Adventure Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice

The evolution and history of adventure therapy, as chronicled in the second chapter of this book, well demonstrates how far this field has evolved from a “divergent therapy” into an efficacious form of therapy that engages clients on cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels. Adventure Therapy is written by three professionals who have been at the forefront of the field since its infancy. The theory, techniques, research, and case studies they present are the cutting edge of this field. The authors focus on: • the theory substantiating adventure therapy • illustrations that exemplify best practices • the research validating the immediate as well as long-term effects of adventure therapy, when properly conducted. This book is the leading academic text, professional reference, and training resource for adventure therapy practices in the field of mental health. It is appropriate for a wide range of audiences, including beginner and experienced therapists, as well as graduate students.

Table of Contents:
Meyer, Foreword. Introduction. A History of Adventure Therapy. A Psychotherapeutic Foundation for Adventure Therapy. Foundations. Exploring the Foundation of Nature's Role in Adventure Therapy. Adventure Therapy Models. Assessment in Adventure Therapy. Doing Adventure Therapy. Risk Management of Adventure Therapy Programs. Adventure Therapy Competencies. Supervision. Adventure Therapy Ethics. Research and Evaluation. A View of the Future for Adventure Therapy. Appendix A: Risk Management of Adventure Therapy Programs. Appendix B: Adventure Therapy Competencies. Appendix C: Adventure Therapy Ethics.

About the Author :
Michael A. Gass, PhD, is a Professor and Coordinator of the Outdoor Education Program in the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire, and a licensed marriage and family therapist. H.L. “Lee” Gillis, PhD, is Professor and Chair of Psychological Science at Georgia College, and a licensed psychologist. Keith C. Russell, PhD, is a Professor in the Recreation Program at Western Washington University.

Review :
“This is the most relevant, important, and salient contribution to the practice of Adventure Therapy in two decades. This is a timely step toward professionalism and congruence with more accepted mental health practices.” - Tiffany Wynn, Prescott College, Arizona, USA, and Director, Adventure Based Psychotherapy & Ecopsychology Concentrations, Arizona, USA “Adventure Therapy masterfully weds a half-century of rich clinical practice with well-reasoned theory and promising research. The editors have skillfully woven a convincing, exciting, and visionary fabric of support for an intervention that has been shown to be life changing.” - Gary M. Burlingame, Past-President (2011) & Fellow, Division 49, APA, and Brigham Young University, Utah, USA “This is a necessary resource in the newly developing and burgeoning field of adventure therapy. It clearly outlines how to ethically and competently use adventure based therapy and is a must-have in all practitioners’ libraries.” - Janice DeLucia-Waack, SUNY–Buffalo, New York, USA