Photo by Blake Verdoorn on Unsplash

Across the lifespan, individuals share commonalities outside of therapy. Children play video games, while adults engage in physical activity. We learn how to drive a car to get us to our destinations, or individuals cook for themselves or their families. Experiential approaches, such as ‘learning by doing,’ can empower us to apply what we learn in real-life situations. Theoretically and empirically, this concept builds on empowerment and allows individuals to regain control of their lives.

We tend to forget the impact that these daily tasks have on us. But how can we increase the direct impact experiential learning has on symptoms such as stress or emotional dysregulation? Long-distance walks in nature are proven to manage emotional struggles. A recent study indicated a decrease in stress after a nine-day hike in the Alps. The bonuses include decreased heart disease and blood pressure. While experiential learning is the focus of improvement, the underlying theme is natural environments.

Humans are not built for a digital world. The biophilia hypothesis theory suggests that individuals are genetically predisposed to connect to nature and become healthier. Nature decreases anxiety and depression. The unconventionality of these theories frightens most providers and stalls the innovative approaches when, historically, individuals have sought to return to the natural world. But the positive impact of nature-based therapies on mental health is undeniable, providing reassurance and confidence in their effectiveness. In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates stated, “Nature itself is the best physician”. He believed that organisms can heal physical and mental health with the force of nature. After exposure, many individuals have felt positive. Another Greek physician, Galen, made advancements in Hippocrates’ theories, moving towards modern medicine. The profound influence on Galen has left us inundated with traditional methods, pressuring us to survive on an imbalance.

But how do we find a compromise to remain stabilized? In the early 1970s, “think outside the box” was coined after American psychologist J.P. Guilford believed that human intelligence had multiple layers. Enhancing intelligence derives from the learning styles in which we find strength. Utilizing our power within allows us to be open to an integrative and creative approach toward psychological healing.

A recent study found that sexual assault survivors, specifically women who engage in nature or adventure therapies, are likely to feel empowered throughout the healing process. Many activities encourage others to instill resilience in challenging conditions, such as hiking, that a mental health professional facilitates. The notion equates to obstacles before the traumatic event with opportunities to learn resilience with traditional theories such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectal-Behavioral Therapy. A conjunctional but somatic approach allows the individual to develop a physical, cognitive, and psychological connection that affirms a complete treatment plan. 

When I was an adolescent, I had multiple traumas occur. Galen’s philosophy was often pushed with the hope that it signified improvement. The need to learn how to move forward with movement never fit a psychiatrist’s ideology and amplified the challenges I faced. The climatic understanding of my mental health included an experiential approach that was initially overlooked. While it is not a solution for all, the biases and discounts of its effectiveness often prevail.

Research demonstrates that experiential learning, nature, and traditional interventions successfully achieve physical and mental well-being and that providers incorporate holistic methods. Popular in the West, programs such as Wilderness Therapy and Adventure Therapy are emerging and spreading across the United States. Awareness is increasing, and the view on treating mental health is transforming. But will the stigmatism of these approaches stop the total transformation?

The evolution of mental health care continues to expand with affordable and efficient options. As history repeats, the 1960s movement mirrors our current climate with revamped interventions and activism to improve quality of life. The growth of experiential and nature programs in mental health continues to build upon empirical research, affirming the validity of the positive effects it claims and obtaining its right to belong. As voices continue to be heard, will it be loud enough to sustain the growth that continues to be proven?

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Guest Post Disclaimer: Any and all information shared in this guest blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this blog post, nor any content on CPTSDfoundation.org, is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by the writer of this guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of CPTSD Foundation. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Full Disclaimer.

Deborah E. Padilla

Deborah E. Padilla, LMSW, PhD(c) is a licensed social worker specializing in nature and adventure therapy, focusing on trauma. She is a Ph.D. Candidate in Social Work, the founder of PATHS WITH HEALING Inc., the podcast HIKING IS MY THERAPY, and a licensed hiking guide. She has extensive experience working with individuals, children, families, and groups in various settings.

www.deborahepadilla.com

Trauma-informed principles offer the opportunity to reflect on the symptoms of trauma and how to cope effectively

Trauma-informed principles offer the opportunity to reflect on the symptoms of trauma and how to cope effectively. Levenson (2020) stated that understanding client problems, coping strategies, and strengths allows practitioners to respond with trauma-informed principles to foster resilience and create opportunities for healing. For example, if we choose the principle of ’empowerment,’ survivors who enjoy hiking can reflect on when they felt like they lost a sense of power and how they overcame it, on and off the trail. Understanding resilience in various challenging situations allows survivors to see coping methods that empower individuals to regain control despite the situation they might face. Ultimately, this can reduce anxiety, depression, and fear.

Photo by Blake Verdoorn on Unsplash

The above method is not a one-size-fits-all solution. However, other alternatives for survivors that might be effective include forest bathing. Forest Bathing involves relaxing in the woods, observing the surroundings, and sensory engagement. The intervention is known to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Survivors who experience ruminations from their traumas can benefit from this practice without focusing on the details of the trauma. Another study in 2019 (Moore et al.) showed reduced negative thinking and rumination in sexual survivors in nature, with increased attention to the here and now. An intervention that requires minimal details about the trauma(s) can be just as effective as others that require more involvement.

Sexual assault survivors can benefit from nature, but so can individuals who experience other mental health challenges, such as dissociation, behavioral disorders, learning disorders, and depression. The majority of mental health challenges consist of symptoms found in various disorders that many individuals face today, providing opportunities for improvement in healing. Individuals sometimes lack awareness regarding symptoms and how they can be universally known. However, it is not to say that traditional therapy methods are ineffective. Consulting with a provider or specialist helps understand the best treatment options and empowers the survivor or individual struggling to embody self-determination. This first step towards empowerment allows the individual to recover quickly.

Interventions in nature for sexual assault survivors are endless, depending on the needs of the individual. The main goal is to experience the physical and mental health benefits while healing. No pun intended, but two birds and one stone allow survivors to care for their overall health while practicing resilience. Nature allows individuals an alternative way to heal when traditional methods have been less effective or appealing. Implementing resilience allows others to bounce back from the current and future challenging events an individual who has PTSD may experience.

Photo by Tim Swaan on Unsplash

Guest Post Disclaimer: Any and all information shared in this guest blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this blog post, nor any content on CPTSDfoundation.org, is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by the writer of this guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of CPTSD Foundation. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Full Disclaimer.

Deborah E. Padilla

Deborah E. Padilla, LMSW, PhD(c) is a licensed social worker specializing in nature and adventure therapy, focusing on trauma. She is a Ph.D. Candidate in Social Work, the founder of PATHS WITH HEALING Inc., the podcast HIKING IS MY THERAPY, and a licensed hiking guide. She has extensive experience working with individuals, children, families, and groups in various settings.

www.deborahepadilla.com