Is wilderness therapy right for you and your child? Find out by answering these 15 questions. Wilderness therapy is a form of adventure therapy that relies on the natural aspects of a primitive outdoor sojourn or wilderness expedition. Wilderness therapy is often used for behavior modification by the families of young people. Some "wilderness therapy programs trace their origins to outdoor survival programs that placed children in a challenging environment where determination, communication and team efforts were outcomes" (Conner 2005). Alternately some programs are derived from a more ecopsychology perspective, according to the Director of the Wilderness Therapy Program at Naropa University, "through contemplative practice and the experiential outdoor classroom, students gain further self-awareness and the ability to respond to whatever arises in the moment" (Piranian 2006). Most programs employ no force, confrontation, point or level systems, or other overt behavioral modification techniques or models. They stress assertiveness, open communication between staff and students, and are very group-oriented. It is very important to note that there are MANY models of wilderness therapy reflective of different programs.

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