Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Stories from the Field: Mental Health in the Outdoors is an authoritative and enlightening podcast that explores the vast landscape of mental health therapies in outdoor settings. Hosted by seasoned mental health professional Dr. Will White, the podcast offers deep insights into outdoor therapies like Adventure Therapy, Eco-Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, and Experiential Therapy, among others.
Dr. White engages with a diverse range of guests, including leading researchers, practitioners, authors, executive directors, guide staff, mental health clinicians, and critics, helping to shed light on the nuances of these unique therapy practices. In addition to exploring the modern implications of these evolving therapeutic modalities, he delves into their rich history, providing a holistic perspective for listeners.
With over 30 years of experience at the juncture of mental health and outdoor environments, Dr. White's expertise is unparalleled. As a co-founder of the pioneering Summit Achievement, an adventure therapy program based in Maine, he has been a guiding force in the field since the 1990s. His scholarly contributions include the book "Stories from the Field: A History of Wilderness Therapy" and a chapter in "Adventure Therapy: Theories, Research, and Practice." His doctorate work, "Stories from the Elders: Chronicles and Narratives from the Early Years of Wilderness Therapy," traced the origins and evolution of this specialized field.
To connect with Dr. White, visit storiesfromthefield.com. Listen to this immersive podcast to understand the power and potential of outdoor therapies in addressing mental health concerns.
- Update frequency
- every 9 days
- Average duration
- 45 minutes
- Episodes
- 282
- Years Active
- 2018 - 2025
202: Running with Anxiety to Fear Less
In this episode, we delve into the compelling narrative of Will Laughlin, an ultra-marathoner, father, and CEO. Laughlin, a seasoned athlete who has endured the scorching heat of Death Valley and the…
201: Celebrating 20 Years of Wilderness Therapy Symposium
In this episode, we celebrate the 20th Wilderness Therapy Symposium by speaking with two key figures in the field. Our guests are Rob Meltzer, educational consultant and founder of the Wilderness The…
200: The End of Wilderness Therapy?
In the celebratory 200th episode of Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors, guest host Jake Weld catches up with the podcast's creator, Dr. Will White, who reflects on the transformat…
199: Finding Strength in Challenges: Dr. Hilary McCloy's Unwavering Spirit
In this week's episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Hilary McCloy, an esteemed Physical Therapist, a former member of the US Ski Team, and a remarkable athlete. Hilary shares her journe…
198: "Buried"-A Story of Healing After A High Risk Adventure Goes Bad
In this episode, we hear from Ken Wylie, author, speaker, facilitator, and former professional backcountry ski guide and mountaineer. Ken’s book "Buried" is a profound memoir about a 2003 tragedy whe…
197: A New Christian Wilderness Therapy Program!
In this special episode, we have a conversation with Dean Reynolds, the founder and executive director of Seeds Wilderness Therapy, located in Colorado. Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a Christian-based …
196: Everest as a Path to Transformation
In this engaging podcast episode, we converse with the acclaimed Director of Photography and Filmmaker, Thom Pollard. Known for his adventurous expeditions to some of the planet's most isolated spots…
195: How the Abrupt Closure of SUWS of the Carolinas by Acadia Healthcare Impacted Families, Employees and the Field: Special Episode
In this special episode, we dive into the sudden closure of SUWS of the Carolinas by Acadia Healthcare and the impact it had on families, employees, and the field as a whole. Our guest, Kevin Green, …
194: "More: Life on the Edge of Adventure and Motherhood" author Majka Burhardt
In this episode, we talk with Majka Burhardt, a professional climber, social entrepreneur, author, mother of twins, filmmaker, and so much more. Majka has just written a new book titled, "More: Life …
193: Survival and Reckoning in the Hidden Mountains and Life
In this episode, we are joined by Michael Wejchert, author of "Hidden Mountains: Survival and Reckoning After a Climb Gone Wrong." Michael's writing about adventure has been featured in various publi…
192: From Traumatized by Restraints to Living "Without Restraint."
Ryan DeLayna shares his life experiences and the journey that led him to co-write his memoir with his father, "Without Restraint." Ryan shares how he spent most of his academic career in therapeutic …
191: The Closing of Two Wilderness Therapy Programs- Special Episode
In this special episode, we discuss the recent announcement that two long-standing and accredited Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council member programs - SUWS of the Carolinas in North Carolina and A…
190: Tammy Marks, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student
Tammy Marks is the parent of a former wilderness therapy student who enrolled in a program at 12 years old. Tammy shares her family's story of how her son struggled with his mood and behavior from an…
189: Jen Murphy and Hilary Moses, co-authors of "H.O.M.E.: Strategies for Making Home a SUCCESS During and After Treatment."
Jen Murphy and Hilary Moses are the co-authors of "H.O.M.E.: Strategies for Making Home a SUCCESS During and After Treatment." Jen and Hilary discuss that after years of working together at Soluti…
188: Marcie Steinberg, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student
Marcie Steinberg is the parent of a former wilderness therapy student and peer parent at Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com). Marcie shares her family's story of how her son struggled with substance abu…
187: Carrie McLaughlin, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student
Carrie McLaughlin is the parent of a former wilderness therapy student. Carrie shares her story about the family's struggles when their son, while in his teens, battled with substance use disorder. S…
186: Jon Fariello, Former Wilderness Therapy Student
Jon Fariello is a former wilderness therapy student who was transported to a wilderness therapy program as a teenager. He shares his thoughts and feelings about being transported to a wilderness prog…
185: Casie Fariello, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student and Co-founder of Other Parents Like Me
Casie Fariello co-founded Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com), an online parent support platform, and is the parent of a former wilderness therapy student. Casie reflects on this podcast's last episode,…
184: Michael Fariello, Parent of a Wilderness Therapy Student
Michael Fariello is the parent of a wilderness therapy student and a peer parent at Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com), an online parent support platform. Michael shares his family's story of how they…
183: Richard Curtis, Clinical Interventionist
Richard Curtis is a Certified Clinical Interventionist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Parent Coach who helps parents and their teens and young adults through in-home interventions. Richard sh…