Adventure therapy and wilderness therapy are often confused with one another. We are here to break down the differences to help you figure out which may be right for you, if other therapies have not worked for you.
Similarities
1. They both take place outdoors
Both adventure and wilderness therapy are clinical therapies that take place outside. The purpose is to take individuals away from the stressful, screen-driven lives they live and challenge them with structured activities along with a group outdoors.
2. They both include licensed therapists
Both types of therapies include licensed therapists and are catered to the needs of the individuals in the group
3. They are both alternatives if other therapies have not worked
If you have tried the standard therapies before and have found them not to be effective for you, then wilderness or adventure therapy may be for you. The drastic difference that comes with the outdoor therapy, away from the screens and normalities of your daily life, will give you a new found perspective and ability to transform.
4. Both are effective
Both therapies have shown to be effective for:
- Decreased stress
- Increased independence
- Increase confidence
- Greater awareness of others
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Healthy coping strategies
- Increased resiliency
- Increased sense of responsibility
- Stress management skills
Differences
1. Length of the therapy
Wilderness therapy can last from 6-8 weeks, while adventure therapy lasts from 1-3 weeks.
2. Types of activities
Wilderness therapy focuses on living outdoors for a longer period of time. Activities will usually include making their own foods, tearing down camp, hiking to a new location, setting up camp again, and enjoying a quiet evening with the group.
On the other hand, adventure therapy will also include new and sometimes daunting challenges like rock climbing or white water rafting.
If you think about it, we each need a type of daily outdoor therapy in order to stay centered. For most of us that may mean going for a walk outside or simply stepping foot in the sun for 15 minutes. Both of these therapies take that to another level and exponentially increase the positive effects.
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