Adventure as Therapy

Adventure therapy is often referred to as activity-based counselling. However, as a charity, we may work alongside individuals or groups who need nothing more than an opportunity to get outside, in an environment which may not be familiar or natural to them. A chance to interact with family or friends and learn or challenge themselves - whether that is physically, emotionally or a combination of the two.

Therefore, one of the greatest things that Adventure Therapy can provide during an activity is the therapeutic benefits of spending time in the natural world. Whether individuals are joining from urban areas or live in rural communities, but rarely have the chance to experience nature and embrace the elements.

The things we often take for granted in life, such as going for a walk or hike in the countryside, cycling a forest trail or enjoying activities in the sea, can lift spirits, boost energy levels and help people to gain a new perspective. We are there to help people who may struggle to participate overcome obstacles - and take part.

While outdoor and adventure therapy is not a direct replacement for statutory or clinical mental health care, it can be treated as a complementary approach. And for some, where traditional forms of mental health support have failed, Adventure Therapy can help people to gain a new perspective where we improve, change or help to save lives in times of crisis.

The Adventure Therapy team includes qualified outdoor instructors, occupational therapists, psychotherapists and a wonderful team of volunteers who support at activities. 

Our range of activity programmes may last a couple of hours or a day. However, unlike many forms of therapy, time is not spent talking in a clinical or indoor environment, to a medical professional or therapist. It's spent in nature; a chance to listen, learn, interact - and enjoy the sensory benefits of the great outdoors.

Adventure Therapy provides an escape from the modern world. An opportunity to pause and experience the sights, smells, sounds and feel of nature. The sand, sea, rocks and trees bring their own visual masterpieces and sounds - and an opportunity to reflect through new and emotive experiences.

This provides an opportunity to become self-aware and recognise when things have been accomplished: scaling a rockface, paddling a kayak along the coast, being in the sea and surfing a wave for the first time, hitting the target with an arrow. Facing initial (and understandable) fear and trepidation: abseiling, riding a horse or jumping from rocks into the sea. Interacting with others and making friends. Accepting support - and offering it.

Often, the challenges we face in an outdoor environment can be directly reflected in those that we all face in every day life. And the choices we make can have a direct impact - or indirect consequences. 

Importantly, our participants are instrumental in their own treatment: their level of involvement can have a direct impact on its outcome.

The activities we provide are relative to the individuals abilities and capabilities and because our service users receive positive benefits, they are motivated to continue taking part.

It is also important to recognise that experiences can be relative to real-life situations and can help individuals to overcome obstacles and to grow, personally.

Grit. Determination. Fortitude. And vitally, our activities are fun to be part of!