Pennsylvania Adventure Therapy for Addiction
The BriteLife campus is highly advantageous for adventure therapy. Located in the rolling hills of Hanover, our geography is perfect for so many outdoor activities. Adventure therapy supports healing and improves a person's physical, social, and emotional health using a variety of physical activities. At the same time, activity therapy is combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. Activity therapy is designed for a group, which injects a “team” approach to the activity. Likewise, the group processes the activity and discusses their thoughts about it. Performing outdoor activities stimulates change through trust and problem-solving. A summary discussion occurs where the therapist helps the client integrate the experience to their recovery goals.
What Is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure therapy (also called activity therapy) is a behavioral health technique which began in the 1960s. The therapy blends the group with adventurous activities for therapy. The therapeutic goal is to improve an individual’s physical, social, spiritual, and mental health through the exhilarating power of evidence-based adventure trips.
The therapy helps addiction clients as they steer through their behavioral issues, addiction, or other mental health conditions. In this setting, the adventure therapist seeks to actively encourage clients with different tools. For instance, some therapists encourage healing by teaching clients how to establish trust with a horse and other non-mounted activities in equine therapy.
Activity Therapy Offers Real Benefits
Adventure therapy is a fun, appealing and meaningful addiction treatment therapy that can have a long-enduring impact on individuals who take part. They have become commonplace in treating substance use disorder because of it’s many benefits that include:
- Inspires cooperation.
- Promotes accountability.
- Teaches teamwork.
- Progresses communication aptitudes.
- Advances self-awareness.
- Promotes resilience.
- Encourages discovery.
- Reduces depression symptoms.
- Improves self-esteem.
- Teaches coping skills.
Common adventure therapy activities
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Rock climbing
- Paddle boarding
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Nature trips
- Equine therapy
- Low-ropes course
How Does Activity Therapy Help Get You Sober?
Activity therapy assists clients to develop mindfulness and awareness during rigorous activities. Mindfulness is normally lost during lengthy addiction cycles. Also, one of the most beneficial ideologies of adventure therapy is for clients to relate their own life events with the activity. Clients can gain self-confidence and improve cooperation skills. To explain, as clients learn how to rock climb, they can realize their need for interdependence or emphasize their needs for independence.
Clients who participate in adventure therapy have increased self-esteem, which is typically poor when a client has substance use disorder. Studies have shown positive outcomes for treating anxieties and low self-respect through adventure therapy. Clients learn to be durable while experiencing adventure activities.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder, BriteLife may be able to help. Please call us 24/7 365 days at 866-470-1464 to get the help you need.