CLAYTON, GA, April 8, 2023 /24-7press release/ — Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness offers clinically-focused wilderness therapy programs that include advanced therapeutic skills, a highly flexible wilderness therapy model, a licensed wilderness therapy assessment, and multiple treatment options for struggling teens ages 13-18 and young adults ages 18-29 Emerald Arrow- Program. Her individualized approach, family support, and commitment to service result in an unparalleled experience and better outcomes for youth and families.
On March 31, Blue Ridge Therapists Bob Hennen, LCMHC, LCAS, Justin Messinger, LCMHC, and Lizzy Seib, LMFT shared presentations on best practices and benefits of working with substance use disorders and evaluating autism in wilderness therapy at the Regional Wilderness of Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council Therapy Symposium in Asheville, North Carolina.
Bob Hennen specializes in substance use and addiction and is a Blue Ridge Primary Therapist for adolescent boys ages 13-18 and individuals ages 18-29 in Blue Ridge’s Emerald Arrow program. In his “Recovery Before Abstinence” presentation, Bob explained the modalities involved in applying a harm reduction approach when working with individuals who face problems related to substance use and addiction. The presentation emphasized the need for healthcare teams to recognize personal biases and the benefits of empowering patients to make self-directed decisions. Bob also discussed ways therapists can build strong relationships with clients by meeting them as individuals, beginning treatment at the level each individual is currently at, focusing on clients’ strengths, and not making abstinence a prerequisite of therapy.
In their presentation, Seeing the Forest Through the Trees: Utilizing a Wilderness Therapy Model to Appropriately Assess and Diagnosis Autism in Adolescents, family therapist Lizzy Seib and adolescent boy primary therapist Justin Messinger discussed the extent to which ASD and other types of Autism occurring neurodivergence can be assessed and treated in wilderness therapy. During their presentation, Lizzy and Justin discussed how to identify personal biases related to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, shared current data on the misdiagnosis of autism in adolescents, and focused on key components of wilderness therapy that aid in the assessment and diagnosis of autism, such as B. Time spent in nature, wilderness skills, the therapeutic environment, and the presence of a licensed psychiatrist. Lizzy and Justin will revisit their presentation on Monday, April 17th at the Autism Symposium in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness is a licensed and accredited outdoor child care program offering mental health treatments from licensed therapists and experienced outdoor professionals. Away from the distractions of everyday home life, students (ages 13-18 and 18-29 in the Emerald Arrow young adult program) experience the bounty of the healing wilderness of North Georgia Chattahoochee National Forest, where they can study 24 hours a day live in nature with a group of like-minded people and our supporting field teachers. Blue Ridge offers clinically-focused assessment and evidence-based therapy approaches that equip students with communication skills, connection, healthy emotional and behavioral habits, and other skills needed to be aware of and act on their values. To learn more about Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, visit www.blueridgewilderness.com or speak to an admissions advisor by calling (888) 914-1050.
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