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

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. At the heart of this is a belief that basic outdoor living – from regular sleep patterns to the simple act of being in sunlight – has an inherent power to calm the human nervous system and provide a foundation for introspection.

But Justin's expertise doesn’t stop at the general youth population. He specializes in helping adolescent boys with neurodevelopmental and learning differences, a group that frequently grapples with feelings of isolation and frustration. Through the structure of Blue Ridge, these students find countless opportunities for social interactions, turning potential challenges into teachable moments. Nature, Justin believes, provides the safe space required to develop social skills, gain confidence, and ultimately, find belonging.

The episode delves deep into Justin’s clinical approach, which is characterized by warmth, empathy, and a commitment to individualized care. As he succinctly puts it, in order to truly effect change, both the individual and their family must be part of the therapeutic journey.

Season 17 of Stories from the Field is focused on Anxiety and is underwritten by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.