Wilderness — also called Nature-Based Therapy, Outdoor Education, or Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, is a unique blend of psychological care, outdoor challenges and experiential learning. These top books and podcasts about wilderness programs are well-researched and engaging. They provide the holistic view of why nature matters for our healing and growth, while giving inspiration to go experience the outdoors.
Top Books About Wilderness Programs:
Stories from the Field: A History of Wilderness Therapy by Will White
A deep, historical look at how Wilderness therapy evolved in the United States, from early character camps to modern therapeutic practices. Witten by one of the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the field. It can be found here.
Wilderness Therapy for Women: The Power of Adventure by Ellen Cole, Esther D. Rothblum & Eve M. Tallman
The contributing authors illustrate the empowerment, confidence and self-esteem women can derive from adventure and experiential activities. This is the first book of its kind devoted to the symbolic value of wilderness accomplishments to women’s mental health. It can be found here.
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
A New York Times bestseller, explores how modern kids are growing up increasingly disconnected from nature and reveals why outdoor experiences are vital to healthy childhood development. It also helped launch the broader Nature-Connection movement. It can be found here.
Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young, Ellen Haas & Evan McGown
A valuable, practical and inspiring guide to mentoring young people in nature. This book blends storytelling and outdoor activities to nurture curiosity and the beauty of nature for building courage and self-sufficiency. It has been said that this book is “good medicine for Nature-Deficit Disorder,” It’s a favorite among educators, parents and outdoor mentors. It can be found here.
Shouting at the Sky: Troubled Teens and the Promise of the Wild by Gary Ferguson Award-winning writer Gary Ferguson is once again bound for the back-country, this time to spend a season in one of the country’s most remarkable programs for struggling teens. It shares personal stories that capture wilderness as a powerful environmental force connected with healing and self-discovery. It can be found here.
Adventure Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice by Michael Gass, H.L. “LEE” Gillis and Keith C. Russell
A leading text in the field of adventure therapy, outdoor behavioral healthcare, and wilderness therapy, this book is written by three professionals who have been at the forefront of the field since the beginning. It is a great training resource for adventure therapy practices in the field of mental health. It can be found here.
A Wilderness Journey by Tami Ann
Written for parents or caregivers who have made, or are considering the difficult decision to place their child in a Wilderness Therapy program. This intimate and heartfelt memoir, woven throughout with letters and journal accounts, offers a unique view of the Wilderness experience that has frequently been shrouded in mystery or misunderstood. It can be found here.
Some classic wilderness and outdoor reads:
The beauty of the wilderness is not always about structured programs, these books capture the spirit of wilderness immersion and it’s personal transformation:
- Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer’s bestselling biography of Chris McCandless’ trek into the Alaskan wilderness.
- Desert Solitaire – Edward Abbey’s classic reflections on Wilderness experience and solitude.
- Wild: An Elemental Journey – Jay Griffiths’ lyrical exploration of wild places and human connections.
Top Podcasts About Wilderness Programs:
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors Podcast
A must-listen for anyone curious about Wilderness therapy and outdoor healing modalities. Hosted by Dr. Will White, this long-running show features expert guests, real stories from professionals and program participants, and deep dives into the ethics and evolution of Wilderness-based practices.
The Wilderness Mind & The Nature of Well-Being Podcast
Celebrating all things nature and wellbeing, host JK invites you to explore how our connection with nature can enhance health and happiness.
It’s in the Experience Podcast
The Executive Director of the Association for Experiential Education, Sherry Bagley chats with various guests using experiential education principles and methods.
Earthy Chats Podcast
Chats with environment educators about best practices, changing trends and new insights.
Wilderness Therapy & Residential Treatment Center Journey podcast
Hosted by Andy Goldstrom, speaks to other parents who have been through the Wilderness therapy journey with their child.
Some individual episodes:
No Barriers Podcast, Episode 195, Approaches to Wilderness Therapy
Hosts Katelyn McKinney to talk about the effects of wild places on the human psyche. She connect broader wilderness adventure programs with mental resilience, identity, and transformative experiences for diverse populations.
The Thoughtful Counselor Podcast, Episode 183, Wilderness Family Therapy -Embracing Nature as a Co-Therapist, with guest Scott Bandoroff, talks about how nature acts like a co-therapist as families integrate new ways of being together.
Understanding the Human Condition podcast, Episode 087, Wilderness Therapy – Why Does it Work?, with guest John Karren, talks about the value of outdoor therapy for the whole family.
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors Podcast, Episode 186,
a former wilderness therapy student shares his thought and feeling about the experience.
On Boys Podcast, Episode date November 4, 2021, Another View of Wilderness Therapy, hosts two parents and their son to talk about the Wilderness experience through the eyes of each of them.
At Therapeutic Educational Consulting, we guide, support and recommend placement options for treatment centers, nature-based therapy, therapeutic boarding schools, struggling-to-launch programs and alternative education for adolescents and young adults.
Schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss options.
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