Adolescents nationwide have been grappling with increased rates of hopelessness, suicidal behavior, and mental health struggles since 2009. According to CDC data, persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness increased for adolescents by 40% from 2009 to 2019. These struggles have been further exacerbated by disruptions to social systems, family stress, and other stressors related to …
When you hear the term “wilderness therapy”, what comes to mind? Is it a boot camp style program? Are teens expected to be expert campers or rock climbers? The reality is that wilderness therapy is nothing like boot camp and that it is appropriate for teens with all levels of experience. blueFire Wilderness understands that …
Read more Is Wilderness Therapy Appropriate for Teens with Limited Outdoor Experience?
Navigating through adolescence in today’s socioemotional landscape can be extremely difficult for teens. From mood swings to academic problems to more complicated mental health issues, it’s becoming increasingly common for teens to reach a level of distress where professional help can be beneficial. Research has shown that therapy can help teens in a variety of …
Read more How We Help: Individual Therapy in Wilderness Programs
Many teens struggle to thrive in the atmosphere of traditional schooling when they find content, teaching methods, and the very structure of schooling to be irrelevant to them and the world around them. For these students, a variety of factors such as learning challenges, a lack of motivation, struggles with authority figures, and mental health …
Read more Experiential-Based Education Program Offered in Wilderness Therapy
Having a part-time job during adolescence used to be a staple in American society, but teen employment rates have plummeted in the last few decades. Data indicates that adolescent employment rates went down 19% in the first decade of the 2000’s and this trend is expected to continue into 2024. This decline could be hurting …
The teenage years can be challenging for both the teens themselves and their families as a whole. Teenagers are experiencing rapid growth both physically and cognitively. As they begin to explore their independence, many parents experience their teen become distant or defiant. And while this may be seen as “typical” teen behavior, it is important …
Read more How Wilderness Therapy Helps Teens Improve Behavior
If you’ve ever been rock climbing, you know the unbelievably good feeling you get when you conquer that wall and reach the top. Whether it’s on a fake wall or a real rock face, it gives you a feeling of accomplishment and confidence. That’s what rock climbing therapy and other adventure therapy activities are based …
Read more Rock Climbing Therapy & Other Activities Improve Depression, Anxiety
Are you feeling stressed? Losing focus? Experiencing sadness? Well, look no further … outdoor therapy can be just the answer. Take a 30-minute walk outside, look at the sky, the trees and the flowers, and then, see how you feel when you are done. You probably feel better don’t you? There’s a reason for that! When you walk, your …
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in teens “No, wait! That’s not right! I need to do it over!” Parents of teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder are quite familiar with these words. Whether it be the way your teen exited the house, did their hair or painted their nails before leaving the house for the day, what’s “not right” could …
Summer break is just around the corner; you have most likely already started wondering what to do with your teen for the two months that won’t be occupied with school. Especially with working parents and little supervisions, teens have increased opportunities for high-risk behaviors. Help your teen transform this summer If you are already concerned …
Read more Make This Summer Count With A Summer Wilderness Therapy Program in Idaho