journey into behavioral healthcare and his evolution into a social entrepreneur. His accidental entry into the field, catalyzed by personal challenges with alcohol and a transformative exploration of mindfulness and yoga, marks the start of his commitment to improving mental health care. Tripp discusses his foun...

In this episode Will sits down with Nate Bennick, the National Field Director for Adventure Recovery, to dive into the transformative power of combining mental health treatment with outdoor adventures. Nate shares his personal journey from battling addiction to finding solace and strength in the wilderness, leading him to his role in Adventure Recovery. Nate's story exemplifies the impact of natur...

 In this episode Will talks with Dan Schmader, the Program Director at Foundation House , to delve into the therapeutic integration of outdoor activities in the realm of mental health and addiction recovery. Schmader unveils the unique approach of Foundation House, located in Portland, Maine, emphasizing its dedication to males aged 17 to 35. He outlines the transition journey of residents from st...

In this enlightening episode Will sits down with Dr. Madolyn Liebing, a historical figure in the wilderness therapy field and the clinical director at Legacy Outdoor Adventures and Juniper Recovery Center . Dr. Liebing provides an in-depth look at their blended program for adults, which combines intensive clinical therapy with experiential outdoor adventures, designed to support smoother transitio...

In this episode Will sits down with Roy DuPrez, CEO and Founder of Back2Basics , an outdoor-based recovery program in Arizona.   Roy shares his personal journey of recovery, beginning with his early struggles with alcohol and substance abuse in Venice Beach, California. He describes the allure of alcohol in his youth, influenced by his social environment and the perception of success and attractiv...

In this enlightening episode Will welcomes Mike Hench from At the Crossroads, a program dedicated to helping young adults navigate the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. Mike shares the inspiring journey of At the Crossroads , which began in 2005 as a brainchild of Brian and Shannon Virgin, aimed at helping young adults in less restrictive environments than traditional residential programs....

In this special episode Will discusses the announcement of the upcoming closure of Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, marking a significant moment in the private pay, adolescent-focused wilderness therapy sector. This closure is part of a larger trend, as Open Sky is the fifth program of its kind to shut down within a year. The episode offers an in-depth analysis of these closures, examining common chal...

In this episode, Will talks with Tommy Rosen, founder of Recovery 2.0 , for a profound exploration of overcoming addiction through holistic healing. The episode opens with a poignant tribute to the late Adam Tsapis, a key figure in both their lives, setting the tone for a conversation deeply rooted in personal transformation and the power of human connection. Tommy shares his tumultuous journey th...

In this first episode of 2024 Will talks with Melanie Gulde, the visionary program director of Divided Sky Recovery in Vermont. In this enlightening episode, listeners will delve into the heart of Divided Sky , a unique residential recovery program with an outdoor component co-founded by Melanie Gulde and Trey Anastasio of the renowned band Phish. Discover the inspiring history behind Divided Sky...