![]() The raging emotions of a troubled teen could be quieted by spending time with nature. Nature’s beauty, on the other hand, also has a calming effect. While teens may initially fight and struggle against human authority figures, experiencing nature can put a lot of things to perspective for them. It’s like fighting against a brick wall or kickin against the thorns. If he refuses to learn how to start a fire, he also directly experiences the consequences of that. If a teen refuses to pitch his tent, he directly experiences the consequences of his refusal. It cannot be reasoned with or begged to change its mind. Unlike a human drill sergeant, nature cannot be manipulated, intimidated, nor ignored. In wilderness therapy programs, teens learn and realize for themselves how their actions produce direct consequences as well as impact the lives of the people around them. Like boot camp, it teaches teens responsibility, but not in a negative way which uses confrontation and coercion. Teens also learn a lot of practical and life lessons while in the wilderness that they can translate to the world outside of it. In wilderness therapy programs for teens, nature is used as a vehicle for therapy. It may even breed other kinds of problems that would be harder to deal with in the future. Suppressing the symptoms of a troubled youth doesn’t help in a significant way. Providing therapy is an important part of helping at-risk youth because this kind of help will last. Unlike boot camps which inspire behavior modification through confrontation and negative punishment, wilderness therapy programs actually have therapy in place throughout the program. One good boot camp alternative is wilderness therapy programs for teens. ![]() However, people these days are realizing that boot camps may not really be as effective and efficient as parents would hope to be in terms of delivering real help to their children. At the very least, “I’m sending you off to boot camp” is an effective way to scare teens into submission. It initially seems like a fast and effective way to break a defiant teenager and bring him/her back home a more agreeable and obedient person. In its early years, boot camps were a popular option for parents who are dealing with defiant teens.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |