Interview with Derek Daley

Q: Why do you work in wilderness therapy?
A:   I was first drawn to the wilderness therapy field because I love spending time in the outdoors. However, after years of working in the wilderness therapy field I now realize it's so much more than just spending time in the outdoors. I believe wilderness therapy can be one of the most influential experiences a person can have in their life. 

Q: Why do you think the wilderness works?
A: If I had to pick one thing that sets wilderness therapy apart from other more conventional methods of therapy, it would be the wilderness’ ability to inspire. Wilderness settings make it easier to break down barriers, identify issues, and stimulate growth.  In today's world, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of society and lose our sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves.  In the wilderness, everything is stripped of complexity and broken down into its simplest form. For example, if you don’t put effort into making a shelter and there is a storm, you will get wet!  Our concerns about what time a TV show starts or which cool new electronic device we need are quickly forgotten and replaced with concerns about how to stay warm, dry, fed and emotionally connected to others.  Because of this I think the wilderness makes it easier to realize what is really important.

Q: What do you believe that our students need?
A: I think the most important thing we can do for students is give them a sense of direction: help them to see who they are and where they are, to understand the way past decisions are affecting them today, and how decisions they make now will affect their lives tomorrow.  I think it is so important for youth to have good role models and teachers to offer direction at times when teens may be especially vulnerable to making poor choices.
  
Q: What do you do for fun?      
 A:      BASEBALL!  I play semi-professional baseball and have competed in 4 NABA national championship tournaments with three different teams.  I'm a pitcher, a catcher and a short stop.  Hitting a 90-mph fast ball over the left fielder’s head is the best feeling in sports!  I enjoy most sports and have competed in tennis tournaments, volleyball tournaments, and basketball tournaments.  I also love to travel. Some of my traveling highlights are hiking with a wolf pack in Denali, Alaska; climbing  Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa; scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia; kayaking in Able Tasman National Park New Zealand; exploring Angkor Wat in Cambodia; and visiting hill tribes in northern Thailand; and exploring southern Utah canyon country.

back