The therapeutic model used at Trails Carolina emphasizes the importance of embracing change in order to achieve lasting transformation. Adolescents who come to the program often struggle with anxiety or depression related to changes in their lives such as divorce or moving schools. By learning how to cope with these changes through outdoor experiences and therapy sessions with licensed therapists trained in wilderness therapy techniques like adventure-based counseling (ABC), students develop resilience that will serve them well throughout their lives. One key aspect of the Trails Carolina therapeutic model is its focus on experiential learning.
Rather than simply talking about problems during traditional talk therapy sessions, students engage in hands-on activities that allow them to practice new skills while also processing emotions related to past traumas or challenges they have faced. For example, during a backpacking trip through the mountains of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region where Trails operates from base camp near Brevard NC , students may be asked to reflect on how they feel about leaving behind familiar surroundings for an extended period of time while carrying everything they need on their backs – this experience helps build confidence by showing what one can accomplish when pushed out of comfort zones . They might also participate in group discussions around topics like trust-building exercises designed specifically for building relationships between peers which help foster healthy social connections among participants .
Another important element of the Trails Carolina therapeutic model is its emphasis on family involvement. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in the program alongside their children, attending therapy sessions and participating in outdoor activities together. This approach helps families build stronger bonds while also providing a supportive environment for adolescents as they work through challenges. In conclusion, embracing change is an essential part of personal growth and development. The Trails Carolina therapeutic model provides a unique approach to helping adolescents navigate change by using Trails Carolina experiential learning techniques that promote resilience and self-reliance. By working with licensed therapists trained in wilderness therapy techniques like ABC, students learn valuable skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
