251: Addressing Controversy by Transparency: A Conversation with Summit Achievement's CEO
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Release Date: 11/12/2024
252: After Open Sky: How Danny Frazer is Shaping the Future with Gain the Ridge
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will engages in a profound conversation with Danny Frazer, co-founder of the former Open Sky Wilderness Therapy program and founder of . Danny shares his journey into the field of wilderness therapy, beginning as an intern at Galena Ridge and progressing to roles at Aspen Achievement Academy. He reflects on the audacious vision that led to the founding of Open Sky in 2006, highlighting how they integrated innovative practices like yoga, meditation, naturopathic medicine, and extensive family involvement—elements that were revolutionary at the time. Danny discusses his...
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251: Addressing Controversy by Transparency: A Conversation with Summit Achievement's CEO
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will reconnects with Nichol Ernst, CEO of , an adolsecent residential treatment program in Maine. Nichol shares his journey from starting as a field staff member 21 years ago to leading the organization today. They delve into how has evolved since its founding in 1996, discussing the core principles that have remained steadfast—the transformative power of nature, evidence-based clinical work, a strong focus on academics, and the critical involvement of family in the therapeutic process. Nichol highlights how the program has adapted to meet the changing needs of adolescents...
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250: From Adventure Therapy to Disaster Relief: PIVOTPoint's Journey Amidst Turmoil
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In the milestone 250th episode, Will reconnects with Matt Nannis, founder of , an experiential adventure program based in Western North Carolina. Since their last conversation in 2022, has evolved significantly, shifting its focus from working primarily with individuals in recovery to providing preventive and therapeutic services for youth within the local community. Matt discusses how the organization has integrated its programs into schools, offering after-school initiatives for high school and middle school students that emphasize self-awareness, self-regulation, and pro-social behaviors...
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249: From Wilderness to Well-being: How Confluence Adapts to Changing Youth Challenges
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will reconnects with Bill Brown, co-founder of in Vermont. Since their last conversation in 2019, Confluence has evolved significantly to meet the changing needs of young adults. Bill discusses how today's youth are internalizing their struggles more than ever, shifting from outward expressions of distress to feelings of self-hatred and isolation. Recognizing this change, Confluence adapted its wilderness therapy model by integrating nightly returns to their residential property, increasing accessibility through insurance coverage, and expanding services with and a new...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode Will reconnects with Nichol Ernst, CEO of Summit Achievement, an adolsecent residential treatment program in Maine. Nichol shares his journey from starting as a field staff member 21 years ago to leading the organization today. They delve into how Summit Achievement has evolved since its founding in 1996, discussing the core principles that have remained steadfast—the transformative power of nature, evidence-based clinical work, a strong focus on academics, and the critical involvement of family in the therapeutic process. Nichol highlights how the program has adapted to meet the changing needs of adolescents and their families, integrating technological advancements for safety, becoming a fully accredited school capable of awarding academic credits, and addressing the increasing complexity of mental health issues among youth.
The conversation also addresses the broader challenges and criticisms faced by the wilderness therapy field. Nichol discusses Summit Achievement's commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and continual improvement through state licensure, national accreditations, and the publication of outcome data demonstrating significant reductions in depression and anxiety among participants. As mental health needs continue to rise, Summit Achievement remains dedicated to providing effective, individualized treatment without compromising its foundational values. This insightful discussion offers listeners a deeper understanding of how one organization navigates the complexities of mental health care while harnessing the healing power of the outdoors.