Adventure Therapy

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide the student with a theoretical understanding and practical working knowledge of the use of experiential education and therapeutic adventure activities as an element of social work practice with vulnerable and resilient populations. Evidence-based adventure therapy models of practice will be introduced and taught using experiential learning at our East Campus facility. Students will have the opportunity to be both a participant and a co-leader in both low and high elements of an adventure-based ropes course, kayaking/canoeing, and hiking. The course will also include the practice of various evidence-based alternative clinical interventions such as Ecotherapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and Yoga. Building upon Practice Two competencies, group leadership skills will be emphasized through the use of co-facilitating adventure activities, practicing debriefing skills, and reflective learning. Students will practice utilizing adventure to reach therapeutic goals including building self-efficacy, problem-solving, communication skills, and relational skills. Students will develop their own therapeutic adventure intervention utilizing the skills and resources practiced in class.