Adventure Therapy

Adventure Therapy

Bush Adventure Therapy is a diverse field of practice combining adventure and outdoor environments with the intention to achieve therapeutic outcomes for those involved. (AABAT)

Adventure therapy, as a distinct and separate form of psychotherapy, has become prominent since the 1960s. Influences from a variety of learning and psychological theories have contributed to the complex theoretical combination within adventure therapy. The underlying philosophy largely refers to experiential education. Existing research in adventure therapy reports positive outcomes in effectively improving self-concept and self-esteem, help seeking behavior, increased mutual aid, pro-social behavior, trust behavior and more.

Adventure therapy encompasses varying techniques and environments to elicit change. These include cooperative games, problem solving initiatives, trust building activities,high adventure (rock climbing/rappelling, ropes courses, peak ascents); and wilderness expeditions (backpacking, canoeing, dog sledding, sailing, etc.). Wilderness therapy, adventure based therapy, and long term residential camping are the most common forms of adventure therapy.

Source
Wikipedia

Queensland Providers

Youth Flourish Outdoors

Youth Flourish Outdoors is a Business 2 Business Health Promotion charity. Our job is to help other organisations run adventure therapy that works for their young people.

  • Trauma focused adventure therapy for adolescents
  • Adult training
  • B2B mentoring and capacity building
  • Adventure based youth work
  • Volunteers and interns are welcome

Adversity during childhood leaves tell-tale signs. Complex trauma focused adventure therapy heals. Keeping it simple:

Learn – Flourish – Grow

AABAT

The Australian Association for Bush Adventure Therapy Inc. is a professional body for practitioners who have an interest in supporting, developing and promoting the field of Bush Adventure Therapy in Australia. The breadth of our work is guided by our intended actions document. We encourage interested persons to connect with the association and get involved in the many areas of work the association is engaged with.

Blue Peter The Sea School

Blue Peter The Sea School

The Sea School delivers fun programs with a heightened sense of adventure by using both literal and metaphorical voyages of discovery. Activities such as sailing, snorkelling, paddling, bushwalking, island camping and sunset reflections help us to learn about the magnificent ocean and how we can use our strengths wisely. We pay close attention to creating a safe, positive learning environment for all participants, trainees and staff. Our skippers are truly amazing, you will love it!

Blue Peter is our training program for sea leaders, focussed on skills development, group facilitation and personal growth through adventure education and expeditionary learning processes.

Adventure Therapy Expeditions

Bornhoffen PCYC

Bornhoffen is Police-Citizens Youth Club’s (PCYC) Leadership Development Centre.

We are a not for profit community organisation and social enterprise located at Natural Bridge in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Our purpose is to inspire young people to be self aware, to build their social skills and to contribute positively to their community.

Our services include:

  • Group Accommodation and Conference/Retreat Facilities
  • Professional Catering or Self Catering
  • School Outdoor Education Programs
  • Youth Leadership Programs
  • Centre-based or Expedition Programs
  • Youth at Risk Intervention Programs in partnership with other agencies
Birdwings Forest School

Birdwings Forest School

The Birdwings Forest School EcoRangers program offers adventure therapy, where children can develop personal skills through four key experiences:

Adventure – Connection – Conservation – Bushcraft

Developing over an 8 – 10 week term, EcoRangers gradually develops skills for personal growth, self-regulation, organisation, leadership and social connection. Enrolment in this program is a commitment to long-term growth for children and nature, with best results from weekly attendance, allowing time for children to build on skills each week.

Birdwings Forest School was established in 2018 by Narell Neville and Jennifer McCormack, both experienced early childhood educators, artists and nature play facilitators who each owned their own nature play businesses. Jennifer and Narell observed profound growth in all areas of children’s development when they spent longer and longer days outside in nature. Now, together at Birdwings Forest School they offer a wide range of children’s programs, resources and professional development to ensure that children everywhere can benefit from nature play.

Have another resource to share?

Email operations@outdoorsqueensland.com.au with all the details

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