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
162: Shayna Abraham, Founder of Prepare to Bloom and Co-founder of Therapeutic Consulting Association
161. What is Coaching, and how does Wonder help families?
160. What is a "Therapeutic Consultant" ?
159: What is "Solutions Parenting Support"?
Hilary Moses is co-owner and parent coach of Solutions Parenting Support and has a long history of working in wilderness therapy. In this episode, Hilary shares how being authentic and compassionate …
158: Exploring "All Kinds of Therapy"
We explore the All Kinds of Therapy (AKOT) website which provides a resource for those interested in learning more about behavioral healthcare, including wilderness therapy. In this episode, we dialo…
157: Dr. Fred Peipman, Primary Therapist at Second Nature
Dr. Fred Peipman is a therapist at Second Nature and works primarily with an adolescent all-gender group. Fred shares his fascinating story of growing up on the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea …
156: Casie Fariello, Co-founder of Other Parents Like Me
Casie Fariello is the co-founder of Other Parents Like Me (OPLM.com), a subscription-based online platform designed to support parents of young people struggling with mental health and substance abus…
155: Dr. Thomas Doherty: Ecopsychology Researcher, Therapist and Podcaster
Dr. Thomas Doherty is one of the foremost authorities on Ecopsychology and is a widely sought-after researcher and speaker on how climate change impacts mental health. He is the co-host of the new po…
154: Trauma and Wilderness Therapy
How can wilderness therapy help young people suffering from trauma? Is transporting young people to wilderness therapy traumatizing? We explore these topics and more with Steve Sawyer, Co-Founder/Chi…
153: The Legacy of Adam Tsapis
In this special episode, we honor and explore the legacy of the late Adam Tsapis, Summit Achievement co-founder, tall ship captain, father, partner, friend to all, and advocate for wilderness therapy…
152: Dr. Madolyn Liebing, Clinical Director of Legacy Outdoor Adventures and Juniper Recovery Center for Women
Dr. Madolyn ("Maddy") Liebing is the Clinical Director of Legacy Outdoor Adventures and Juniper Recovery Center for Women. Maddy is a historical figure in wilderness therapy and has worked in the fie…
151: Dawn McCord, author of "Chasing Carson: A Family's Journey through Adolescence, Addiction and Recovery"
150: How is the Wilderness Therapy Field Changing?
How is the field of wilderness therapy changing, and is it changing faster than ever before? In this special 150th episode, we will explore these questions by looking at the impact of the controversi…
149: Tami Ann, author of "A Wilderness Journey: The Story of a Teen’s Road to Healing"
Tami Ann is the author of the new book, "A Wilderness Journey: The Story of a Teen’s Road to Healing" which is a heartfelt memoir about her son's and her family's wilderness therapy journey at a prim…
148: After Wilderness Therapy
What happens after a young person discharges from a wilderness therapy program? Do they transition home, therapeutic boarding school, or to a traditional school environment? This episode discusses af…
147: Learning differences and Wilderness Therapy
Wilderness therapy programs have evolved over the last twenty years to better help those with learning differences that impact mental health. Many young people who enroll in wilderness therapy progra…
146: Margo Kelly, Course Leader/Therapist at True North
Margo Kelly, MSW, MEd (they/them/theirs) is a course leader/therapist at True North in Vermont. Their journey to wilderness therapy began on a backpacking trip on the Long Trail when they came upon t…
145: Jamila Minnifield: Primary Therapist at First Light Wilderness Therapy
Jamila Minnifield is a therapist at First Light Wilderness in Georgia. Jamila shares the story of her unusual journey to becoming a wilderness therapist, from her serendipitous learning about wildern…
144: How to get Insurance Reimbursement for Wilderness Therapy
Mary Covington is the President of Denials Management, a healthcare advocacy firm specializing in mental health billing, claims, and appeals. Mary explains the critical steps in getting insurance rei…
143: Financial Help for Wilderness Therapy Treatment, Part 2
The cost of wilderness therapy treatment is expensive, yet several organizations will help. In this second of two episodes, we hear stories from leaders of non-profit organizations that help families…