Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Health & Fitness:Mental Health
In this enlightening episode, we talk with Dr. Stephanie Marti, a pioneering adventure psychotherapist. The discussion begins with an introduction to Stephanie's unique therapeutic approach, which elegantly combines mental health services with experiential learning and adventure, all within the embrace of nature's beauty in Marin County, California.
Stephanie shares her journey as a teen, deeply intertwined with her professional evolution. She traces her passion for adventure therapy to her father, a fervent outdoor enthusiast, and her experiences at Cascade School, which she attended as a teen. Stephanie discusses the controversies about the now-closed Cascade School and her experiences attending this therapeutic boarding school.
While studying for her doctorate in the late 1990s, despite initial academic challenges in finding information about wilderness therapy, Stephanie's persistence in researching wilderness therapy for her dissertation reveals her commitment to this innovative approach. Her study on a female-only trek at Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy offers valuable insights into the healing powers of nature and adventure in therapy.
Throughout the episode, Stephanie articulates the significance of integrating physical activities with psychological healing, using compelling client stories to illustrate her methods. One particularly moving example involves a young girl overcoming trauma through rock climbing, highlighting the transformative potential of adventure psychotherapy. Stephanie also delves into the broader implications of her outpatient practice, advocating for the essential role of outdoor therapy in promoting wellness and fostering a deep connection with the environment.
Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives at storiesfromthefield.com and learn more about Mountain Valley Treatment Center, the sponsor of this season of anxiety, at mountainvalleytreatment.org.
235: Thriving After Wilderness Therapy: Colin MacDonald's Path to Not Therapy
234: Enhancing Adventure Therapy Practice: Insights from Westminster University
233: Wilderness Therapy Under Fire: A Deep Dive with Reporter Jessica Miller
232: Exploring Outdoor Therapy with David Wynn from Blue Ridge Treks
231: Surf Therapy: A New Wave in Therapeutic Practices with Cash Lambert
230: Everest Inc.: Debunking Myths with Author Will Cockrell
229: Healing in the Outdoors: 'No Child Left Inside” author Bryn Lottig on the Journey to Emotional Well-being
228: Embark's Closure of New Visions and the Future of Wilderness Therapy
227: From Military to Mindfulness: Tripp Johnson's Journey to Behavioral Healthcare Innovation
226: From Addiction to Adventure: How Nature Transforms Lives with Nate Bennick
225: Embracing Adventure for Recovery: The Foundation House Experience
224: Navigating Controversy: Dr. Madolyn Liebing's Take on Wilderness Therapy's Future and Addiction Treatment in Outdoor Settings
223: Recovery in the Outdoors: Roy DuPrez's Journey to Sobriety and the Back2Basics Story
222: Empowering Young Adults when “At the Crossroads” with Mike Hench
221: The Closure of Open Sky: Is this the “Winter” of Wilderness Therapy?
220: Tommy Rosen's Recovery 2.0: Transforming Addiction Treatment with Holistic Healing
219: From Phish to Fulfillment: Trey Anastasio & Melanie Gulde's Recovery Vision
218: Recovery in the Wild: Transforming Lives Through Outdoor Adventures
217: Nature's Therapy: Unveiling Soul Degree's Power in Men's Wellness with Chris Robbins
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