Foundational Approaches in Outdoor Therapy

The course offers a reflective exploration of an individual’s own therapeutic relationship with adventure and the natural world. The course will explore the potential contribution landscape offers to human health and well-being, and ultimately our ability to thrive.

The course will provide an opportunity for individuals to explore and challenge the theory surrounding this field, both through discussion and practical application.

Participants will explore the emergence of the outdoors as a landscape for well-being and therapeutic opportunities. In this context, a breadth of therapeutic modalities and the application of risk and adventure for growth and development will be critiqued. The ethical challenges surrounding professional boundaries within therapeutic work will be explored, and the essential components of facilitating a therapeutic programme will be introduced and evaluated.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate ethical action and codes of conduct relevant to outdoor therapeutic approaches
• Critically explore the application of a range of therapeutic approaches in the outdoors
• Critically reflect on personal responses to a range of therapeutic landscapes
• Design an outdoor programme which considers the therapeutic needs of a specific client group

Indicative Module Content

• The working and dynamics of the nervous system 
• The brain as the originator of action and the reactor of experience 
• Identifying and describing therapeutic needs 
• Ethics and boundaries of practice 
• Supervision of therapeutic practice 
• Therapeutic approaches e.g. ecotherapy; adventure therapy; art therapy; wilderness therapy; active group work etc 
• Theoretical frameworks e.g. Marx, ecological psychology; eco-psychology; counselling psychology; Biophilia Hypothesis, Psycho-Evolutionary Stress reduction Theory, Attention Restoration Theory and Savannah Theory 
• Therapeutic Landscapes 
• Reflection and self-evaluation 
• Case study use of good and illustrative practice 
• Facilitation and communication skills that support therapeutic applications

Schedule

Day 1: 29 April Online Session

16:00 – 20:00– Introductory theory and models

Day 2: 30 April Online Session

16:00 – 20:00 Online – Brain and nervous system

Day 3: 1 May On Site Phahama Lodge (Formerly La Wiida Lodge) 

09:30 – 13:00 Session 1: Wilderness and Nature

14:00 – 16:00 Session 2: Wilderness and Nature

Day 4: 2 May On Site Extreme Life Outdoor Learning Site 

09:30 – 13:00 Session 1: Outdoor and Adventure

14:00 – 16:00 Session 2: Outdoor and Adventure

Day 5: 3 May Site Phahama Lodge (Formerly La Wiida Lodge) Assessment and reflection

09:30 – 13:00 Session 1

13:00 Lunch and celebration

14:00 Departure

Options for Assessment:

Option 1: Professional Development Certificate from Cumbria and Adventure Institute (with assessment)

Those completing this module can get recognition for potential future Masters programmes

 Option 2: Attendance only (no assessment).

More info:

Who is this course for:
This course is for youth, teachers, guides, adventure camp facilitators, human resources development officers, youth pastors, or anyone looking for a qualification in the outdoors.

Presenters: University of Cumbria & Adventure Institute

Accreditation received: University of Cumbria Further Professional Development Certificate (assessment can be submitted for Masters credits) & Accenture Institute

Venue: Online, Phahama Lodge (Formerly La Wiida Lodge) and Extreme Life Outdoor Learning Centre (Hoekie)

The price includes lunch and refreshments.
Accommodation is available upon request.