235: Thriving After Wilderness Therapy: Colin MacDonald's Path to Not Therapy
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Release Date: 06/04/2024
248: Confronting Challenges in Wilderness Therapy: A Conversation with Derek Daley
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will reconnects with Derek Daley, co-founder of and a seasoned professional with over 25 years in wilderness therapy. Derek shares how Legacy has evolved since its inception in 2012, focusing on adults aged 18 to 35. He discusses their unique approach of combining epic adventure therapy—such as canyoneering, rock climbing, and skiing in southern Utah—with strong clinical practices to create meaningful and effective treatment experiences and a hybrid model of residential treatment and outdoor adventures. Derek highlights the importance of engaging clients who choose to...
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247: Surviving the Storms: Insights into the Shifting Landscape of Wilderness Therapy
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In the opening episode of Season 21, host Will White delves into the significant transformations occurring within the wilderness therapy field for adolescents and young adults, paralleling them with the impacts of climate change on our environment. He reflects on the "Great Collapse" between 2007 and 2010, when the number of wilderness therapy programs dramatically decreased due to economic pressures from the Great Recession. Drawing striking parallels to recent events, Will discusses how the closure of seven wilderness therapy programs in the last two years mirrors that earlier contraction,...
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246: Overcoming Anxiety: Dr. Alison LaFollette on ERP and Outdoor Therapy Integration
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will sits down with Dr. Alison LaFollette, the Clinical Director of . Alison shares her journey from conducting neuropsychological evaluations in several of Utah's wilderness therapy programs to leading the clinical team at Mountain Valley. She discusses the integration of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy with outdoor experiential activities at Mountain Valley, highlighting how natural settings like the Zen Garden, farm, outdoor climbing wall and hiking trails enhance therapeutic outcomes for adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety and OCD. The...
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245: From Wilderness Therapy to Empowerment: Hayley Caddes' Journey with Not Therapy Coaching
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will talks with Hayley Caddes, co-founder of about her powerful personal journey through wilderness therapy and an all-girls therapeutic boarding school. Hayley shares how these experiences inspired her to help others who have gone through treatment, creating a unique coaching model that fills the gap between traditional therapy and the support needed to thrive in everyday life. She discusses how peer mentorship, structure, and community play pivotal roles in recovery and growth after treatment. Hayley also addresses the controversies surrounding wilderness therapy and the...
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244: Wilderness Therapy for Addiction Recovery: JD and Amber’s Story
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this powerful episode Will speaks with JD and his mother, Amber, as they recount their powerful journey through wilderness therapy. JD opens up about the struggles that led him down a dangerous path of substance abuse, starting as a teen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amber shares the difficult decision to send JD to a wilderness therapy program in Utah, and how the experience not only saved his life but transformed their family. Together, they discuss the challenging process of recovery, manipulation, and ultimately the breakthrough that wilderness therapy provided. As September is National...
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243: Saving Lives: How Wilderness Therapy Can Help People Struggling with Addiction and How the Harlan Serenity Foundation is Helping
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 Chris would later lose his battle with addiction. This realization, combined with the ongoing closures of critical wilderness therapy programs, makes for an emotional conversation about the profound...
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242: Transforming Wilderness Therapy: Insights from Dr. Denise Mitten on Emotional Safety and Ethics of Care
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
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 discusses the evolution of outdoor therapy emphasizing the importance of creating safe, relational environments rather than relying on stress-based models. Her insights into the ethics of care, the...
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241: Redefining Wilderness Therapy: The Crossroads Discovery Approach
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will talks with Sheldon Nelson, founder of 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 experiences that emphasize not only survival skills but also personal growth and self-discovery. Sheldon shares how the program evolved to meet the needs of families seeking continued guidance after their children completed...
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240: Wilderness Therapy Success Stories: Andy Benckart’s Transformation and Path to Social Work
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
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 the guidance of a compassionate therapist outdoors, Andy discovered new strengths within himself, setting him on a path toward helping others. Reflecting on his experiences as both a participant and...
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239: From “Troubled Teen” to Transformative Mentor: Ciara Fanlo's Journey through Wilderness Therapy
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will talks with Ciara Fanlo, founder of , 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, highlighting how these experiences have deeply informed her approach to mentoring. Ciara shares how her time in wilderness therapy provided new perspectives and coping mechanisms, while also acknowledging the...
info_outlineIn 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 challenges he faced as an adolescent, including struggles with ADHD, depression, and substance abuse, and how wilderness therapy helped him turn his life around. Colin also discusses the mission of Not Therapy Coaching, which aims to bridge the gap between therapeutic programs and successful transitions to home, college, or independent living. He emphasizes the importance of spending time outdoors for mental health and how it benefits both him and his clients.
Colin further explains the unique approach of Not Therapy Coaching, highlighting the role of relatable mentorship and community building. He details how the program supports young adults and teens by providing daily accountability, fostering healthy habits, and helping them find communities that support their interests and goals. Colin's passion for helping others through his lived experience is evident as he shares success stories of clients who have benefited from the program. This episode offers valuable insights into the transformative power of wilderness therapy and the innovative ways Not Therapy Coaching is making a difference in the lives of young people.