Session Title: (160) How a River Saves Lives: Anecdotal Evidence Supporting the Efficacy of Wilderness Therapy

Session Type: Education Session Talk
Topic(s): Health and Wellness
Military Recreation

Day/Time: Thursday - Block 7
10/12/2023 10:30 AM (Central Time (US & Canada)) - 10/12/2023 11:30 AM (Central Time (US & Canada))

Room: Room D163

Audience Experience Level: Any level
Audience Familiarity with DEI: Any Level
CEU: 0.1

Description:
Come on an inspiring journey on the Green and Colorado Rivers and learn about the profound effect that multiday whitewater rafting trips have on active-duty service members and veterans.

Using backcountry rivers trips as a therapeutic modality for more than 20 years and witnessing the interruption of acute combat stress and the alleviation of post-traumatic stress disorder, I will explore how building therapeutic connection with peers in nature and the manner in which this interaction facilitates improved self-confidence, self-esteem and self-image commonly break through previously debilitating internal barriers.

Through storytelling and vivid images, backed by studies from Daniel Dustin, Ph.D., and excerpts from “The Wilderness Within” and “This Land is Our Land,” I will share this understanding of the ways in which natural environments are the optimal landscapes in which to address trauma, decrease risk factors and improve mental health.

Learning Objectives:
1. After attending this session, attendees should understand the value of wild places as contributory to mental health improvement.
2. Attendees should sense the emotional growth available to active-duty service members and veterans as a result of a therapeutic program with clinical leadership.
3. Attendees should feel a sense of inspiration and awe in the life-altering stories presented.

Speaker(s):

Karen House
Teresa Penbrooke