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
283: Alone Winner Nathan Olsen on Survival, Wilderness Therapy and Family
In this episode, Will welcomes back Nathan Olsen—winner of the latest season of Alone. Nathan’s roots in wilderness survival run deep: his father, Larry Dean Olsen, was a pioneer in the early years o…
282: Chris Robbins on Men Healing Outdoors and The Let Them Theory
In this episode, Will reconnects with his friend Chris Robbins, founder of Soul Degree men’s retreats and husband of bestselling author Mel Robbins. Chris shares his journey from corporate burnout to…
281: Boys, Men, and the Truths of Wilderness Therapy
In this episode, Will speaks with Jason Denham, founder of Awakened Shadow Coaching, about his two decades of work with boys, men and other genders in behavioral healthcare including wilderness thera…
280: From Transport to Transformation: Enzo Narciso on Wilderness Therapy & Mentoring
In this compelling follow-up to Episode 98, Enzo Narciso returns to Stories from the Field to reflect on his transformation since first sharing his journey in 2020. A former wilderness therapy client…
279: Anxiety, Connection, and the Outdoors: How Dr. Jack Hinman Helps Struggling Young Adults at Engage Transitions
In this insightful episode Will talks with Dr. Jack Hinman, co-founder and executive director of Engage Transitions, shares his personal path from a chaotic childhood in Memphis to launching a young …
278: Tents, Trust, and Transformation: How Wilderness Therapy Helps People Build Resilience and Heal
In this episode Will speaks with Jeff Holloway, a veteran social worker and therapeutic consultant from Lumos Strategies with decades of experience in therapeutic programs for youth. Jeff shares his …
277. From Crisis to Connection: A Parent’s Journey Through Teen Substance Use, Wilderness Therapy, and What Comes After
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Will is joined by parent coach Beth Hillman, a mother of five sons whose life was turned upside down when one of her teenagers spiraled into substance us…
276: Nature's Path for Neurodivergent Boys: Beyond the Autism Diagnosis
In this episode, Will is joined by Chris Blankenship, founder of Autism Learning Lab and former wilderness therapy psychotherapist. Chris shares how years in the field led him to recognize a growing …
275: Men, Mental Health, and the Wild: Nick Mann on the Power of Coaching and Community
In this powerful episode Will welcomes Nick Mann—Marine Corps veteran, former wilderness therapy program director, and founder of Dad’s Project—for an honest and inspiring conversation about the ment…
274: NOLS Risk Management Director on Resilience, Mental Health and the Future of Outdoor Programs
In this episode Will speaks with Katie Baum Mettenbrink, Director of Risk Management at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), about the intersection of risk, resilience, and mental health in…
273: Autism and Wilderness Therapy: How Elements Eclipse Helps Neurodivergent Teens Thrive
In this episode Will speaks with Dr. Neal Christensen, psychologist, researcher, and co-owner of Elements Programs in Utah. With over two decades in the field, Dr. Christensen shares his journey from…
272: Nature-Based Therapy for Youth: How Hearty Roots Supports Mental Health in Maine
In this episode Will speaks with Haley Bezon, founder and executive director of Hearty Roots—a nonprofit nature-based wellness organization serving youth in Maine. Drawing on her own lived experience…
271: From Shame to Safety: Steve Smith on Building Safer Wilderness Therapy and Outdoor Ed Program
In this episode Will welcomes Steve Smith, founder of Experiential Consulting and a 30-year veteran in the outdoor education and risk management field. Steve shares his journey from classroom teacher…
270: Jessie Krebs on 'Alone,' Survival Skills, and Healing Through the Outdoors
In this episode Will talks with Jessie Krebs is a wilderness survival expert, former U.S. Air Force SERE specialist, and the founder of O.W.L.S. Skills (Outdoorsy Women Learning Survival Skills), a p…
269: Into the Ice: Bestselling Author Mark Synnott on Sailing the Northwest Passage and Finding Meaning in Adventure
In this special live episode Will welcomes his longtime friend and world-renowned adventurer Mark Synnott, a veteran big wall climber, elite alpinist, National Geographic writer, and bestselling auth…
268: Helping Fathers Thrive: Jason Frishman on Journeymen Foundation, Mental Health, and Outdoor Growth
In this heartfelt episode, Will welcomes Dr. Jason Frishman, clinical psychologist and founder of the Journeymen Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping fathers foster connection, resilience…
267: The Tragedy on Mount Washington That Changed Search and Rescue: Ty Gagne on “The Lions of Winter”
In this powerful episode Will sits down with acclaimed author and risk management expert Ty Gagne to discuss his latest book, The Lions of Winter: Survival and Sacrifice on Mount Washington. Ty take…
266: Healing in the Wild: Audrey Costa on Nature, Addiction, and Personal Transformation
In this powerful episode Will speaks with Audrey Costa, founder of Deep Rooted Wellness and Creatives, about her powerful journey from personal hardship to purposeful healing. Audrey opens up about h…
265: Grief, Healing, and the Outdoors: Jason Stout’s Journey from Loss to Purpose
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Will welcomes Jason Stout, founder of Stoutreach, to share his story of grief, healing, and the outdoors. Jason opens up about experiencing multiple prof…
264: Helping Neurodivergent Teens Thrive: Brandon Moffitt from Black Mountain Academy
In this episode, Will welcomes Brandon Moffitt, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Black Mountain Academy in North Carolina. Brandon shares his journey from working in wilderness therapy to foundin…