Additionally, family involvement is emphasized at Trails Carolina, allowing parents and guardians to support their children during this transformative experience.” “Wilderness therapy is a form of therapeutic intervention that involves outdoor activities and nature-based experiences to help individuals overcome mental health challenges. Trails Carolina is one such program that offers wilderness therapy for troubled teens. Trails Carolina is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where participants are immersed in a natural environment that promotes healing and growth. The program combines adventure-based activities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and canoeing with individual and group therapy sessions to address emotional and behavioral issues.
The program caters to adolescents aged 10-17 who struggle with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, substance abuse problems, ADHD/ADD or other behavioral issues. Participants stay at the facility for an average of eight weeks but can extend their stay if necessary. One unique aspect of Trails Carolina’s approach is its focus on building relationships between participants and staff members. Each participant has a primary therapist who works closely with them throughout their time at the program. Additionally, there are field instructors who lead outdoor activities while also providing support during challenging moments. The wilderness setting provides an opportunity for participants to disconnect from technology and distractions while learning new skills like survival techniques or orienteering. These experiences build self-confidence as well as foster teamwork among peers.
Therapy sessions take place both individually and in groups where participants learn coping mechanisms through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family systems theory (FST) approaches among others depending on each person’s needs. Family involvement plays a crucial role in the success of Trails Carolina’s programs; parents participate in weekly phone calls with their child’s therapist to discuss progress made during treatment. In conclusion, Wilderness Therapy programs like Trails Carolina offer effective interventions for adolescents struggling with various mental health challenges. The program’s unique approach of combining outdoor activities with therapy sessions and family involvement has proven to be successful in helping participants overcome their struggles and develop the skills necessary for long-term recovery.” “Trails Carolina is a therapeutic wilderness program that offers family-centered healing for struggling adolescents.
