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
222: Empowering Young Adults when “At the Crossroads” with Mike Hench
In this enlightening episode Will welcomes Mike Hench from At the Crossroads, a program dedicated to helping young adults navigate the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. Mike shares the inspir…
221: The Closure of Open Sky: Is this the “Winter” of Wilderness Therapy?
In this special episode Will discusses the announcement of the upcoming closure of Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, marking a significant moment in the private pay, adolescent-focused wilderness therapy …
220: Tommy Rosen's Recovery 2.0: Transforming Addiction Treatment with Holistic Healing
In this episode, Will talks with Tommy Rosen, founder of Recovery 2.0, for a profound exploration of overcoming addiction through holistic healing. The episode opens with a poignant tribute to the la…
219: From Phish to Fulfillment: Trey Anastasio & Melanie Gulde's Recovery Vision
In this first episode of 2024 Will talks with Melanie Gulde, the visionary program director of Divided Sky Recovery in Vermont. In this enlightening episode, listeners will delve into the heart of …
218: Recovery in the Wild: Transforming Lives Through Outdoor Adventures
Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 18 of Stories from the Field! This season, our spotlight is on addiction and recovery, and we're thrilled to have Adventure Recovery as our underwriter—a r…
217: Nature's Therapy: Unveiling Soul Degree's Power in Men's Wellness with Chris Robbins
In this special episode of "Stories from the Field," host Will White shares his transformative experience at the Soul Degree retreat, a unique blend of outdoor therapy and holistic practices. Will's …
216: Adventure Therapy for Anxiety: Exploring Dr. Stephanie Marti's Outpatient Practice
In this enlightening episode, we talk with Dr. Stephanie Marti, a pioneering adventure psychotherapist. The discussion begins with an introduction to Stephanie's unique therapeutic approach, which el…
215: Addressing Anxiety Through Climbing: Noah Kleiner's Journey at Equinox Guiding Services
In this enlightening episode we delve into the interplay of mental health and outdoor experiences, focusing on the therapeutic power of activities like rock climbing in addressing anxiety. We talk wi…
214: Advancing Adventure Therapy Certifications with Fred Borroel
In this special episode, we explore the evolution of adventure therapy certifications with Fred Borroel, a humble leader in the field. Fred shares his journey into adventure therapy and his contribut…
213: Post-Pandemic Wilderness Therapy: Seven Trends in Outdoor Mental Health Practices
In this thought-provoking special episode of Stories from the Field, we delve into the "Post-Pandemic Wilderness Therapy: Seven Trends in Outdoor Mental Health Practices," exploring the transformativ…
212: Exploring the Healing Power of the Outdoors in Mental Health Treatment with Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan
In this insightful episode of Stories from the Field, we welcome Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, a pioneering figure in nature-informed therapy and the founder of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. Dr.…
211: Psychotherapy on the Trail: Portland Hiking Therapy's Approach to Healing
In this story we delve into a hiking approach to psychotherapy with our guest, Aimee Frazier, the visionary behind Portland Hiking Therapy in Oregon. Aimee's outpatient mental health work revolves ar…
210: Adolescent Anxiety and the Healing Power of the Outdoors: An Interview with Wilderness Therapist Justin Messinger
In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Justin Messinger, a primary therapist at the Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Program located in Georgia. Justin shares the myriad challenges presented by…
209: Addressing Anxiety & OCD with Mountain Valley Techniques: Zack Schafer's 'Fear Less' Insight's
In this enlightening episode of "Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors," we sit down with Zack Schafer, the Executive Program Director at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. With a ric…
208: Navigating Autism & Anxiety in College: The Transformative Power of Adventure
This week, we talk with Jake Weld, an experienced educator and Vice President of Mansfield Hall, as he delves into the multifaceted nature of anxiety among college students diagnosed with Autism Spec…
207: From Aspiro Wilderness/Adventure Therapy to Nature Based Preschool: Jenna Krueger’s Story
Dive deep with us in this heartwarming episode as Jenna Krueger, a former field guide at Aspiro, opens up about her journey and the profound shifts in her career and the outdoor therapy landscape. Je…
206: Harnessing the Outdoors: How Summit Achievement Addresses Adolescent Anxiety with Mike DeLuca
In this enlightening episode of "Stories from the Field: Mental Health in the Outdoors," we're joined by the insightful Mike DeLuca, LCSW, a clinician at Summit Achievement - a unique adolescent resi…
205: WinGate's Closure and the Future of Wilderness Therapy Programs
In this revealing special episode, we dive into the announcement that WinGate Wilderness Therapy in Utah is closing in September. WinGate has joined three other outdoor behavioral healthcare programs…
204: Nature-Based Healing: The Millcreek Experiential Approach with Jessica Jo Stenquist
In this episode, we hear the story of Jessica Jo Stenquist, the inspiring Founder and CEO of Millcreek Experiential Wellness Center. With an illustrious seventeen-year-long career as a mental health …
203: Reimagining Therapy in the Outdoors: Darcy Holt's Path at Three Peaks Ascent
In this episode, we talk with Darcy Holt, admissions director of Three Peaks Ascent, a new outdoor mental health treatment program in Utah. Darcy also helps at Red Cliff Ascent, a wilderness therapy…