Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors Will White

In this episode Will talks with Dr. Patrick McMillon and Alex White from Westminster University in Utah. They discuss the Graduate Certificate in Adventure Therapy, a program designed to train clinicians in integrating adventure therapy into their practice. Dr. McMillon, the program coordinator, shares insights on the program's structure, which includes three intensive courses focused on theory, professional practice, and clinical application. Alex White, with over ten years of experience, highlights how the program prepares students to implement effective, ethical, and culturally relevant adventure therapy.
The episode also delves into the practical aspects of the certification, emphasizing its suitability for mental health and recreational therapists, as well as students in Westminster’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The guests discuss the growing interest in adventure therapy, the program's community impact, and the career benefits for graduates. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how this certification can enhance their therapeutic practices and contribute to the broader field of mental health treatment.
Link to Westminster University Adventure Therapy Certification page.

In this timely episode, Jessica Miller from the Salt Lake Tribune shares insights from her investigative article on the closures of wilderness therapy programs for teens in Utah. She discusses the factors driving these closures, such as negative media attention and financial challenges. Jessica provides an in-depth look at the current state of wilderness therapy in Utah and explains how the state government regulates the field. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that sheds light on this crucial topic.
Jessica Miller, an investigative reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune, reveals the significant challenges she faced while investigating the wilderness therapy industry. Despite numerous attempts, many within the industry were hesitant to speak with her, highlighting the difficulty of uncovering the full story. Jessica discusses the complexities of reporting on wilderness therapy, the importance of fair representation, and the delicate balance of presenting unbiased information. This episode offers a unique perspective on the role of journalism in shedding light on sensitive issues.
Jessica’s article is titled “Nearly half of Utah’s wilderness programs for “troubled teens” closed in the last year.  Here’s what’s happening"- Salt Lake Tribue- Link here if podcast platforms let you use it.
Jessica Miller’s bio from Salt Lake Tribune- "Jessica is an investigative reporter at The Salt Lake Tribune, where she has worked since 2011. She was part of the team that won a 2017 Pulitzer Prize, and she is a two-time Livingston Award finalist. She has collaborated with several national outlets for investigative projects, including FRONTLINE, American Public Media and ProPublica."

In this episode Will chats with David Wynn, LCMHC, an outdoor mental health provider from Blue Ridge Treks. David shares his transformative journey from a river guide and camp mentor to a mental health professional, revealing how natural environments play a crucial role in psychological healing. He delves into the power of nature to transcend traditional therapy boundaries, offering clients a unique blend of psychological insight and environmental interaction. David discusses his approach to integrating therapeutic techniques with outdoor experiences, providing profound insights into how physical spaces can influence mental health treatment.
 As a professional who transitioned from conventional to outdoor settings, David illustrates through personal anecdotes and professional experiences the therapeutic benefits of engaging with the natural world. This episode not only highlights his methods and successes but also explores the broader implications of outdoor mental health practices, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in alternative and effective approaches to mental wellness.

In this compelling episode, Will engages with Cash Lambert about his groundbreaking new book, "Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being." Cash discusses his evolution from a journalism student, initially participating in a surf therapy event to fulfill volunteer hours, to an author dedicated to documenting the profound impacts of surf therapy. His journey began with witnessing the transformative effects of surfing on children with autism, leading to his first book, “Waves of Healing: How Surfing Changes the Lives of Children with Autism” that captured these life-altering experiences. His narrative weaves together heartfelt stories and the significant changes observed in participants and volunteers alike, which fueled his passion for advocating surf therapy’s benefits.
The conversation further explores Cash’s latest book, which expands the examination of surf therapy to a wider audience, including veterans and individuals suffering from PTSD. This book is supported by extensive research and aims to legitimize surf therapy as a recognized therapeutic method. Throughout the interview, Cash shares powerful testimonials and research findings, highlighting the unique benefits of surf therapy and his vision for its future as a mainstream therapeutic option. His dedication to enhancing understanding and acceptance of surf therapy shines through as he details the journey of bringing these healing practices to a global audience.
To connect with Cash or buy his book use this link.

In this episode, Will talks with Will Cockrell, author of the new book, "Everest Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World." Cockrell delves into the untold stories of the Everest guiding industry, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges the sensational narratives often associated with Everest. His book presents a counter-narrative, focusing on the complexity of the industry and the passionate individuals involved, rather than the common portrayals of chaos and disaster on the mountain.
Cockrell explains his motivations for writing the book, highlighting his desire to address the oversimplified and often negative depiction of Everest in popular media. He shares insights from his conversations with key figures in the guiding industry, revealing a history driven by passion rather than mere profit. The discussion also touches on personal accounts from other notable climbers and their transformative experiences on Everest, underscoring the deeply personal and varied reasons people are drawn to the mountain.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential impacts of Cockrell's book on public perception of Everest, aiming to enrich the listener's understanding of the guiding industry's complexities. Cockrell's in-depth research and fresh perspectives invite listeners to reconsider the narrative surrounding one of the world's most iconic peaks.
To find out more about Will Cockrell and to buy his book check out his website: https://www.willcockrell.com/

In this episode, Will talks with Bryn Lottig who shares her compelling journey from an aspiring pilot changed by 9/11 to a pioneering force in the field of outdoor experiential education. Through her personal experiences with adversity, including a challenging childhood and a transformative experience with Outward Bound, Bryn discovered her passion for the outdoors and its profound impact on personal development. This realization led her to pursue a career that not only embraces adventure but also utilizes it as a tool for fostering social and emotional growth in individuals.
Bryn co-founded Kikori, a digital platform that epitomizes her commitment to democratizing experiential education. Kikori aims to bridge the gap between outdoor activities and educational curricula, providing educators and students alike with access to resources that promote social and emotional learning through adventure. The platform reflects Bryn's belief in the power of community and collaboration, featuring thousands of activities contributed by hundreds of educators, designed to cater to a diverse range of needs from early childhood education to corporate team building.
"No Child Left Inside," Bryn's new book, encapsulates her vision for integrating character development into education via outdoor experiential learning. The book serves as both a memoir and a guide, offering insights into the science behind experiential learning, practical activities, and the personal stories that inspired Bryn's work. Through her narrative, Bryn advocates for a shift in educational paradigms, emphasizing the importance of equipping the next generation with the resilience, empathy, and leadership skills needed to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of the outdoors and its essential role in shaping confident, compassionate individuals.