Members of the Armed Forces face unique stressors both before and after leaving the service. Unfortunately, these often lead to substance abuse and mental health issues. There are many therapy programs for vets, but traditional approaches can seem simultaneously monotonous and overwhelming. That’s where Adventure Therapy for veterans can help.
Adventure therapy is an experiential approach that originated in the 1960s. It combines exercises, community and nature with the traditional therapeutic model. It’s also one of the many forms of therapy offered by Transformations Mending Fences. If you’re seeking the best Adventure Therapy programs for veterans, there are plenty of options available.
Contact Transformations Mending Fences today to learn how these programs can help.
Amidst serene waters and breathtaking landscapes, our veterans discover a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie. Our expert-guided sessions combine the thrill of outdoor adventure with therapeutic interventions, promoting physical wellness and mental resilience. Vets embrace the challenge of strong currents or glide peacefully along tranquil shores, as they embark on a path towards rejuvenation and inner peace.
When it comes to physically demanding activities, it doesn’t get much more grueling than rock climbing. Even if you’re only taking part in bouldering — climbing artificial rock or smaller formations — the activity requires both strength and resiliency. This is part of what makes this Adventure Therapy program for vets so effective.
Rock climbing allows participants to confront their fears. It puts obstacles in their way — obstacles that may seem insurmountable — and allows them to persevere through planning, effort and practice. This amazing metaphor for life works hand in hand with the known positive effects of physical activity and nature.
Of course, that’s true for just about any form of Adventure Therapy veterans might use. Research has shown that rock climbing is especially helpful, though, as it offers benefits even without therapy. Research from the University of Arizona found that bouldering could reduce symptoms of depression after a mental health diagnosis.
One of the easiest aspects of Adventure Therapy for veterans to overlook is meditation. When you envision treatment, it’s easy to forget the therapeutic part while focusing on the adventure. After these exciting activities, though, meditation in the Labyrinth follows. This is where a licensed therapy team can help you process what you gained during intensive therapy.
If you’ve never heard of the Labyrinth, it’s a pattern of pathways that lead to a central point. It is an important metaphor for your journey and that’s why it serves such an essential role in Adventure Therapy for vets. When used with Optum VA CCN for mental health treatment and in the Help For Our Heroes program at Mending Fences, the benefits offered can help you see things clearly.
Few people can understand the extreme stressors faced by the men and women of the Armed Forces. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs available that can help. A traditional approach, however, simply isn’t enough for many veterans. After years of physical training and grueling missions, sitting in a therapist’s chair or around a circle with others simply won’t cut it.
That’s what makes Adventure Therapy programs for vets so vital. The programs we’ve discussed here only scratch the surface of what’s available. If you’re ready to take your life back with a program that really speaks to you, it’s important to get started right away. Contact us today at Mending Fences and get started on the path to physical and mental wellness.
