Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Health & Fitness:Mental Health
In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Justin Messinger, a primary therapist at the Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Program located in Georgia. Justin shares the myriad challenges presented by today's world, from the relentless pace of technology to complex social dynamics, many adolescents often find themselves feeling adrift, searching for a sense of identity and belonging.
Drawing upon his experience in the field, Justin shares the transformative power of nature on the young mind. At the heart of this is a belief that basic outdoor living – from regular sleep patterns to the simple act of being in sunlight – has an inherent power to calm the human nervous system and provide a foundation for introspection.
But Justin's expertise doesn’t stop at the general youth population. He specializes in helping adolescent boys with neurodevelopmental and learning differences, a group that frequently grapples with feelings of isolation and frustration. Through the structure of Blue Ridge, these students find countless opportunities for social interactions, turning potential challenges into teachable moments. Nature, Justin believes, provides the safe space required to develop social skills, gain confidence, and ultimately, find belonging.
The episode delves deep into Justin’s clinical approach, which is characterized by warmth, empathy, and a commitment to individualized care. As he succinctly puts it, in order to truly effect change, both the individual and their family must be part of the therapeutic journey.
Season 17 of Stories from the Field is focused on Anxiety and is underwritten by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.
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
216: Adventure Therapy for Anxiety: Exploring Dr. Stephanie Marti's Outpatient Practice
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