Wilderness Therapy Careers: Your Guide

Are you passionate about the great outdoors and helping others? Wilderness therapy jobs might be the perfect fit for you! It's a unique and rewarding field that combines the therapeutic benefits of nature with the challenge of working with individuals facing various emotional and behavioral difficulties. In this guide, we'll dive deep into what wilderness therapy is, the types of jobs available, the skills and qualifications you'll need, and the steps you can take to launch your career in this exciting field. So, let's get started, guys!

What is Wilderness Therapy?

Wilderness therapy, also known as outdoor behavioral healthcare, is a form of therapy that takes place in a wilderness setting. It's designed to help individuals, often adolescents and young adults, who are struggling with issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, and behavioral problems. The core principle of wilderness therapy is to remove individuals from their familiar environments, placing them in a natural setting where they can experience challenges, build resilience, and develop new coping mechanisms. Wilderness therapy programs typically involve a team of therapists, field guides, and support staff who work together to provide a structured and supportive environment for clients. The therapeutic process often includes individual therapy, group therapy, and experiential activities like hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. It's a pretty cool approach, if you ask me!

Wilderness therapy programs are usually several weeks long, with clients living in tents or other temporary shelters. The focus is on creating a safe and therapeutic environment where clients can work through their issues and develop the skills they need to succeed. The daily routine often includes individual and group therapy sessions, as well as outdoor activities that promote physical and emotional well-being. The field staff plays a crucial role in providing structure, support, and guidance to the clients. It's about more than just backpacking and camping. It's about fostering personal growth, building self-esteem, and creating lasting change. The core tenet is to make the individual feel challenged and self-reliant.

The benefits of wilderness therapy are numerous. It can help clients develop a stronger sense of self, improve their communication and interpersonal skills, and learn how to manage their emotions. The outdoor setting provides a unique opportunity for clients to connect with nature, which can have a profound impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Clients also learn valuable life skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. Wilderness therapy can be an incredibly effective treatment option for individuals who have struggled with traditional forms of therapy. By stepping outside the confines of a clinical setting, clients have the chance to discover new strengths, overcome challenges, and build a foundation for a healthier and more fulfilling life. As the clients go through their therapy, they also become more aware of their surroundings and develop a connection with nature and the environment. It’s all part of the process, you know?

Types of Wilderness Therapy Jobs

There are a variety of wilderness therapy jobs available, ranging from direct client care to administrative roles. Here's a look at some of the most common positions:

• Therapist: Therapists are at the heart of wilderness therapy programs. They provide individual, group, and family therapy to clients. They're responsible for developing treatment plans, facilitating therapy sessions, and monitoring clients' progress. Therapists typically have a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, and they're licensed or eligible for licensure in their state. This role requires excellent clinical skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and a passion for helping others.
• Field Guide/Outdoor Educator: Field guides are responsible for leading clients on outdoor expeditions and providing support and guidance. They ensure client safety, facilitate outdoor activities, and help clients develop outdoor living skills. They also work closely with therapists to support the therapeutic process. A field guide typically has experience in outdoor recreation, a passion for working with young people, and strong leadership and communication skills. Field guides are the backbone of the program and are integral in helping the clients. These individuals have to be highly adaptive to any and all situations.
• Program Director: Program directors oversee the overall operation of wilderness therapy programs. They're responsible for managing staff, developing and implementing program policies, and ensuring the program meets all regulatory requirements. A program director typically has a master's degree in a related field and several years of experience in wilderness therapy or a related field. This role requires strong leadership, management, and organizational skills.
• Clinical Director: Clinical directors are responsible for overseeing the clinical aspects of a wilderness therapy program. They supervise therapists, provide clinical training, and ensure the quality of clinical services. Clinical directors typically have a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, and they're licensed or eligible for licensure in their state. This role requires excellent clinical skills, strong leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of wilderness therapy principles.
• Support Staff: Support staff play a vital role in wilderness therapy programs. They may include administrative staff, cooks, and other personnel who provide essential services to clients and staff. The support staff ensures the smooth operation of the program and provides the infrastructure needed to support the therapeutic process. This staff also needs to be highly adaptable to changing circumstances, as the needs of the clients can change very quickly.

Skills and Qualifications for Wilderness Therapy Jobs

To land a wilderness therapy job, you'll need a combination of education, experience, and personal qualities. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements:

• Education: Most therapy positions require a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Field guide positions may require a bachelor's degree or relevant experience. You'll also need to meet state licensure requirements for therapists.
• Experience: Prior experience working with adolescents or young adults, particularly those with mental health or behavioral issues, is highly desirable. Experience in outdoor recreation or wilderness skills is also beneficial for field guide positions.
• Certifications: Certifications in areas like wilderness first aid, CPR, and crisis intervention are often required or preferred.
• Skills: Strong clinical skills, communication skills, leadership abilities, and a passion for helping others are essential. Field guides need strong outdoor skills, the ability to manage groups, and a commitment to safety. The ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances is also paramount.
• Personal Qualities: Patience, empathy, compassion, resilience, and a genuine interest in helping others are critical. Wilderness therapy can be challenging, so you'll need to be able to handle stress, work long hours, and be comfortable in a wilderness setting.

How to Get a Wilderness Therapy Job

So, you're ready to start your career in wilderness therapy? Here are the steps you can take:

1. Get the Right Education: Earn a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field if you want to be a therapist. For field guide positions, a bachelor's degree or relevant experience is often sufficient.
2. Gain Experience: Seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions in wilderness therapy or related fields. This will help you gain experience and develop your skills.
3. Get Certified: Obtain certifications in areas like wilderness first aid, CPR, and crisis intervention. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to safety and preparedness.
4. Network: Connect with professionals in the wilderness therapy field. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and network with people who work in the field. Networking can open doors to job opportunities.
5. Create a Strong Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight your education, experience, skills, and certifications. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for, emphasizing the qualifications that are most relevant to the position.
6. Prepare for Interviews: Research the program and the position you're applying for. Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your experience, skills, and personal qualities.
7. Apply for Jobs: Search for job openings on websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and the websites of wilderness therapy programs. Apply for positions that match your qualifications and interests.
8. Be Persistent: The job search process can take time, so be persistent and don't give up. Keep applying for jobs, networking, and developing your skills.

Conclusion

Wilderness therapy jobs offer a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. By pursuing the right education, gaining experience, and developing the necessary skills, you can launch a rewarding career in this fulfilling field. Remember to be passionate, adaptable, and committed to helping others, and you'll be well on your way to a successful career in wilderness therapy. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your new career!