The parts I've lost: An autoethnographic study of a transition program designed to aid former wilderness therapy field instructors
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Connor Mathias (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Callie Spencer Schultz
Abstract: The efficacy of wilderness programs incorporating therapeutic methods has long been researched, and studies have found wilderness interventions beneficial for youth and adults suffering from various mental and behavioral challenges (Berman & Davis-Berman, 2008). The success and safety of the clients often fall on the field instructors (FI) employed in these types of programs. FI oversee the day-to-day safety of the clients and assist in leading expedition-based therapeutic outdoor programming for youth. Due to the volatile and unpredictable nature of wilderness therapy (WT) and outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH) programs, these instructors are uniquely positioned to encounter various traumatic experiences and other potential life-altering mental health conditions (Bunce, 1989). Field Instructors face numerous challenges, including (1) constant awareness to keep clients safe, (2) lack of time for self-care, (3) threats or acts of violence from clientele, (4) stress that arises from working with clients with mental issues such as self-harm (Kirby, 2006; Kirk & O’Connell, 201;). Many wilderness therapy instructors encounter and develop various mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), secondary traumatic stress (STS), transference, and shared and vicarious trauma (Marchand & Russell, 2013; Wilson, 2009). Instructors become adept at caring for their clients; however, the same field instructors often forego their needs for the health and safety of the children and young adults they look after.Therefore, my research proposes that an intentionally designed transition program for wilderness therapy instructors, either currently employed or leaving the field, will provide individuals with the space to reflect on their experiences and the resources to set themselves up for success. The purpose of this study is to explore my experiences in said transition program. I ask two questions to guide my research: (1) What are my experiences on a self-designed, 3-day backpacking course for former wilderness therapy instructors? (2) How did the course impact my physical, emotional, and psychological transition out of the wilderness therapy field into everyday life?
The parts I've lost: An autoethnographic study of a transition program designed to aid former wilderness therapy field instructors
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Created on 4/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Autoethnography, Field Instructor, Transition Program, Wilderness Therapy
- Subjects
- Adventure therapy
- Outdoor recreation
- Teachers
- Psychic trauma
- Cognitive therapy