Wilderness Therapies for Troubled Teens Abusive?

In January 2007 Sun magazine (www.thesunmagazine.org) published an interview of "Help at Any Cost" author Maia Szalavitz on "The Myth of Tough Love" that exposes the abuses in the teen recovery "industry", including that in the "wilderness-survival" therapy businesses. I think this is an issue that may concern those of us interested in wilderness therapies in general.

In the current March issue of Sun, many people wrote in telling of their painful experiences. For example: "My own tough-love experience was in a wilderness-survival program. I was a 13-year-old ward of the state, recently removed from an abusive home. The program's 'let's be mean to teens in the woods' philosophy...only reinforced the distrust and anger I felt...Luckily I loved the isolation and being in the wilderness."

A few wilderness counselors wrote to protest the negative depiction.

Szalavitz responded: "After more than thirty years of selling 'tough love' the industry cannot provide a single controlled study proving its methods to be effective, or even not harmful. This goes for wilderness programs too... I do believe some wilderness programs for troubled teens are not based on a philosophy of 'let's be mean to teens in the woods,' but because the industry is unregulated, it is impossible for a parent to know what sort of treatment a child will actually get. In my book I cover a death that occurred at one of the best wilderness programs in the country...it happened because a child's complaints were ignored by staff. Wilderness may be a healing environment for some children...(but) a child can get all the benefits of being in the wilderness by entering a program for regular teens -- or, even better, taking a family camping trip."

What do you all think of this? Should there be some sort of standards or regulation for wilderness ecotherapies of all kinds?

Comments

[Amy Lenzo]

Great questions, Linda.

I don't know if regulations alone will resolve this problem, since it seems to me the issues you raise lie more with questions of individual ethics and truth in advertising that regulations, which can be and are abused regularly. But if we're talking regulations I don't see why wilderness programs would be singled out beyond the particular safety issues that are unique to that modality.

Szalavitz's point about the benefits of nature being available to teens outside of wilderness programs is important, but the truth is real wilderness experiences are very rare, and wilderness programs offer an opening into a world that most of us would never see otherwise. They offer something unique that cannot be replaced by a family camping trip, important though those are.

I know from my own experience that different children have different reactions to being in nature, depending on their earlier experiences. Sometimes a gentle, responsive guide is necessary for them to be able to access their relationship with the natural world and experience their place within it. The family unit may not provide that support; in fact, it's likely they don't have that relationship themselves.

[Morgan]

I used to work in the industry, and while I was younger then and haven't researched any studies on the subject I really believe that there is benefit in being in an outdoor therapeutic setting. I think there are lessons that can be learned there that might come more slowly or less effectively in other environments.

While also, I agree that no one can guarantee that a wilderness program or any other type of program or counseling will "fix" their kid I think there is some great benefit there. Kids cannot become healthy until they really want to. Personally I think that this is the opportunity that residential programs give to kids. None of them think they want to change initially, but given time, experience and becoming more aware of the ways that they are affecting their lives, many kids take the opportunity to stop destructive behavior and change.

There will always be those that don't change or don't want to - for pete sakes it's not like they are volunteering for an intervention. So yes, for this reason there are going to be kids that don't get "fixed" and relapse, but I think even most of them would agree after relapsing that they know what they are doing is wrong and that they benefitted from their treatment experiences.

Parents can do a lot of research on their own about programs as well, I know that strugglingteens.com has some good info, and that http://www.eprogramsearch.com/ also list a bunch of information about wilderness programs for troubled teens. Sites like these as well as research into past news articles can help parents get a feel for the quality and history of the programs they are enrolling their kids into.

So while yes these kinds of programs are not for all kids or all families, I think that Maia Szalavitz is being a little short sited if she is simply writing off the industry as a whole. I'm not saying that the industry does not need to be regulated or that deaths are justified, just that there is benefit there.

[troubled Teens]

Wilderness camps and programs are good for human being. After a research it has been concluded that these type of wilderness programs helps human being. Furthure... wilderness camps especially designed for troubled teens can show improvements in teenagers who are struggling or unmotivated.

[parker]

I have worked in the industry in the past. My view of the work has taken a 180 turn. My personal thoughts is that it is becoming exploited. Many programs concentrat on the numbers and money. Many families are being pulleded into the programs with very minimal sreaning. Although they say screening is manditory I have seen filling a spot to overcome this.When it all comes down to it the programs will then send childeren to after care. Usally in the same network. Thier is so much more involved that u do not relize until u see it 1st hand.

[Jessica]

Wilderness programs are effective for those teens that are facing behavioral problem. The unmotivated teens have to enroll in wilderness programs . These programs increase the self-confidence in child and give a new direction of his life.

[Jessica11]

Teen suicide is the common problem in teenagers. They become frustrated very soon and do not behave normally. It is difficult for single parent to teach them.

[Catherine]

There are various wilderness program for troubled teens. These programs help teens to overcome their problems and reunite with their families.

[Defiant Teen]

Struggling teens can get help from wilderness programs. Wilderness programs are very effective in helping teens as nature is a real healer.

[Wilderness programs]

Today’s teens are facing several emotional or behavioral problems such as depression, violence, drug abuse, alcohol abuse etc. Their parents are always seeking for help. Several sites are available to help the parents of troubled teens. Other treatment options for struggling teens are boarding schools, wilderness programs, boot camps etc.
http://www.restoreteens.com/

[Outdoor Programs]

Wilderness Programs, also known as Outdoor Therapy Programs, emphasize therapy and positive behavioral change over discipline. While students must follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety of all participants, nature serves as the ultimate teacher. The impact of these programs on troubled teens is remarkable.
http://www.restoretroubledteens.com/

[Beth]

I believe in the "core" concepts and ground work of Outdoor Therapy Programs and Wilderness Therapy Programs. But I, as does the organization I've worked with for over 10 years (http://www.pa.org) strongly believe in taking those core concepts (positive risk taking, challenge, social and emotional growth) and combining them with a solid, researched approach (Adventure Based Counseling) in an environment where the adults (teachers and counselors) are trained to create an emotionally and physically safe environment for learning and therapeutic growth. Through intentionally designed activities in a group setting, youth have a chance to practice and experience new behaviors. Through skilled debriefing, those new behavior skills are transferred to other aspects of their lives - relationships, school, family, community and work. Areas where they have previously been unsuccessful.

This model, Adventure Based Counseling or Behavior Management through Adventure can be applied in a school setting, residential setting, juvenile justice setting or outdoor/wilderness setting.

To say in a broad brush way that wilderness or outdoor therapy programs either do or don't work is the same as saying "all _________ people are bad" or "all _______people are good". It's sterotypical. The value of the program always is depending on core methodolgy, training and professional development of staff, and resources available.

[Jack209]

Many private boarding schools are arranging these types of wilderness programs for better growth of teens. These programs are very beneficial for teens.

[troubledteenprogramforstefano]

it is good to know that there are programs like these which are willing to give their unselfish service and a new hope for troubled teens. I support your advocacy! keep going!

[george bishop]

Regulation is doing nothing to make the field of therapy any better. I am a dual licensed therapist in addictions and mental health. I was a domestic violence counselor but regulation has only kept the bad therapists in place as they are having to go through the myriad hurdles to obtain certification. And to no good results, and these people operate outside industry standards.
There are studies done in canada on outdoor wilderness therapy as I was going to be employed by one of them, I researched this. I also happen to be a graduate of prescott college where outdoor leadership was big and even then there was sometimes questionable stuff.
As a teen I was a runaway, and crossed the country, it was living in the wilderness that saved me and gave me a venue for life.
Sadly, as a therapist I would say the whole industry has become an assembly line for mental unhealth, which is why I have opted out to be in private practice.
Healing cannot take place unless people connect to their bodies, their community and their ecological niche. I use handwriting to assess, t'ai chi and yoga and massage to help people get body insight and teach community building so people connect to their community and by doing so get out of "self" into their higher self and heal
Good luck and the wilderness is my refuge, and my "temple" as I am a pipe carrier and maintain the healing ceremonies to connect with this in traditional ways. mitakuye oyasin

[troubled teen]

Wilderness camps help troubled teens to learn new things in a structured environment. Teens are guided to learn new life skills with behaving to others and family members. Most of the struggling teenagers are recovered from various disorders, these troubled teen boot camps are proved to be the best options for troubled parents and troubled teenagers.

[Mer]

I've enrolled my daughter to an outdoor wilderness program and it helped her a lot in dealing with situations in her teenage life as well as respecting elders. We've got info from this program from Turning Winds.

[Vanessa]

The most important thing that you can do as the parent, is decide which type of program, facility, or organization is best suited to deal with the issues facing your teen. Make sure you do your homework. Learn about the techniques and philosophies that these different organizations will use to help a troubled teen. Whenever possible, take the time to visit facilities and meet the staff a faculty of these organizations. Get advice from other parents who have been down the same path you are currently on.

[benjamin]

Not all of the troubled teens facilities have lost reputation, yet number of them had provided in the past efficient results in turning troubled teens towards a new beginning. Yet, I agree that parents must be selective, search the appropriate wilderness programs, therapeutic boarding school or boot camp etc, that are highly reputable and that best suites your criteria.

[benjamin]

I am also in very much favor of home based intervention plan/program for troubled teens, but not for those teens who have severe violent outbursts & mental disorders.The Home Intervention System will help you deal with a wide range of problems that children often encounter including; anger, substance abuse, school issues, self-esteem, arguing, motivation, interacting with family, and more. The system I am talking about is good solution for troubled youth like I mentioned above, as no Parenting technique, approach, talk, or change on your part will work until your child is motivated to listen to and follow your directions. Most children don't lack the ability to obey their parents or follow rules, they simply lack the motivation to do so. The Home Intervention System was developed by administrators of schools and programs for struggling youth and has been adapted for home use. The Home Intervention System shows you how to motivate your teen to make changes just like they do in these schools and programs. The System utilizes a simple but powerful Attitude and Behavior Modification Program.
I hope, it helps for troubled youth.

[Andrea S.]

It's not an easy parenting task when you have a troubled teen. You need to have more patience with him/her. Not all wilderness therapies are abusive, their programs are designed to help for troubled teens. Parents should get involved in choosing the best wilderness program for your troubled teen. A program that is aligned to make them better.

[teen treatment center]

In behavior therapy with medication process, the therapist can use a tiny amount of medicine with his therapy. Some of the researchers found that the therapy for behavior modification will be more effective if it is used in alone. Using medicine with behavior modification gets a greater amount of improvement in the behavior of the teen. The therapy and the medication for behavior modification are used to control the presence and absence of rude behavior. It is received by the teen in daily bases from parents, teachers, friend and peers.

-mj-

[Teens Camps]

There are numerous wilderness teens camps present in USA. Camp programs are based on the indoor class room academic learning and outdoor field adventure programs. The mission of wilderness camps is to improve the behavior, character, thinking abilities and living standards of the kids and youths.

http://www.teenscamp.net/

[benjamin]

I think majority of people have changed their views as with new steps taken by administration to improve the facilities of either wilderness therapy program or teen boot camps . But, I must advice parents to search for an appropriate program or school that not only have reputation but are also very beneficial for turning your troubled teen to a better member of society.

[juvenile boot camps]

There are conditions of troubled teens that are not suited for any wilderness program and sending them to one will result nothing. But instead teens will rebel and feel more troubled. Parents should take their time to select the right and best program for their teens. And before getting into any program, ask questions, read reviews and if their are any abusive news from the facility do not enroll your teen there. Parents should be very hands on in deciding which program and facility to get.

[Wildreness Programs for Teens]

Wilderness programs for teens gives a difference to troubled children emotionally and behaviorally. They will be exposed to a therapy session which includes in their programs. Giving teens directions in life to forget the past and see the brighter tomorrow.

On what I've red they have the reason and it's justifiable that teens have different behavioral and emotional aspect. Setting up standards or regulations is a must to designate every teens regarding on their needs as help.