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Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions: An Exploratory Case Study of Adolescent Wilderness Therapy, Family Functioning, and the Maintenance of Change

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Abstract

This exploratory longitudinal case study aimed to identify practical adolescent and family outcomes following participation in a 21-day wilderness therapy program for adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and substance use problems. Results showed gender differences in presenting issues pre-treatment, significant positive changes assessed two-months post-treatment in family functioning, and adolescent behavior and mental health issues. Twelve-month assessments showed maintenance of positive outcomes coupled with deterioration in some aspects of family functioning and drug and alcohol use. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Outdoor Education and Youth Development, University of Minnesota, 217 Cooke Hall, 1900 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Nevin J. Harper & Keith C. Russell

  2. 355 Gorge Road West, Victoria, BC, Canada, V9A 1M9

    Nevin J. Harper

  3. Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions, PO Box 1064, Albany, OR, 97321, USA

    Rob Cooley & Jacqueline Cupples

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  1. Nevin J. Harper
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  2. Keith C. Russell
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  3. Rob Cooley
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  4. Jacqueline Cupples
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Correspondence to Nevin J. Harper.

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Harper, N.J., Russell, K.C., Cooley, R. et al. Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions: An Exploratory Case Study of Adolescent Wilderness Therapy, Family Functioning, and the Maintenance of Change. Child Youth Care Forum 36, 111–129 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-007-9035-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-007-9035-1

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