WE ARE NATSAP December 2015

Transcription

WE ARE NATSAP
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THERAPEUTIC SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS
Latest News from our Member Programs
December 2015
WILDERNESS EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE
Intro............................................1
Dragonfly Transitions at Smith
Rock State Park........................2
Heritage Girls Explore Goblin Valley...........................................3
National Parks Help Struggling
Boys Succeed............................4
Northwest Academy Treasure
Hunt......................................4 - 5
Hope and Healing through
Nature Photography................5
Elevations RTC at the Snake
River............................................6
Location is Everything............7
New Haven Celebrates 5
Years at MOAB.........................8
The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) is
Boulder Creek Academy
Family Adventures Support
Family Reunification................9
pleased to present a special edition of the We Are NATSAP newsletter. This edition
Solstice RTC Visits Arches
highlights the many activities that our Member Programs conduct on both Federal
National Park..........................10
and State Lands. With the upcoming centennial celebrating the National Park
Boys and Girls Ranch Visits
Service and President Barack Obama’s Every Kid in a Park initiative, now is a great
Yellowstone National Park...11
time to showcase the amazing work our Member Programs do when it comes to
activities in the wilderness.
Northwest Passage Visits the
Everglades................................12
NATSAP represents 168 residential treatment facilities, therapeutic boarding
Adventures in Zion National
schools, and wilderness therapy programs for adolescents and young adults
Park...........................................13
experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties. NATSAP serves as an advocate
and resource for innovative organizations which devote themselves to society’s
Alpine Employs Teachingneed for the effective care and education of struggling young people and
Family Model in the Field......14
their families. We carry out this mission by providing a reliable and meaningful
The Journal of Therapeutic
clearinghouse of information related to its members, working to effect positive
Schools and Programs..14 - 15
legislative change, endeavoring to remove the stigma often associated with mental
illness, addiction or learning differences and facilitating the development of
1
partnerships among peer organizations. To learn more, please visit www.natsap.org.
NATSAP | 5272 River Road, Ste 600, Bethesda, MD 20816 | phone 301.986.8770 | fax 301.986.8772 | www.natsap.org | [email protected]
DECEMBER 2015
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STATE PARK SECTION:
Dragonfly Transitions Ventures
into Smith Rock State Park
The use of nature in therapy is a powerful tool that is utilized by a number of therapeutic programs. Over
the last year, Dragonfly Transitions took a number of trips, one of which was rock climbing at Smith Rock State
Park. This trip was planned to be the culmination of a group that had been regularly meeting at a local rock
gym for a few months. With the backdrop of the picturesque winding river and rising cliffs, our students had
the opportunity for an impactful experience.
After meeting the guides and talking about safety and responsibility, we headed for our planned climbing site.
Walking in nature starts this process of being able to disconnect from everyday distractions, like the phone and
internet, that regularly surrounds us and can over stimulate our nervous system. Having to concentrate on
each footfall on the rocky path and over boulders brings each individual into the moment, allowing them to let
go of ruminating thoughts and anxieties and feel the peacefulness that surrounds them.
While rock climbing, many students are faced with challenges,
both mentally and physically. Before starting, there is a
process of tying into the rope, checking your knot and having
someone else check your knot. The first challenge, once you
are on the rock, is to trust the rope as well as the person
holding it. Sometimes the group is surprised by who makes it
to the top and who has difficulty during the climb. Either way,
a lesson is learned in humility or self-efficacy. As one person
on the trip stated, “Rock climbing was challenging for me. But
I felt like it mirrored my life: Even if I fall, I can get back up on
my own.”
The use of nature in our work serves as a significant source
of experiences that helps improve an individual’s functioning. Being respectful of a person’s spiritual beliefs
is ethically essential, however, the beauty and magnitude of nature allows for a group of diverse individuals to
share a common experience on a spiritual level. When taking in an awe-inspiring view of a quiet river winding
around a mammoth rock formation, there is a peacefulness that can be taken in while getting lost in the
expanse of nature. Together, the group can experience a feeling that something greater than themselves exists,
and a tranquility that they can carry with them.
http://dragonflytransitions.com/
“Supporting Programs - Healing Families”
DECEMBER 2015
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STATE PARK SECTION (Cont’d):
Heritage Girls Explore Goblin Valley
In early October of this year, nine students from
the Heritage girls program and their home mentors
enjoyed a two-night, three-day camping adventure in
Goblin Valley, UT. Goblin Valley includes slot canyons
and geological features called “hoodoos” referred to
locally as “goblins”. The Home Director, Susie Routt,
chose Goblin Valley because “the beauty is unlike
anywhere else and it would be a once-in-a-lifetime
experience for most of the students”.
Little Wild Horse Canyon is a hike in Goblin Valley
that changes from an open, flat trail to a narrow
canyon with boulders hikers must climb over and around. This experience allowed the students to help each
other overcome obstacles and fears – in this case fears of small spaces. Several students developed leadership
characteristics by encouraging others to focus on the beauty around them, to see the big picture, rather than
getting caught up in seemingly large obstacles.
Despite heavy rain the second day the girls remained energetic and positive. While they waited for the
storm to pass, they decorated t-shirts with motivational quotes and made friendship bracelets. The bracelets
included an anchor to symbolize being anchored as a home and helping to keep each other safe.
The students enjoyed climbing the Hoodoos for many reasons, mostly because they thought they were
“awesome looking”. They enjoyed finding “alien faces” and other shapes in the large rock formations. They
were able to physically help one another climb up or use verbal encouragement from the ground.
A favorite for students and staff was the hike to Goblin’s Lair. This hike featured the open desert, a scramble
up and over boulders, and then a down-climb into the cavernous formation knows as The Goblin’s Lair. While
in the cave the girls shared words of encouragement and set goals of how to “leave personal goblins in the
lair”.
Back at Heritage, the students are now more unified as a home and are able to apply their leadership skills
both in school and in the home. One of the students shares, “I learned that if I can be a leader by example
in the wilderness, I can also be a leader in the home”. The residential staff noticed that the communication
of the girls has improved since their trip and they are better able to work through challenges as a home.
They accomplished hard things and now have confidence to apply the skills they learned in the future. Some
students learned to lead by example, others learned how to better trust others.
http://www.heritagertc.org/
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FEDERAL PARK SECTION:
National Parks Help Struggling Boys Succeed at
Ashcreek Ranch Academy
This fall, adolescent boys from Ashcreek Ranch Academy, a premier, accredited residential treatment center
in Utah, went hiking and trail riding at the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. The boys rock climbed while
learning about geology, and rode horses through some of the most picturesque areas in the country.
“We like to utilize our unique environment to engage the body
and the mind with outdoor adventure, activities and sports,” said
Tammy Behrmann, Executive Director. “As a program specifically
for young men, we understand the interests and needs for many
of our students to find a physical outlet. This isn’t about winning
or competing. It is about staying active, improving oneself, and
having fun.”
Behrmann adds that research shows incredible benefits to the
physical and emotional well-being of active individuals. “Our varied outdoor activities give every student the
opportunity to try new things and build capabilities and confidence.”
Ashcreek Ranch Academy provides specialized treatment services to adolescent boys between the ages of
14 and 18 years who struggle with functioning in the home environment and have issues with ADD/ADHD,
depression, anger management, academic problems, parent/child conflicts, low self-esteem, school failure,
stealing, lying, avoidance behavior, oppositionality or addictive issues including drugs, alcohol, pornography,
virtual social networking, and gaming. Ashcreek Ranch is accredited by The Joint Commission and a proud
member of NATSAP. For more information, visit www.ashcreekranchacademy.com.
Northwest Academy Treasure Hunt
Northwest Academy students took their classroom to US Forest Service land on an adventure to track
down star garnets, Idaho’s state gem stone.
The trip involved driving to Clarkia, Idaho, to the Forest Service’s Emerald
Creek Garnet Area, a site where the public may collect these unique gems in
a safe and environmentally friendly way. All students found garnets, on average
two ounces of them. Upon their return to Northwest Academy the students
polished some of the gemstones and created a display of the rough and
polished stones for others to enjoy.
“I am confident experiences of this nature will remain with students well
beyond their stay at Northwest Academy,” said Science Teacher Julie Williams,
Ph.D.
Northwest Academy is a therapeutic boarding school specifically designed to
meet the unique needs of older adolescents ages 16 to 18. The carefully
(cont’d on page 5)
DECEMBER 2015
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FEDERAL PARK SECTION (Cont’d):
Northwest Academy Treasure Hunt (Cont’d)
designed structure and curriculum enables students, often at-risk of not graduating high school due to mental
health, behavioral or substance abuse issues, to address the roadblocks that are keeping them from successfully
transitioning to adulthood.
Students at Northwest Academy repair their GPA, rekindle their desire to attend college, apply and are
accepted into college, and examine their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the relationships and patterns
between them. Students leave Northwest Academy with a high school diploma in hand and the tools,
motivation and confidence needed to steer clear of roadblocks and follow a healthy path as a young adult.
To learn more about Northwest Academy visit their web site at http://northwestacademy.com.
At-Risk Teens finding Hope and Healing through
Nature Photography in National Parks.
In a New Light harnesses the healing power of art and
nature to bring hope and empowerment to the lives
of at-risk youth at Northwest Passage, a residential
treatment organization with facilities in Frederic, Spooner,
and Webster, Wis. The project is a partnership between
Northwest Passage and the St. Croix National Scenic
Riverway, a unit of the National Park System, and was
funded through an “America’s Best Idea” grant from the
National Park Foundation. In a New Light has impacted
the lives of over 150 youth since 2010. In 2011, residents
embarked on photography expeditions to Badlands,
Yellowstone, Isle Royale, and Rocky Mountain National
Parks, as well as St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
http://inanewlight.org/
Badlands National Park: Diamonte,
17 - “Badlands Sunrise”
The sun lights up the valley as it’s about to steal away the
beautiful sky and the graceful clouds. Leaving me breathless, drawing a tear to my eye. Greatness surrounds this
place.
About Diamonte: “My name is Diamonte, and I’m 16 years old. I’m from Amery, WI, the Town of Lakes. I enjoy
skateboarding, snowboarding, riding bike, and just about anything else that involves outdoor activity. I tend to
have troubles with staying home and drug abuse. That was the past though. As for the future, I plan to use my
talents and maintain healthy relationships. Change has never been something for me, but these photos help me
see that change is all around. Photography is something I am willing to take up to help widen my vision even
more than it has already at Northwest Passage.”
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Elevations RTC takes students to the Snake
River in Grand Teton National Park
Students at Elevations RTC participate in rafting adventures on the Snake River, located in Wyoming’s Grand
Teton National Park. As a leading Residential Treatment Center, Elevations RTC understands the healing
properties of the great outdoors.
In preparation for the three whitewater rapids of the Snake River, students train for several weeks on smaller
rivers and lakes closer to Elevation RTC’s campus.
“Before heading out to the bigger, powerful waters, students are taught how to use their paddles, maneuver the
boat as group, and learn communication skills needed to successfully raft through rough waters,” says Jonathan
Griffith, Director of Recreation and Experiential Education at Elevations RTC. “It’s a really powerful experience
for students because they get to see the skills they built up translated into something tangible when they head
out onto the Snake River.”
In previous years, students have spotted an assortment of wild animals on the Snake River. On numerous
occasions, bald eagles and ospreys have perched on rocks close to the shore.
“One of the most unique aspects of the Snake River is the wildlife found in the area surrounding it. Students
get to experience animals they’d never get to see elsewhere,” continued Griffith. “The beauty of Grand Teton
National Park is breathtaking. Being in that environment is both relaxing and inspiring for students.”
For one young woman, the expedition to the Snake River had a special impact. During the visit, she was
simultaneously training for a triathlon. Combining the individual skills learned in her triathlon training and the
group skills of rafting allowed her to feel empowered and continue healthy habits long after the triathlon and
rafting experience had passed.
“Student expeditions to the Snake River and Grand Teton National Park are exceptionally powerful because of
the preparation it took for students to get there. Students train for weeks on end to meet the requirements to
get out onto the Snake River, and when they are finally able to go out and raft through the strong waters, they
feel as though they’ve accomplished something extraordinary. The experience students have at the Snake River
is life changing,” says Judith Jacques, M. Ed, Executive Director of Elevations RTC.
Elevations RTC, a co-educational residential treatment
center for teens ages 13-17, is a proud member of
NATSAP. Elevations offers guidance, support and
relief to young men and women struggling with issues
like trauma, depression, mood disorders, behavioral
problems, and substance abuse. Elevations RTC is
located in Utah and provides specialized, clinically
intensive programs to struggling teens. For more
information, please call 1-855-290-9681.
http://www.elevationsrtc.com/
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Location is Everything for Sedona Sky Academy
Students
The students at Sedona Sky Academy, a specialized boarding school exclusively for adolescent girls, recently
experienced the true beauty of the great outdoors with special trips to the Grand Canyon, Cathedral Rock
and the Blue Ridge Reservoir in Arizona.
The girls hiked up Cathedral Rock, one of the most stunning, most photographed sights in all of Arizona. They
climbed part of the Grand View Lookout Tower near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, an 80-foot tall tower
built in the 1930s and used to overlook the forest for fires. And they stood in awe of nature’s magnificence at
the edge of the Grand Canyon.
“The Grand Canyon is my baby,” said Student Services Coordinator, Rhonda Bishop. “I am an Arizona native
and I love showing off my state!”
Sedona Sky Academy is nestled in a valley near Sedona, close to pine-covered peaks, ancient ruins, rivers, hiking
trails, and wide open spaces. Students and staff alike feel fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy nearby
public lands.
“Our stunning location and mild temperature allow the girls to experience the outdoors in ways they may
never have before, helping them heal and learn in profound ways,” said Tammy Behrmann, Executive Director.
“They say location is everything and that is certainly true for us!”
Located just outside Sedona, Arizona, Sedona Sky Academy is a fully licensed and accredited residential
treatment center serving adolescent girls ages 13-18 who may be experiencing family or peer conflict,
academic failure, self-esteem issues, drug or alcohol use, and more. With 30 acres set in idyllic year-round
weather, program highlights include a world-class horsemanship program, competitive athletics, rigorous
college-prep academics and SAT and ACT scores above the national average, and outstanding family workshops
and peer mentorship programs. For more information, visit www.sedonasky.org.
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New Haven Celebrates 5 Years at MOAB
Families flew from all over the United States
and even a few countries outside the US,
to converge on the scenic town of Moab in
Southern Utah. As part of an annual tradition,
families spend two nights camping at locations in
Green River in the spring and returned to Moab
for the 5th consecutive year for the fall family
weekend. Campus communities from Saratoga
Springs, Spanish Fork and Hobble Creek took
Moab by storm. Nearly 90 families and well
over 350 people spend a fantastic fall getaway.
Whether it be hiking nearly six breathtaking
miles of Morning Glory trail, visiting the
famous Corona Arch or taking a scenic drive
to Canyonlands with spectacular vistas and mesas rivaling that of the Grand Canyon, New Haven families and
staff were treated to some extraordinary scenery. Other families spent time observing ancient Indian writings
dating back perhaps thousands of years ago. Some families even tried their hand at Rock Climbing.
One of our father’s from TX said, “I may not always go camping, but when I do, it will always be Moab.” John
Stewart, New Haven’s Executive Director was overheard complimenting families for…“their great attitudes”
and “how fun it was to see families playing together.”
Each campout featured a very powerful Legacy ceremony. Parents presented their daughters with a symbolic
gift, epitomizing in part, their journey together. Underneath a full moon, sitting around a campfire, families told
touching stories of perseverance, love, determination and service. One family created a scrapbook and quotes
from people who had been touched by their daughter’s courage and strength over the years. Another, shared
stories about a grandfather’s commitment to Service and Volunteerism that had been passed down several
generations.
There is something about being in nature and bonding as family and friends that provides a powerful and
unique experience to our family weekends. We are grateful to get to have these trips with the New Haven
families twice a year.
http://www.newhavenrtc.com/
DECEMBER 2015
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Boulder Creek Academy Family Adventures
Support Family Reunification
Therapeutic Boarding School Boulder Creek Academy uses
experiential, adventure education programming, to create
meaningful opportunities for parents and their student to work
on improving family dynamics. Many of these trips take place on
Federal lands.
Recently a group of students, their parents and siblings took part
in a seven day whitewater rafting trip down Idaho’s Salmon River.
The Salmon River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River and
is managed by the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management. The Salmon flows through the largest wilderness area
in the Lower 48 and has carved marvelous steep-walled gorges. Wildlife is abundant along the riverbanks as is
evidence of early pioneers.
“I had a really awesome trip,” said one student. I haven’t spent this much time with my dad in a long time.”
These trips provide parents and their student with a safe place to practice new communication skills, reestablish trust, and to simply laugh and enjoy each other’s company.
It is fascinating to watch the dynamics unfold on these trips. For example, oftentimes it is the student who has
a greater comfort with camping outdoors. This can switch the family balance as they teach their parents how
to set up a tent or build the evening campfire.
Boulder Creek Academy clinical therapists and adventure education staff facilitate the trips and work to create
meaningful experiences for all involved. However, it is often the unplanned lessons that outdoor adventures
throw into the mix that provide the most powerful lessons.
One student shared, “I learned that you are stronger than you think you are. I learned that you can trust
people to help you in time of need. I learned that you should never let your fears control you.”
Boulder Creek Academy has spent more than two-decades focused on meeting the unique needs of
adolescents ages 13 to 18 who are clinically complex and have experienced school failure and feel socially
disconnected. The academy’s mission is to support students in rediscovering their academic and social
confidence. This is accomplished by reigniting our students’ belief in themselves by utilizing time-tested and
proven methods.
To help our students achieve to their full potential, we offer a carefully designed blend of academics,
therapy, plus adventure and leadership opportunities. Students benefit from: college preparatory curriculum;
personalized learning plans; special educational support; individual, group and family therapy; recreational
therapy; milieu counseling; character development; restorative practices; adventure education; plus a
horticulture, animal husbandry, and therapeutic canine and equine program.
To learn more about Boulder Creek Academy visit http://www.bouldercreekacademy.com.
DECEMBER 2015
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Solstice RTC Visits Arches National Park
Our National Parks provide accessible venues for outdoor adventures and challenging environments for our
students to test the skills they are learning during the course of their treatment. At Solstice we are fortunate
to be very close to many National Parks. We have lead numerous trips in Parks such as Teton National Park,
Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. This year we took a group of our students to Arches
National Park near Moab, Utah. Arches offers many hiking options and spectacular vistas.
On this trip one of our students was focused on developing her leadership style. In the weeks leading up to the
trip she had been working on using her particular leadership strengths and developing areas where she needed
improvement. The trip provided a great opportunity for her to practice strategies and receive feedback from
peers and staff members in the moment. Our student leaders’ challenge was to work with her peer group to
choose a hike within the Park that was both appropriate for and of interest to our group. She did a great job
of asking for input from peers, considering others’ needs and wants and then making a decision based on the
information she gathered from printed materials and a talk with a Park Ranger. This was a big victory for this
student as she had struggled previously with making hasty decisions based on her own wants and ignoring
feedback from others.
The group chose one of the more advanced hikes within the Park, a five mile round trip route to Double O
Arch. This hike included some challenging sections, scrambling on slickrock ridges that revealed expansive views
of the Park. In the end our student leader had learned valuable lessons about leadership and collaboration. The
entire group was able to explore the backcountry of one of our Nation’s treasures and to push themselves
physically. Spirits were high upon returning to the trailhead. On the way out of the Park the group chose to
stop and explore a few more arches just a short hike from the road.
As an adventure therapy professional I enjoy leading trips to National Parks. Beside the outdoor adventures
and amazing scenery, there are rich human and natural history lessons that add to the experience for our
students. Many of our students visit National Parks for the first time with us. They often talk about bringing
their family back to visit again and, in the end, our job is all about bringing families back together.Visiting
National Parks is a great way for families to spend time with each other.
http://solsticertc.com/
DECEMBER 2015
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Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Visits
Yellowstone National Park
The closest national park to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch is,
very appropriately,Yellowstone National Park. Children from across
the nation struggling with mental health issues come to our program
for clinical and academic programming, as well as the natural benefits
of Big Sky country. We make sure to put good use to our local state
and national parks when teaching kids positive and healthy behaviors.
Our director of recreational services, Lisa Frazier, led the most
recent trip to Yellowstone National Park. The following is a
summary written by Lisa of the experience:
“During October, I took a group of our boys to Yellowstone
National Park. One of the boys was from California, and he will
be successfully returning home in December. It was a dream of his
to visit Yellowstone National Park before completing his treatment
program. So, we went to tour Lamar valley, Mammoth Hot Springs,
and the northern loop.
Throughout the day, we saw elk, big horn sheep, bison, and even a black wolf! This normally elusive creature
ran right in front of our van by the Soda Butte area, and everyone was able to watch him on the hillside for
several minutes. Unfortunately, we noticed that he did not look very healthy, and I wondered if he had mange.
I took a few moments to explain to the group what mange is and how it effects the wolf population. He still
managed to put on quite a show, howling and watching us as much as we were watching him!
The Northern section of the park was absolutely beautiful. The fall colors, wildlife, and mountains were just
stunning! Our final stop in Yellowstone was to swim in the Gardiner River at the 45 parallel, also known as
the Boiling River. It is where a natural hot springs meets the cold river. The hot and cold water mix to a warm
temperature, perfect to soak in like a hot tub. None of the boys have ever had an opportunity like this. It will
be a unique memory they will have forever.
Yellowstone National Park is such a wonderful resource for us. Traveling through the park is one way to
provide environmental education to our clients. Even more importantly, it is a way to teach them the values of
outdoors recreation and expose them to positive activities they can continue after they leave our program.”
https://www.ybgr.org/
DECEMBER 2015
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Northwest Passage Visits the Everglades
Northwest Passage has a long history of harnessing the power of nature as a means for learning, growth, and
therapeutic metaphor; a place of beauty, challenge, and soothing refuge. In recent years we have aligned with
the National Park Service to reinforce and expand opportunities for our clients to experience that power in
some of our countries most iconic and beautiful places – our National Parks. In the last five years we have
brought our kids to the Rocky Mountains, Badlands, Isle Royale, Apostle Islands, St. Croix National Scenic
Riverway, and Yellowstone National Parks - and now the Everglades.
This spring a group of Northwest Passage clients and counselors travelled south from the chilly Wisconsin air
to Florida to spend a week immersed in the mangroves, forests, and River of Grass that comprise Everglades
National Park. The sub-tropical environment provided sights, sounds, and even smells that were a welcome
inspiration to our clients. The Northwest Passage team travelled alongside local poets, artists and Park Rangers.
They explored on foot the inland sloughs, forests, and cypress domes, and they canoed the mangrove coastlineall while capturing the beauty of the Everglades in their words and photographs.
For centuries the Everglades remained unmapped,
unexplored, and misunderstood. It was neglected,
exploited, and nearly destroyed. Only in recent
decades has the veil of mystery that surrounds the
Everglades been lifted and this brilliant ecosystem
been acknowledged. Society has just begun to
understand the vital role that this, and other wild
places, play in well-being and health of our world
and society. There is a parallel between wild places
like the Everglades and the children that we have
the honor of working with. In telling the story of
the Everglades, Northwest Passage clients also told
the story of themselves.
“This adventure was a beautiful opportunity to explore a new world together and was nothing short of an
authentic experience. I thoroughly enjoyed learning both from and with the young ladies about the fierce
perseverance and adaptability of the Everglades, while also challenging our assumptions and ourselves.
While I had a variety of therapy intervention and support tools on hand for this trip, the therapeutic growth
and opportunities afforded through this experiential learning experience, far surpassed any planning and
preparation I could have done.”
We are grateful to the wonderful staff of Everglades National Park for accommodating us and creating such
powerful opportunities for our kids.
http://nwpltd.org/
WE ARE NATSAP | 13
DECEMBER 2015
Dragonfly Transitions Adventures in Zion
National Park
Each year Dragonfly Transitions does a variety of adventure based trips
throughout the month of September. This year Dragonfly students and
therapists explored Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, and one trip traveled
to Utah and Zion National Park. Overall the trip was a huge success. The
goals of these trips are to challenge and support students as they engaged
therapeutically in an experiential manner. There is the obvious physical
challenge that comes with hiking and canyoneering that the students were
able to rise to as they gained feelings of personal ability and effectiveness.
There are also the unseen challenges, like being in a car with a group for 10
hours, or working with a group to make dinner and be ready to leave on
time. Students also made great gains being more aware of others, supporting
others, and at times expressing frustration in a healthy manner. Everyone
gained perspective and self-awareness being surrounded by the beauty and
magnitude of Zion National Park.
Below are a few words from students about their experience:
“On the third day we had a hike through a canyon planned. This began with getting outfitted with special shoes
and socks because we would be spending most of the time walking through a river. The hike was wonderful,
around every turn was an amazing view with monolithic walls of rock rising high and beautiful colors striping
the walls. We broke for lunch around 11am. The group made a decision to continue on a less traveled offshoot
of the river. After lunch the group had a noticeable shift in energy, as we walked we were less spread out
and joking and encouraging each other. It wasn’t long before we came to a small cascade of water. Soon the
question began to be asked, “Who is going up that?” Then mentor Will jumped in to a small pool with little
hesitation and he was soon up to his chest in water. The group cheered and laughed as Will faced the small
waterfall and overcame it”.
“There was one more exciting stretch in the canyon path, as the therapist Cory liked to think it was a very
literal trust fall. A span over the river that needed to be crossed and with staff on both side and the opposing
wall just out of reach, students needed to fall forward with their hands out in order to be able to step across.
With hesitation from all, and some more than others, everyone crossed the gap”.
“Snow Canyon offered us the opportunity to all enjoy a simple hike together and see more of Utah’s
spectacular geological features. During the hike we found a shady spot under one of the not-so-many trees.
Staff asked each person to collect a rock that represented a character quality, emotion, or simply a rock that
looked cool to him or her. Once everyone returned everyone was asked to show their rock and explain
why they chose it. The group then was challenged at this point to incorporate each rock into one cairn
representing all of us as one team”.
http://dragonflytransitions.com/
WE ARE NATSAP | 14
DECEMBER 2015
Alpine Academy Employs Teaching-Family
Model in the Field
Alpine Academy is a licensed Residential Treatment Center
for teenage girls. Students live on a large campus located
in Erda, UT. Alpine Academy is an accredited site for the
Teaching-Family Model. This model employs a “family-style”
approach to treatment and uses highly trained and nationally
certified couples that care for and teach social-emotional skills
to the youth in our program. As part of our “family-style”
environment, we provide as many real life opportunities for
our students to learn and grow. We love to take advantage
of the great parks in and around Utah to get our girls back
to nature and teach them to enjoy the great outdoors. Each year we take one campus trip (70 students plus
nearly 60 staff members) and several smaller trips (8-10 students and 4-5 staff members). The locations for
these trips vary each time but are usually within a 6-8 hour drive. We have been to Arches, Zion, Capitol Reef,
Goblin Valley,Yellowstone, Jenny Lake, and Jackson Hole. We appreciate the opportunity to let our girls have
these world-class experiences that they likely would never get since almost all of them live out of state. These
trips provide a chance for our students to build relationships with each other as well as the staff members, and
practice what we teach them in a different environment. The more they can practice using the skills we try and
teach them outside of our campus, the more likely they are to continue to use those skills once they leave us
permanently.
http://alpineacademy.org/
NATSAP UPDATES:
The Journal of Therapeutic Schools and
Programs Features the Latest Information from
the NATSAP Outcomes Research Project
The following is a highlight from the latest edition
of the Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
(Volume VII, Number 1, Special Edition 2015)
Case Study at True North Wilderness Program:
Emotional Expression, Systemic Shifts, and PsychoEducation in Approaching Complicated Grief: A Case
Study of One Adolescent’s Experience in Wilderness
Therapy (cont’d on page 15)
DECEMBER 2015
WE ARE NATSAP | 15
NATSAP UPDATES (Cont’d):
The Journal of Therapeutic Schools and
Programs Features the Latest Information
from the NATSAP Outcomes Research Project
(Cont’d)
“The therapy program provided Bradley with a simplified daily routine that revolved around primitive outdoor
living in a small group of up to six students with a 3:1 student to staff ratio. In addition to the field guides who
provided 24/7 support, Bradley had two Master’s level clinicians who met with him twice weekly for hour-long
sessions. Following the clinical model of the program, the therapeutic alliance, the most agreed upon common factor
and most robust predictor of positive therapeutic outcomes (Greencavage & Norcross, 1990), was an integral part of
Bradley’s treatment.
Also, in keeping with the program’s model, Bradley was initially encouraged to experience the natural consequences
of his thoughts, emotions, and behavior in order to help him identify maladaptive behavior patterns. In this
group setting, Bradley was provided with daily opportunities to receive both positive and constructive feedback in
the moment, along with daily structured process groups. These factors, in addition to the healing power of close
connection to the natural world (Doherty, 2010), provided Bradley with a supportive, validating and structured
setting in which to explore his emotional experience and test new healing behaviors.”
The next edition of the Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs will be released in Spring of 2016. Here is a
sneak peak of an abstract from that upcoming edition:
Pushing Beyond Outcome: What Else Changes in Wilderness Therapy? Presented by Matthew J. Hoag, Katie
Massey, Sean Roberts, and Patrick Logan from Evoke Entrada
“The field of wilderness therapy has placed increasing importance on measuring effectiveness. Though studies
demonstrate positive outcomes for adolescents, we still lack representative samples, post-discharge data and
replication of positive results. This three-year study tracking 118 adolescents sought to measure outcomes and
to identify mechanisms of change in wilderness therapy. We found statistically significant change from intake
to discharge on the Youth Outcome Questionnaire and on measures of hope, life effectiveness, and treatment
expectancy. We discuss when change occurs as well as mechanisms of change, demographic differences, and critical
lessons we learned about conducting research in a clinical setting.”

WE ARE NATSAP December 2015

Transcription

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