Wilderness Therapy Helpful for Anxiety and Depression

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Anxiety and depression can be debilitating, but a certain type of therapy is hoping to help patients suffering from not only anxiety and depression but also ADHD, substance abuse and survivors of trauma.

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“Partaking in yoga has kick started my journey into fitness and I am confident that I will live a much longer, fuller life because of it. My anxiety no longer consumes my entire being and does define me anymore. Every moment of my time at Open Sky helped me grow.” — Alex, Open Sky Alumni Student (Young Adults, 2016) ↟ ↟ ↟ #mindfulmonday #meditationpractice #mindfulness #yogatherapy #yogaoutdoors #yogaeverywhere #alumni #openskywilderness

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According to Refinery 29, wilderness therapy – also known as outdoor adventure therapy and outdoor behavioral health care – is gaining popularity in helping to treat people’s needs by getting them out in nature participating in various challenges.

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Don't forget to drink water and get some sun. You're basically a house plant with more complicated emotions. #wildernesslife #water #friends #growingup #wildernesstherapy #starguides #complicatedemotions #cleanfeet #sunhats #hiking #twinning #handheart #orangeshirtgang

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A typical session can include anything from rock climbing to hiking, stand-up paddleboarding to meditating in the wilderness. According to Refinery 29, people may go solo with a therapist, bring along a partner, or participate in a group activity.
“It’s that use of nature, the group challenge and adventure, mindfulness, and a therapeutic relationship, that all kind of come together to really help the client feel improved,” Christine Lynn Norton, PhD, LCSW, associate professor in the school of social work at Texas State University, San Marcos shared with Refinery 29.

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We all know finding that right balance in life is key to maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Balance is based around a 'tipping point'. Even too much of a 'good thing' can cause you to lose your balance. This can be a struggle in a lifestyle based around travel and freedom. ⁠⠀ Finding stillness on your paddle board will then also translate more balance into other areas of your life. 🌊 . . . . #SUP #paddleboarding #getoutside #explore #laketime #lakelife #outdooradventures #wildernesstherapy #selfcare #getactive

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“In a nutshell, people are just really disconnected right now,” Dr. Norton revealed, adding that wilderness therapy helps patients foster a reconnection to themselves, others, and the natural world.