Episode 17: Lynn Smith, Co-founder of Elements Wilderness Program
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Release Date: 01/24/2019
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...
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238: Adventure Therapy Innovations with Kim Sacksteder and Nick Magle-Haberek
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will welcomes Kim Sacksteder and Nick Magle-Haberek from to share their story. Discover how they have expanded their training and supervision programs, emphasizing safety, clinical efficacy, and the integration of outdoor activities into therapeutic practices. Kim and Nick discuss their journey from initial training sessions to becoming leading voices in adventure therapy, providing invaluable resources and training to clinicians across the country. Whether you're a mental health professional or someone interested in the transformative power of nature, this episode is packed...
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237: Climbing Mount Moosilauke: Therapy, Adventure, and Personal Triumph
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this week’s episode Will sits down with Zack Shaffer, executive director of , to discuss their recent hike up Mount Moosilauke. They recount the challenging Memorial Day hike with ten residents and adventure coordinator TJ Bauman, exploring the profound physical and emotional benefits of outdoor adventures in addressing anxiety. The episode delves into exposure therapy, adventure therapy, and the therapeutic effects of nature, highlighting how these experiences foster personal growth and resilience. Zack also shares a deeply personal story about the significance of the day, marking the...
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236: Healing in Nature: David Segal and Bonnie Dyck on Nature-Based Therapy
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will welcomes David Segal and Bonnie Dyck from the . They dive deep into their journeys into nature-based therapy, sharing how personal experiences and a profound connection to the natural world led them to the field. David discusses the systemic and experiential approach of Human Nature Counselling, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting individuals and families with nature to foster mental health and well-being. Bonnie elaborates on the comprehensive training programs they offer, designed to equip therapists with the skills needed to integrate nature into their...
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235: Thriving After Wilderness Therapy: Colin MacDonald's Path to Not Therapy
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will talks with Colin MacDonald, co-founder of . 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 , which aims to...
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234: Enhancing Adventure Therapy Practice: Insights from Westminster University
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will talks with Dr. Patrick McMillon and Alex White from Westminster University in Utah. They discuss the Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy, a program designed to train clinicians in integrating adventure therapy into their practice. Dr. McMillon, the program coordinator, shares insights on the program's structure, which includes three intensive courses focused on theory, professional practice, and clinical application. Alex White, with over ten years of experience, highlights how the program prepares students to implement effective, ethical, and culturally relevant...
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233: Wilderness Therapy Under Fire: A Deep Dive with Reporter Jessica Miller
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this timely episode, Jessica Miller from the Salt Lake Tribune shares insights from her investigative article on the closures of wilderness therapy programs for teens in Utah. She discusses the factors driving these closures, such as negative media attention and financial challenges. Jessica provides an in-depth look at the current state of wilderness therapy in Utah and explains how the state government regulates the field. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that sheds light on this crucial topic. Jessica Miller, an investigative reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune, reveals the...
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232: Exploring Outdoor Therapy with David Wynn from Blue Ridge Treks
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will chats with David Wynn, LCMHC, an outdoor mental health provider from Blue Ridge Treks. David shares his transformative journey from a river guide and camp mentor to a mental health professional, revealing how natural environments play a crucial role in psychological healing. He delves into the power of nature to transcend traditional therapy boundaries, offering clients a unique blend of psychological insight and environmental interaction. David discusses his approach to integrating therapeutic techniques with outdoor experiences, providing profound insights into how...
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231: Surf Therapy: A New Wave in Therapeutic Practices with Cash Lambert
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this compelling episode, Will engages with Cash Lambert about his groundbreaking new book, "Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being." Cash discusses his evolution from a journalism student, initially participating in a surf therapy event to fulfill volunteer hours, to an author dedicated to documenting the profound impacts of surf therapy. His journey began with witnessing the transformative effects of surfing on children with autism, leading to his first book, “Waves of Healing: How Surfing Changes the Lives of Children with Autism” that...
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230: Everest Inc.: Debunking Myths with Author Will Cockrell
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will talks with Will Cockrell, author of the new book, "Everest Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World." Cockrell delves into the untold stories of the Everest guiding industry, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges the sensational narratives often associated with Everest. His book presents a counter-narrative, focusing on the complexity of the industry and the passionate individuals involved, rather than the common portrayals of chaos and disaster on the mountain. Cockrell explains his motivations for writing the book,...
info_outlineWill talks with Lynn Smith, Co-Founder and Director of Family Services of Elements Wilderness Program. Lynn shares his journey from growing up in California to joining Aspen Achievement Academy in 1994 to co-founding Elements Wilderness in 2008.