Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
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 Achieveme
Episodes
- 311: 30 Years Later: How Summit Achievement Was Built to Last
Summit Achievement CEO Nichol Ernst reflects on the 30-year history of the outdoor behavioral healthcare program, discussing its unique model that blends academics, family therapy, and adventure-based treatment amidst industry shifts and c…
- 310: How Venture Capital Grew Wilderness Therapy… and Then Ran Away
This episode explores the impact of venture capital on wilderness therapy, tracing its shift from nonprofit work to a privately funded industry. It reflects on the consequences of investment withdrawal, including program collapses and loss…
- 309: The First Therapist in Wilderness Therapy: Dr. Madolyn Liebing and the Clinical Origins of the Field
Dr. Madolyn Liebing, considered the first licensed mental health professional in wilderness therapy, discusses the transition of outdoor programs from survival-based to clinically grounded treatment. She shares her journey and perspective…
- 308: The Evolution of Wilderness Therapy: L. Jay Mitchell, SUWS, and the Early Days of Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Treatment
This episode revisits an interview with L. Jay Mitchell, founder of SUWS, discussing the early development of wilderness therapy. It covers his personal journey, the founding of SUWS in the 1980s, and reflections on the factors contributin…
- 307: From Prison Inmate to Wilderness Therapy Pioneer: The Story of Larry Wells
This episode details the story of Larry Wells, an early pioneer in wilderness therapy whose personal journey from prison shaped the foundations of these programs. His work, including founding Expedition Outreach and influencing other organ…
- 306: A Mighty Change in Wilderness Therapy: Larry Dean Olsen, Anasazi, and the 1990s Crisis (Part 2)
How did wilderness therapy survive the crises of the early 1990s — and why did some of its earliest leaders continue to believe in the work even as the field faced national criticism? In this episode of Stories from the Field we hear a rar…
- 305: A Mighty Change in Wilderness Therapy: How Larry Dean Olsen Impacted the Field (Part 1)
How and why did wilderness therapy ignite in the American West? In this episode of Stories from the Field Will explores the life and influence of Larry Dean Olsen, one of the key figures behind the primitive skills model used in many wilde…
- 304: Outward Bound: The Wartime Origins of Wilderness Therapy
Outward Bound is not about therapy. It began during World War II as a response to a fear that young sailors were not resilient enough to survive the sinking of their ships. Founded to build endurance, discipline, and leadership under extre…
- 303: The Rise and Fall of Therapeutic Camps: History, Hope and Hard Lessons.
What happened to the hundreds of therapeutic camps that once shaped mental health treatment for young people in the outdoors? Long before the term "wilderness therapy" was coined, therapeutic camps were considered cutting-edge mental healt…
- 302: Beyond Hell Camp: A New Documentary on Wilderness Therapy
In a moment when wilderness therapy is often framed as either a miracle or a menace, what gets lost when we stop listening for the full human story? In this special episode of Stories from the Field Will is joined by filmmakers Vince Dixon…
- 301. Surviving Climate Anxiety: How to Cope, Heal, and Stay Grounded in a Changing World
How do you live well, stay engaged, and protect your mental health when the future of the planet feels so uncertain? Listen to this episode of Stories from the Field where our host Will White is joined by Dr. Thomas Doherty—psychologist, e…
- 300: Wilderness Therapy Is Growing?! What 300 Episodes Reveal
Wilderness therapy isn't dying. It's growing. In this milestone 300th episode of Stories from the Field, host Dr. Will White sits down with guest host Jake Weld to reflect on nearly a decade of conversations exploring wilderness therapy, o…
- 299: The Most Controversial Wilderness Program? Part 2: Scouting, Faith, and the Roots of the Field
What do Outward Bound and many wilderness therapy programs have in common? Their shared roots trace back to a movement that believed the outdoors wasn't just a place to learn skills, but a place to shape moral character, spiritual values,…
- 298: Accidental Roots of Wilderness Therapy: A 1901 Insane Asylum Experiment
How did an early twentieth-century psychiatric institution help shape what would later become wilderness therapy? In this episode, our host Dr. Will White continues Season 26's exploration of a history of wilderness therapy by examining a…
- 297: Where Did Wilderness Therapy Begin?
Where did wilderness therapy actually begin—and why is it so hard to define? In the opening episode of Season 26 of Stories from the Field, host Dr. Will White launches a season-long exploration of a history of wilderness therapy. Drawing…
- 296: Is Wilderness Therapy Like Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy? A Conversation with Dr. Sandy Newes
Does wilderness therapy create an altered state similar to psychedelic-assisted therapy? And what can both approaches teach us about trauma, embodiment, and lasting change?In this final episode of Season 25, Will sits down with Dr. Sandy N…
- 295: Wilderness Isn't the Problem
What do decades of practice in wilderness therapy reveal about ethics, transport, and change? In this episode, Will talks with Paula Leslie—former Aspen Achievement Academy field guide, therapist, accreditation reviewer, and longtime educa…
- 294: The Most Controversial Wilderness Therapy Program? (Part 1)
What is the most controversial program in the history of wilderness therapy? Some might say it's the very program podcast host Will White was compelled to attend as a teenager. In this deeply personal and historical episode, Will shares—fo…
- 293: The Parallel Process Updated: What Parents Need to Know
How can parents grow alongside a struggling teen or young adult without getting pulled into their anxiety, shutdown, or refusal? In this episode, Will welcomes back Krissy Pozatek to discuss the updated edition of her influential book, The…
- 292: The Anti-Program Approach: Belay Life's Immersive Adventure Model
What happens when a wilderness guide, therapist, and seasoned mentor decides that traditional treatment programs no longer fit the needs of young adults? In this episode, Will speaks with Andrew "Chappy" Chapman, an innovator who has blend…
- 291: Rethinking Therapeutic Consulting: A Conversation with Amanda Thomas
What if "consulting" in mental health meant more than just placement? In this episode Will speaks with Amanda Thomas, founder of Cobalt Family Consulting , about how she and her team are reimagining therapeutic consulting for families navi…
- 290: The Truths about Wilderness Therapy: What Outcome Research Shows
What do wilderness therapy outcomes really tell us? In this episode, Will talks with researchers Dr. Joanna Bettmann Schaefer and Dr. Laura Mills, two leading researchers studying outcomes in wilderness therapy and residential outdoor trea…
- 289: Prescribing Nature: How to Be an Eco-Therapist
Dr. Patricia Hasbach of Northwest Ecotherapy joins Will to explore how clinicians can bring the healing power of nature into their therapeutic work. Drawing from her new book , Prescribing Nature: A Clinician's Guide to Ecotherapy, Patrici…
- 288: Kids These Days: Rethinking Youth Mental Health
Why are so many young people struggling—and are adults partly to blame? Dr. Will Dobud and Dr. Nevin Harper return to Stories from the Field to talk with Will about their bold new book, Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth M…
- 287: The Nature Fix: The Science of the Outdoors and Mental Health
Journalist and bestselling author Florence Williams joins Will to explore how time outdoors can transform our minds and bodies. Drawing from her acclaimed book The Nature Fix and her retreats around the world, Florence shares what first in…
- 286: The Trade Program: Earn While Growing, Learn By Doing
In this week's episode, Will welcomes experiential educator Greg Hitchcock, who shares the story of The Trade —a paid apprenticeship and next-step program for young adults who feel stuck or unsure of their direction. Based on 2,000 acres i…
- 285: Grief, Healing, and the Outdoors: The Bright Shadow Approach
In this episode Will speaks with Somerville Johnston, co-founder of Bright Shadow , a nonprofit dedicated to helping people navigate grief and loss through nature-based retreats and community support. Somerville shares how her background i…
- 284: Nature-Based Mental Health: The LifeWays Approach
In this episode, Will sits down with Chris Brown, founder of the LifeWays Wilderness Institute in Durango, Colorado. Lifeways offers a unique blend of outpatient therapy and guided outdoor experiences—from rock climbing and backpacking to…
- 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 of wilderness therapy, and Nathan grew up…
- 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 creating outdoor retreats where men com…
- 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 therapy, transitional living, and recovery su…
- 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 who overcame addiction and a near-fatal…
- 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 adult transition program in the red rock…
- 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 decades-long journey through the evolvin…
- 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 use and crisis. Beth shares the raw and em…
- 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 number of young men arriving in treatmen…
- 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 mental health challenges men and boys face t…
- 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 outdoor education. With over two decad…
- 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 discovering outdoor experiential work i…
- 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 with mental health and a diverse work…
- 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 to mountaineering instructor and eventu…
- 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 program dedicated to helping women and ma…
- 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 author of The Impossible Climb and The Third…
- 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, and growth through community and ment…
- 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 takes listeners behind the scenes of the trag…
- 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 her struggles with addiction, parenting…
- 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 profound losses as a child—including the de…
- 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 founding Black Mountain Academy , a specialized…
- 263: The Rise of Nature-Based Therapy: A Conversation with Katie Asmus
In this engaging conversation, Will welcomes back Katie Asmus, founder of the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute, to discuss the evolution of her work integrating nature-based therapy, somatic awareness, and rites of passage. Over the past f…
- 262: The Evolution of Outdoor Therapy Research: Dr. Tucker & Dr. Norton on the Outdoor Research Collaborative for Health, Wellbeing, and Experiential Engagement
In this episode Will talks with Dr. Anita Tucker and Dr. Christine Norton about the transformation of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Center into the newly established Outdoor Research Collaborative for Health, Wellbeing, and Ex…