Open Sky to Present at Wilderness Therapy Symposium
Open Sky is proud to have two of our clinical team staff presenting at this year’s Wilderness Therapy Symposium in Boulder, Colorado Sept. 24th – 26th. The Wilderness Therapy Symposium features a variety of presenters across the spectrum of wilderness therapy programs for children, adolescents, young adults, families and unique populations.
Norman Elizondo, Open Sky’s family wellness counselor will present a 3-hour workshop entitled “Mindfulness & Meditation Techniques for Mental Healthcare.” The program will provide insight into Open Sky’s unique application of meditation and ways in which a meditation practice can assist mental health professionals do effective work with their clients. According to Norman, “Transference and counter-transference can be a trap for even the experienced mental health care provider. When unaware of our present experience i.e. cognitions, emotions, perceptions, sensations, it is quite easy to be triggered by our clients or even colleagues and not know it.” This experiential workshop is designed to assist professionals in developing even greater self-awareness and to learn basic techniques for a personal meditation practice.
Heather Menzie, MA, one of Open Sky’s clinical therapists and family quest therapists will co-present a 1.5 hour workshop entitled “Programming Family Trips in Wilderness Settings.” Heather’s program will offer a chance for professionals to learn more about the importance of brief, structured family experiences with professional therapeutic guidance in exposing the vulnerabilities that lead to breakdowns in healthy family functioning. Open Sky is a pioneer in the realm of family involvement and Heather has been at the forefront in leading the way in Family Quests, a unique short-term wilderness experience whereby current Open Sky students and their families participate in an intensive family therapy experience with the support of a qualified professional.
Learn more about Family Quests and our family programming here.
