Wilderness Therapy Research Paper

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Intro: In recent years, wilderness therapy has grown to be an extremely popular topic that has sparked debates among teens, researchers, parents, and experts. This therapeutic approach, which involves immersing individuals into nature and the outdoors, has faced backlash for ethical concerns and safety. It is important to recognize the plethora of instances where a teenager has died or has suffered traumatic effects as a result of wilderness therapy. First, there are many cases in which teens have died from abuse or suicide as a result of wilderness therapy. Cornilius Fredrick was 16 at Lakeside Academy and died on May 1st, 2020 from restraints. Connor Bennet was 15 at Brighter Path and died on April 11th, 2022 from suicide. Shannon Nibbs was …show more content…
However, there has been no legislation to pass despite numerous reports of deaths, abuse, and sexual assault happening in these camps. As a result, some states like Utah, have used their state power to fund investigations and California, requiring camps to run as non-profit organizations. Unfortunately, there are still many teens who suffer from wilderness therapy, regardless of state laws. The article “The Troubling Reality of Wilderness Therapy” by Anilya Krishnan, reveals that “a lack of federal oversight allows many program owners to relocate, rename, and reopen programs elsewhere if forced to shut down in a different state, according to Pollack, Eisenberg, and Shipp.” This gap highlights the critical need for federal reforms to protect participants' wellbeing as it extends the cycle of abuse and trauma. A solution described in the article is to implement a uniform licensing program that requires wilderness therapy programs to apply for licenses and go through ongoing assessments. It is recommended that legislators at the state and federal levels create a database, or registry, to list owners and operators of wilderness programs. The prevalence of abuse and trauma within wilderness therapy programs necessitates urgent attention and action. The disturbing reality of abuse underscores the need for reform. Federal reforms, including a uniform licensing program and the establishment of a centralized registry, are crucial steps toward ensuring the safety and well-being of teenagers participating in wilderness therapy programs. Conclusion: In conclusion, the discussion around wilderness therapy is complicated, with promises of healing and growth, as well as troubling instances of abuse and neglect. While some people argue for it’s potential benefits, it is clear that serious reform is needed to guarantee the security and welfare
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