Effectiveness of Wilderness Therapy Programs By: Mark Peterson Troubled teens are the children who are inherently good and have the ability to be successful, but because of unhealthy misperceptions about themselves, they have limited access to their own abilities and intensities. Wilderness therapy program that will help them put life in perspective and deal with the issues and problems that currently govern their existence. By changing the children’s environment alone, the wilderness setting moves children from their "emotional comfort zone" by shifting them to new and challenging opportunities. The demands of mastering their new setting stimulates students to engage in their natural behavioral habits, allowing our therapists and highly trained counselors to positively engage them using traditional therapeutic methods. Our outdoor experience is designed to engage the deeply held passions and desire for purpose that characterize adolescence. Students are expertly guided through our experiential activities allowing them to discover for themselves their inner strengths while increasing self-awareness and self-esteem. We call this “Self Discovery in Nature”. The program uses a Medicine Wheel metaphor to teach students character development, as well as to assist in the identification of core values and guiding principles. Students are personally challenged as they proceed to the course experience. And in the midst of giving of themselves, they find themselves. It is not our intent to train students in survival skills, but rather to allow them to discover their inner value and strengths by becoming essential, functioning members of a team. The individual reflection time also strengthens within to commit to the goals they have set for themselves. Living this metaphor throughout the program facilitates the process of searching for one's true self, and illuminates how best to stay true to this self-discovery upon completion of the program. About the Author: Mark Peterson has done a lot of research about www.ascent4teens.com/services.htm”> wilderness therapy Through his research he has compiled a lot of information about troubled teens . Related Articles Little Playzone More Than Just A Playpen It s A Playzone Of Excitement What you could do with bouncy castles How to Achieve Picture Perfect Shots via Digital Photography What Will be the Safest Baby Vehicle Seat For You The Best High School Graduation Present Beekeeping The Processing Of Honey Find A Good Lodge In Thailand Stop Bed Wetting Dvds And Cds Helpful Tools In Each Bed Wetter s Arsenal Discover the Finest Methods to Keep away from Gaining Unnecessary Pregnancy Weight Holidays In Portugal A World Of Variety After Pregnancy Belly Fat How To Speedily Drop The Pounds After Having A Little One Important Baby Furniture Terms and Definitions Caring For Elderly Parents and Feeling Negative About Life Finding The Best Assisted Living Home For You How To Shop For Dump Truck Toys Baby Shower Crafts Baby Diaper Cakes