What are the therapeutic approaches utilized by therapists at Open Sky?
Open Sky therapists begin to develop a therapeutic relationship by communicating in a nurturing, honest and direct manner. Teens are surprisingly open with wilderness therapists because of the experiential environment inherent to wilderness therapy. Therapists individualize their work with each student. A session with a less verbal student may include something more active, like making a bow-drill fire together. As trust develops the therapist becomes more challenging about past negative choices and helps the student identify the underlying needs that may be driving their behaviors. A main therapeutic goal is that students discover and practice healthier, more effective ways to have their needs met. Unique to Open Sky, the therapists work closely with the naturopathic physician to provide a holistic treatment program that addresses each individual’s body, mind, heart and soul.

How is the therapy that happens in the wilderness different than therapy that happens in an office?
The high desert wilderness itself inspires profound therapeutic change. In the wilderness setting students naturally develop resiliency, resourcefulness, and accountability. Research shows that the relationships that develop in a wilderness setting are uniquely powerful. These relations amplify a student’s change process in a way that is unparalleled in any other treatment setting. Because the program is experiential, students tend to be more actively involved in the therapeutic process and are constantly improving their relational skills.

References: Russell, K.C. (2003). An assessment of outcomes in outdoor behavioral healthcare treatment. Child and Youth Care Forum, 32 (6), 355-381.

I’ve read that Open Sky has a Research Director and that the clinical team utilizes “evidence-based” treatment approaches. What does this mean?
Open Sky is committed to assessing the effectiveness of our programming to ensure that we are delivering the therapeutic effect that we say we are. Open Sky’s Research Director is well-versed in current adolescent treatment and psychotherapy literature. Dr. Bettmann is helping to design programmatic elements which are based on documented research.  Our Research Director constantly reviews published literature to ensure that our clients are receiving the most up-to-date and proven therapeutic interventions possible.