Alec Peterson

Q: Why do you work in wilderness therapy?
A: I work in wilderness therapy because I believe through personal experience that it changes people’s lives for the better. When I was seventeen I was fortunate enough to attend a wilderness therapy program. It changed my life. I learned how to deal with my emotions in a healthy way; I found spirituality for the first time, and, most importantly, I started on an endless path of personal growth. I believe that the possibilities for human growth are limitless and I have found wilderness therapy to be an exceptional place for that.

Q: What do you believe our students need?
A: I believe that our students need to look inside themselves and discover who they are, to find out what inspires them, and to find what brings them joy. The students are here to realize how their decisions affect them and those around them. They are here to learn to take responsibility for their actions. It is our job to provide them with many life skills –from cooking to meditation– and to help them to gain awareness and to discover what works for them.

Q: Why do you think the wilderness works?
A: From my perspective, the most important thing about a therapeutic program is that it offers students time to focus on themselves in a healthy setting. The wilderness is devoid of many things that can cause distraction. There is no television,no video games, no cars, mo music, no parties, no drugs, no alcohol, and so forth. Life is simplified the moment you step out of normal society and into the desert. Living with a small group of people in the wilderness provides an opportunity to develop a positive environment where students can be open and honest with both themselves and others.

Q: What are your unique gifts, experiences that help our students?
A: Being in recovery and having spent 49 days in a wilderness therapy program myself is one of the biggest gifts I have to offer. I have gone through a similar journey to what the students at Open Sky are going through and I am able to give them positive and constructive feedback from my own personal experience. Most students are filled with immense confusion. I seek to help them find clarity and prepare them for how to maintain that after they leave Open Sky.

Q: What do you do for fun?
I enjoy laughter. I enjoy meeting new people. I like spending time with friends, whether having a good conversation or snowboarding down a mountain together. Something that is important to me is having a good time while working. I love my job. I love it because it incorporates challenges, laughter, connection, good conversations, meditation, backpacking, and, most importantly, working with people as they go on a life changing journey.

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