Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors artwork

Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

229 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 70 ratings

Stories from the Field: Mental Health in the Outdoors is an authoritative and enlightening podcast that explores the vast landscape of mental health therapies in outdoor settings. Hosted by seasoned mental health professional Dr. Will White, the podcast offers deep insights into outdoor therapies like Adventure Therapy, Eco-Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, and Experiential Therapy, among others.

Dr. White engages with a diverse range of guests, including leading researchers, practitioners, authors, executive directors, guide staff, mental health clinicians, and critics, helping to shed light on the nuances of these unique therapy practices. In addition to exploring the modern implications of these evolving therapeutic modalities, he delves into their rich history, providing a holistic perspective for listeners.

With over 30 years of experience at the juncture of mental health and outdoor environments, Dr. White's expertise is unparalleled. As a co-founder of the pioneering Summit Achievement, an adventure therapy program based in Maine, he has been a guiding force in the field since the 1990s. His scholarly contributions include the book "Stories from the Field: A History of Wilderness Therapy" and a chapter in "Adventure Therapy: Theories, Research, and Practice." His doctorate work, "Stories from the Elders: Chronicles and Narratives from the Early Years of Wilderness Therapy," traced the origins and evolution of this specialized field.

To connect with Dr. White, visit storiesfromthefield.com. Listen to this immersive podcast to understand the power and potential of outdoor therapies in addressing mental health concerns.

Health & Fitness Education Self-Improvement adventure behavioralhealthcare outdoor therapy wildernesstherapy
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Episodes

227: From Military to Mindfulness: Tripp Johnson's Journey to Behavioral Healthcare Innovation

March 12, 2024 09:30 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

In this enlightening conversation, Will talks with Tripp Johnson who shares his unique journey into behavioral healthcare and his evolution into a social entrepreneur. His accidental entry into the field, catalyzed by personal challenges with alcohol and a transformative exploration of mindfulness and yoga, marks the start of his commitment to improving mental health care. Tripp discusses his foundational experiences, including his time at West Point, his military service, and his eventual ...

226: From Addiction to Adventure: How Nature Transforms Lives with Nate Bennick

February 27, 2024 10:30 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MB

In this episode Will sits down with Nate Bennick, the National Field Director for Adventure Recovery, to dive into the transformative power of combining mental health treatment with outdoor adventures. Nate shares his personal journey from battling addiction to finding solace and strength in the wilderness, leading him to his role in Adventure Recovery. Nate's story exemplifies the impact of nature-based immersions and adventure in fostering recovery and self-discovery, resonating with anyon...

225: Embracing Adventure for Recovery: The Foundation House Experience

February 13, 2024 10:30 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MB

 In this episode Will talks with Dan Schmader, the Program Director at Foundation House, to delve into the therapeutic integration of outdoor activities in the realm of mental health and addiction recovery. Schmader unveils the unique approach of Foundation House, located in Portland, Maine, emphasizing its dedication to males aged 17 to 35. He outlines the transition journey of residents from structured care environments to a blend of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Ou...

224: Navigating Controversy: Dr. Madolyn Liebing's Take on Wilderness Therapy's Future and Addiction Treatment in Outdoor Settings

February 06, 2024 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

In this enlightening episode Will sits down with Dr. Madolyn Liebing, a historical figure in the wilderness therapy field and the clinical director at Legacy Outdoor Adventures and Juniper Recovery Center. Dr. Liebing provides an in-depth look at their blended program for adults, which combines intensive clinical therapy with experiential outdoor adventures, designed to support smoother transitions for clients into their communities. She discusses the therapeutic modalities employed, such a...

223: Recovery in the Outdoors: Roy DuPrez's Journey to Sobriety and the Back2Basics Story

January 30, 2024 10:30 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MB

In this episode Will sits down with Roy DuPrez, CEO and Founder of Back2Basics, an outdoor-based recovery program in Arizona.  Roy shares his personal journey of recovery, beginning with his early struggles with alcohol and substance abuse in Venice Beach, California. He describes the allure of alcohol in his youth, influenced by his social environment and the perception of success and attractiveness associated with drinking. Roy's journey through addiction led to various consequences, inclu...

222: Empowering Young Adults when “At the Crossroads” with Mike Hench

January 23, 2024 10:30 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

In this enlightening episode Will welcomes Mike Hench from At the Crossroads, a program dedicated to helping young adults navigate the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. Mike shares the inspiring journey of At the Crossroads, which began in 2005 as a brainchild of Brian and Shannon Virgin, aimed at helping young adults in less restrictive environments than traditional residential programs. The program, located in St. George, Utah, offers a unique blend of real-life experiences, commun...

221: The Closure of Open Sky: Is this the “Winter” of Wilderness Therapy?

January 16, 2024 10:30 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

In this special episode Will discusses the announcement of the upcoming closure of Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, marking a significant moment in the private pay, adolescent-focused wilderness therapy sector. This closure is part of a larger trend, as Open Sky is the fifth program of its kind to shut down within a year. The episode offers an in-depth analysis of these closures, examining common challenges such as shifting societal perceptions, increased competition from other types of mental h...

220: Tommy Rosen's Recovery 2.0: Transforming Addiction Treatment with Holistic Healing

January 09, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 56.6 MB

In this episode, Will talks with Tommy Rosen, founder of Recovery 2.0, for a profound exploration of overcoming addiction through holistic healing. The episode opens with a poignant tribute to the late Adam Tsapis, a key figure in both their lives, setting the tone for a conversation deeply rooted in personal transformation and the power of human connection. Tommy shares his tumultuous journey through addiction, emphasizing the life-changing moment of hitting rock bottom and the subsequent s...

219: From Phish to Fulfillment: Trey Anastasio & Melanie Gulde's Recovery Vision

January 02, 2024 10:30 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

In this first episode of 2024 Will talks with Melanie Gulde, the visionary program director of Divided Sky Recovery in Vermont. In this enlightening episode, listeners will delve into the heart of Divided Sky, a unique residential recovery program with an outdoor component co-founded by Melanie Gulde and Trey Anastasio of the renowned band Phish. Discover the inspiring history behind Divided Sky, its name derived from a Phish song, and explore its distinctive, holistic approach to addictio...

218: Recovery in the Wild: Transforming Lives Through Outdoor Adventures

December 21, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 64.6 MB

Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 18 of Stories from the Field! This season, our spotlight is on addiction and recovery, and we're thrilled to have Adventure Recovery as our underwriter—a recognized leader in the realms of recovery and outdoor leadership. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Walsh, the visionary founder of Adventure Recovery, and Josh Flaherty, now the executive director and a key partner in the organization. Tim shares his profound journey of recovery and how...

217: Nature's Therapy: Unveiling Soul Degree's Power in Men's Wellness with Chris Robbins

December 12, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 58.8 MB

In this special episode of "Stories from the Field," host Will White shares his transformative experience at the Soul Degree retreat, a unique blend of outdoor therapy and holistic practices. Will's candid discussion reveals his struggles with mental health and how the retreat, founded by Chris Robbins, played a pivotal role in his journey towards healing. The episode delves into the power of nature, connection, and vulnerability in addressing mental health challenges, particularly for men. ...

216: Adventure Therapy for Anxiety: Exploring Dr. Stephanie Marti's Outpatient Practice

December 05, 2023 10:30 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MB

In this enlightening episode, we talk with Dr. Stephanie Marti, a pioneering adventure psychotherapist. The discussion begins with an introduction to Stephanie's unique therapeutic approach, which elegantly combines mental health services with experiential learning and adventure, all within the embrace of nature's beauty in Marin County, California. Stephanie shares her journey as a teen, deeply intertwined with her professional evolution. She traces her passion for adventure therapy to he...

215: Addressing Anxiety Through Climbing: Noah Kleiner's Journey at Equinox Guiding Services

November 28, 2023 10:30 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

In this enlightening episode we delve into the interplay of mental health and outdoor experiences, focusing on the therapeutic power of activities like rock climbing in addressing anxiety. We talk with Noah Kleiner, founder of Equinox Guiding Service in Maine, who shares his inspiring journey from a childhood immersed in nature to establishing a successful guiding service. Noah’s narrative unfolds through his experiences in various outdoor programs and the inception of Equinox, highlighting ...

214: Advancing Adventure Therapy Certifications with Fred Borroel

November 21, 2023 10:30 - 41 minutes - 38 MB

In this special episode, we explore the evolution of adventure therapy certifications with Fred Borroel, a humble leader in the field. Fred shares his journey into adventure therapy and his contributions through his private practice at San Antonio Adventure Therapy and as the Certification Chair at the Association for Experiential Education (AEE.org). The discussion centers on the newly introduced Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist (CCAT) and Certified Therapeutic Adventure Specialist ...

213: Post-Pandemic Wilderness Therapy: Seven Trends in Outdoor Mental Health Practices

November 07, 2023 10:30 - 39 minutes - 36 MB

In this thought-provoking special episode of Stories from the Field, we delve into the "Post-Pandemic Wilderness Therapy: Seven Trends in Outdoor Mental Health Practices," exploring the transformative shifts that have emerged in therapeutic outdoor practices following the global pandemic. With the world having navigated through unprecedented times, the mental health field has seen a pivotal evolution, particularly in settings that embrace the healing powers of the outdoors. Join us as we d...

212: Exploring the Healing Power of the Outdoors in Mental Health Treatment with Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan

October 31, 2023 09:34 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MB

In this insightful episode of Stories from the Field, we welcome Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, a pioneering figure in nature-informed therapy and the founder of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. Dr. Heidi is not just an advocate for integrating the outdoors into mental health treatment; she is also a dedicated provider of training in this innovative field, offering valuable insights and guidance to both mental health professionals and outdoor educators. Her unique approach to treating indiv...

211: Psychotherapy on the Trail: Portland Hiking Therapy's Approach to Healing

October 24, 2023 09:30 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

In this story we delve into a hiking approach to psychotherapy with our guest, Aimee Frazier, the visionary behind Portland Hiking Therapy in Oregon. Aimee's outpatient mental health work revolves around the transformative practice of conducting psychotherapy sessions while hiking, individually and in groups. This innovative approach not only benefits her clients but also plays a crucial role in Aimee's journey as a mental health practitioner. Aimee's hiking-based psychotherapy sessions of...

210: Adolescent Anxiety and the Healing Power of the Outdoors: An Interview with Wilderness Therapist Justin Messinger

October 10, 2023 09:30 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MB

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Justin Messinger, a primary therapist at the Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Program located in Georgia. Justin shares the myriad challenges presented by today's world, from the relentless pace of technology to complex social dynamics, many adolescents often find themselves feeling adrift, searching for a sense of identity and belonging. Drawing upon his experience in the field, Justin shares the transformative power of nature on the young mind...

209: Addressing Anxiety & OCD with Mountain Valley Techniques: Zack Schafer's 'Fear Less' Insight's

October 03, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MB

In this enlightening episode of "Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors," we sit down with Zack Schafer, the Executive Program Director at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. With a rich background in occupational therapy, Zack opens up about how the center uniquely addresses the challenges faced by young people battling anxiety and OCD. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding exposure response prevention (ERP) therapy, as Zack shares stories aboout this technique as well as...

208: Navigating Autism & Anxiety in College: The Transformative Power of Adventure

September 26, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MB

This week, we talk with Jake Weld, an experienced educator and Vice President of Mansfield Hall, as he delves into the multifaceted nature of anxiety among college students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With nearly 35% of college students and 40-50% of those with Autism confronting anxiety, this episode aims to unravel why these rates are significantly high within the ASD community. Jake sheds light on various contributing factors, from sensory sensitivities like light and s...

207: From Aspiro Wilderness/Adventure Therapy to Nature Based Preschool: Jenna Krueger’s Story

September 12, 2023 09:30 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

Dive deep with us in this heartwarming episode as Jenna Krueger, a former field guide at Aspiro, opens up about her journey and the profound shifts in her career and the outdoor therapy landscape. Jenna's candid revelations about learning of Aspiro's closure after dedicating over a year and a half of her life to the program offer an intimate glimpse into the ever-evolving world of wilderness and adventure therapy and the struggles when programs close. Sharing both personal and professional a...

206: Harnessing the Outdoors: How Summit Achievement Addresses Adolescent Anxiety with Mike DeLuca

September 05, 2023 09:30 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MB

In this enlightening episode of "Stories from the Field: Mental Health in the Outdoors," we're joined by the insightful Mike DeLuca, LCSW, a clinician at Summit Achievement - a unique adolescent residential treatment program with an adventure therapy component. Mike delves deep into his transformative journey, starting from his years at Outward Bound and the experiences that shaped his perspective on therapeutic outdoors practices. It was these formative years that led him to his different...

205: WinGate's Closure and the Future of Wilderness Therapy Programs

August 29, 2023 09:30 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

In this revealing special episode, we dive into the announcement that WinGate Wilderness Therapy in Utah is closing in September. WinGate has joined three other outdoor behavioral healthcare programs (SUWS of the Carolinas, Aspiro, Outback) to shutter its doors in recent months. We trace WinGate's origins, its rapid rise under Shayne and Sherry Gallagher and Family Help and Wellness, and ponder why these wilderness therapy programs, once hailed as life-changers, now face such existential cha...

204: Nature-Based Healing: The Millcreek Experiential Approach with Jessica Jo Stenquist

August 15, 2023 09:30 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

In this episode, we hear the story of Jessica Jo Stenquist, the inspiring Founder and CEO of Millcreek Experiential Wellness Center. With an illustrious seventeen-year-long career as a mental health clinician, Jessica Jo is no stranger to the transformative power of experiential therapy, and at Millcreek, she's sculpted a haven where nature becomes the ultimate therapist. In our conversation with Jessica Jo, we explore her journey, from her early days in therapeutic recreation to working a...

203: Reimagining Therapy in the Outdoors: Darcy Holt's Path at Three Peaks Ascent

August 08, 2023 09:30 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

In this episode, we talk with Darcy Holt, admissions director of Three Peaks Ascent, a new outdoor mental health treatment program in Utah.  Darcy also helps at Red Cliff Ascent, a wilderness therapy program that is a partner program of Three Peaks. Darcy discusses the similarities and differences between the two programs and how Three Peaks Ascent is reimbursable by insurance companies to help young people and their families get financial support for treatment. Darcy highlights the unique...

202: Running with Anxiety to Fear Less

August 01, 2023 09:30 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MB

In this episode, we delve into the compelling narrative of Will Laughlin, an ultra-marathoner, father, and CEO. Laughlin, a seasoned athlete who has endured the scorching heat of Death Valley and the severe cold of the Yukon, articulates how ultra-running has become a therapeutic tool for addressing his fears and anxieties. He expounds on the evolution of high-risk adventure expeditions and the impact of fatherhood on his perception of risk. Currently serving as the CEO of the innovative M...

201: Celebrating 20 Years of Wilderness Therapy Symposium

July 25, 2023 09:30 - 51 minutes - 47 MB

In this episode, we celebrate the 20th Wilderness Therapy Symposium by speaking with two key figures in the field. Our guests are Rob Meltzer, educational consultant and founder of the Wilderness Therapy Symposium, and Cristina Picozzi, executive director of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council. We start by delving into Rob's journey and inspiration for creating the Wilderness Therapy Symposium, highlighting the inspiration for starting the symposium and how it almost ended in its ear...

200: The End of Wilderness Therapy?

July 18, 2023 14:58 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MB

In the celebratory 200th episode of Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors, guest host Jake Weld catches up with the podcast's creator, Dr. Will White, who reflects on the transformative changes witnessed in outdoor therapies in the last 200 episodes. Will sees the field in a transformative era, with more acceptance of outdoor therapy's impact on mental health. However, he also notes a contraction in segments due to controversies surrounding adolescent programs that enroll st...

199: Finding Strength in Challenges: Dr. Hilary McCloy's Unwavering Spirit

July 04, 2023 09:30 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

In this week's episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Hilary McCloy, an esteemed Physical Therapist, a former member of the US Ski Team, and a remarkable athlete. Hilary shares her journey into high-risk sports, including being one of the best skiers in the world at the tender age of 15. She shares the inspiring story of achieving her dream of being named a member of the US Ski Team while, in the same week, facing a rare degenerative disease diagnosis. Her resilience and determin...

198: "Buried"-A Story of Healing After A High Risk Adventure Goes Bad

June 20, 2023 09:30 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MB

In this episode, we hear from Ken Wylie, author, speaker, facilitator, and former professional backcountry ski guide and mountaineer. Ken’s book "Buried" is a profound memoir about a 2003 tragedy where an avalanche killed seven backcountry skiers in Canada when Ken was a ski guide. The book explores the mountaineering community's intricate relationships and the personal decisions that led to a tragic event. It serves as a testament to the peace from accepting responsibility and personal grow...

197: A New Christian Wilderness Therapy Program!

June 13, 2023 09:30 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MB

In this special episode, we have a conversation with Dean Reynolds, the founder and executive director of Seeds Wilderness Therapy, located in Colorado. Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a Christian-based wilderness therapy program that started during the pandemic. Dean talks about his journey to Christianity after a terrible motorcycle accident and how he decided to serve others, leading him to the wilderness field. He shares his experience of working at various wilderness therapy programs in dif...

196: Everest as a Path to Transformation

June 06, 2023 09:30 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

In this engaging podcast episode, we converse with the acclaimed Director of Photography and Filmmaker, Thom Pollard. Known for his adventurous expeditions to some of the planet's most isolated spots, from the mystic Easter Island to the challenging summit of Mount Everest, Thom provides deep insights into his adventurous life. His thrilling high-risk exploits have changed his outlook on life and significantly shaped his mental health. Thom's numerous treks to the daunting heights of Everest...

195: How the Abrupt Closure of SUWS of the Carolinas by Acadia Healthcare Impacted Families, Employees and the Field: Special Episode

May 30, 2023 12:50 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

In this special episode, we dive into the sudden closure of SUWS of the Carolinas by Acadia Healthcare and the impact it had on families, employees, and the field as a whole. Our guest, Kevin Green, shares his experience with the program, as his son was attending SUWS when they received the shocking news of its closure. Kevin explains how his son was making progress in the program after participating in SUWS for eleven days and how his family had to quickly find an alternative placement afte...

194: "More: Life on the Edge of Adventure and Motherhood" author Majka Burhardt

May 16, 2023 10:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

In this episode, we talk with Majka Burhardt, a professional climber, social entrepreneur, author, mother of twins, filmmaker, and so much more. Majka has just written a new book titled, "More: Life on the Edge of Adventure and Motherhood," which is an intense and authentic memoir written in a unique style that combines letters to her children, reflections on motherhood and daughterhood, adventure, career, marriage, and so much more.  Majka shares the story of writing "More," including the...

193: Survival and Reckoning in the Hidden Mountains and Life

May 10, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 42 MB

In this episode, we are joined by Michael Wejchert, author of "Hidden Mountains: Survival and Reckoning After a Climb Gone Wrong." Michael's writing about adventure has been featured in various publications, including the New York Times, Adventure Journal, Climbing, Ascent, Alpinist, and more. He shares the fascinating story behind "Hidden Mountains," which recounts a harrowing climbing expedition in a remote Alaskan mountain range that took a dangerous turn, leading to a difficult rescue at...

192: From Traumatized by Restraints to Living "Without Restraint."

May 02, 2023 10:01 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

Ryan DeLayna shares his life experiences and the journey that led him to co-write his memoir with his father, "Without Restraint." Ryan shares how he spent most of his academic career in therapeutic schools due to behavioral challenges where he experienced various medications and restrictive interventions, including regular physical restraints. After voluntarily committing to a psychiatric hospital, his parents were advised to place him in a group home until adulthood. However, his father be...

191: The Closing of Two Wilderness Therapy Programs- Special Episode

April 25, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

In this special episode, we discuss the recent announcement that two long-standing and accredited Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council member programs - SUWS of the Carolinas in North Carolina and Aspiro in Utah will soon close. We will dive into the potential impacts of these closures on the greater field and the historical significance of the events. We'll examine the reasons behind the closures, the implications for the field, and what this means for the individuals and families seeking ...

190: Tammy Marks, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student

March 14, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MB

Tammy Marks is the parent of a former wilderness therapy student who enrolled in a program at 12 years old. Tammy shares her family's story of how her son struggled with his mood and behavior from an early age and how they tried to help him. When her son was in his later elementary school years, he was often suspended from school for oppositional behavior toward teachers and coaches. He brought her son to numerous mental health professionals with different treatment strategies, but nothing s...

189: Jen Murphy and Hilary Moses, co-authors of "H.O.M.E.: Strategies for Making Home a SUCCESS During and After Treatment."

March 07, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

Jen Murphy and Hilary Moses are the co-authors of "H.O.M.E.: Strategies for Making Home a SUCCESS During and After Treatment."   Jen and Hilary discuss that after years of working together at Solutions Parenting Support, they wrote a book about the many issues they address when coaching parents whose teens and young adults are in wilderness therapy.   "H.O.M.E." offers profound insights into the journey of wilderness therapy and other treatment options from two skilled practitioners and tea...

188: Marcie Steinberg, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student

February 28, 2023 10:45 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB

Marcie Steinberg is the parent of a former wilderness therapy student and peer parent at Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com). Marcie shares her family's story of how her son struggled with substance abuse disorder in his teens, the different interventions they tried to help him, and how Marcie and her husband ultimately decided to have their son transported to a wilderness therapy program in Georgia. Marcie shares how the transport process with their son occurred and the first letter they recei...

187: Carrie McLaughlin, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student

February 21, 2023 10:45 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MB

Carrie McLaughlin is the parent of a former wilderness therapy student. Carrie shares her story about the family's struggles when their son, while in his teens, battled with substance use disorder. She shares incidents of her son refusing school, a mobile crisis unit, and a house party that went out of control. Carrie discusses outpatient and residential treatment and how her son wouldn't participate or take advantage of it. Carrie reveals how she learned about a wilderness therapy program i...

186: Jon Fariello, Former Wilderness Therapy Student

February 07, 2023 10:45 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MB

Jon Fariello is a former wilderness therapy student who was transported to a wilderness therapy program as a teenager. He shares his thoughts and feelings about being transported to a wilderness program and an earlier transport to a residential treatment center. Jon talks about his life before going to the wilderness and his experiences in aftercare at a therapeutic boarding school. Jon reveals how his perspective on his life changed in the wilderness in part because he believed "there was n...

185: Casie Fariello, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student and Co-founder of Other Parents Like Me

January 31, 2023 10:30 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

Casie Fariello co-founded Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com), an online parent support platform, and is the parent of a former wilderness therapy student. Casie reflects on this podcast's last episode, which featured her husband, Mike Fariello, who shared his version of their family's story of behavioral healthcare treatment, including wilderness therapy, and his thoughts on Casie starting OPLM after retiring from the airline industry. Casie also reveals her feelings about having her son trans...

184: Michael Fariello, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student

January 24, 2023 10:45 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

Michael Fariello is the parent of a wilderness therapy student and a peer parent at Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com), an online parent support platform.  Michael shares his family's story of how they learned about wilderness therapy after their son went through outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient therapy, and a residential treatment center with little success in addressing his son's substance use disorder.  Mental health professionals and an educational consultant encouraged Michael and...

183: Richard Curtis, Clinical Interventionist

January 17, 2023 10:45 - 55 minutes - 51 MB

Richard Curtis is a Certified Clinical Interventionist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Parent Coach who helps parents and their teens and young adults through in-home interventions. Richard shares how his intervention style focuses on connecting with parents and their teens when they are in one of the most challenging spots in their family's life and helping them all make changes for the better. He dives into how the opportunity for change is helped through an intervention that includ...

182: Michelle King, co-author of "Into the Wilds: A Mothers Guide to Wilderness Therapy"

January 10, 2023 10:30 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

Michelle King is the co-author of the new book, "Into the Wilds: A Mothers Guide to Wilderness Therapy" and parent of a wilderness therapy student.  The book includes the stories of Michelle enrolling her son in a wilderness therapy program and comparing it with her co-author, Jenny Prince's, account of enrolling her daughter in the same program.  One parent chose to bring their teen to the program, while the other had their teen transported to the same program. One parent had their teen re...

181: York Ast, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student

January 03, 2023 10:20 - 1 hour - 58.3 MB

York Ast is the parent of a wilderness therapy student and the membership ambassador for Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com), an online parent support platform. York shares his family's story of how they learned about wilderness therapy after their son had entered his second inpatient psychiatric stay and continued to struggle. His son would enroll in a wilderness program in Georgia in March 2020. York reveals that everything in their family's life changed due to the timing of the enrollment as...

180: Liz Reitman, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student and Co-founder of Other Parents Like Me

December 28, 2022 11:21 - 1 hour - 56.8 MB

Liz Reitman is the parent of a wilderness therapy student and co-founder of Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com), a subscription-based online platform for parents of young people struggling with mental health and substance abuse challenges. Liz shares information about the support platform and her personal story about wilderness therapy.  Liz reveals how having her son attend a wilderness therapy program changed her life and what she recommends for parents whose teens are in a wilderness therapy...

179: George J. Grinnell, author of "A Death on the Barrens: A True Story of Courage and Tragedy in the Canadian Arctic."

December 12, 2022 22:11 - 1 hour - 74.3 MB

George Grinnell is the author of "A Death on the Barrens: A True Story of Courage and Tragedy in the Canadian Arctic" and a retired history professor. George shares the harrowing tale of how, in 1955, at the age of 22, he took part in an epic canoe expedition in the arctic that resulted in a tragedy, redemption and personal transformation. George reveals how the intensity of this rite of passage journey became a spiritual odyssey that changed how he viewed himself and the world. George sh...

178: Why I am leaving Wilderness Therapy

December 06, 2022 10:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MB

In this special episode, Will White, one of the co-founders of Summit Achievement, a hybrid wilderness therapy program in Maine, and host of the Stories from the Field: Demystifying Wilderness Therapy podcast, reveals why, in some ways, he is leaving wilderness therapy. Will hands the hosting duties to long-time friend Patrick McAvoy, the admissions director at New Visions in Wisconsin. Patrick interviews Will about his recent decision to step away from wilderness therapy and his thoughts on...