Introduction
In the world of healthcare, the prospect of Wilderness Therapy has definitely seemed to have gained a lot of relevance. From the last few decades, a wide variety of Wildness therapy providers are popping up all over the world. In the United States of America one of the most Wildness Therapy programmes is “Wingate Wilderness Therapy”.
Many parents and caretakers send their wards to such places. And, the purpose behind this is has always been to make them quit some time of addiction, rehabilitation, improved mental health. However, not everything is so positive about such programmes. Indeed, Wingate Wilderness Therapy programme is also surrounded by many controversies. In this blog, you are going to find every piece of relevant information about this specific wilderness therapy programme. This includes everything positive as well as negative about the programme.
An overview – What is “Wingate Wilderness Therapy”?
In simple words, it can be described as a therapeutic programme. And, this programme focuses on rehabilitation of teenagers. Hence, helping individuals in various aspects of their life through this therapy programme. Their main target audience is known to be young adults and even adolescents. Hence, individuals in their teen years. To be more specific, this this programme helps such individuals in overcoming a variety of challenges. Indeed, these range from emotional, behavioural, and psychological challenges. The main location of this programme is currently situated in the region of Utah.
Understanding the “Wilderness therapy” [Wingate Wilderness Therapy]
- Basically, Wilderness therapy can be described a treatment option that is based on outdoor behavioural healthcare. These treatment programme helps treat different behavioural disorders in teenagers and adolescents. However, that is not all these programmes also help individuals stop abusing different substances [hard drugs/intoxicants]. Meanwhile, teenagers’ mental health issues also get addressed and solved in these wildness therapy programmes.
- What happens in these programmes is that individuals there for different reasons live together. Hence spending time living out in the wild together. These programmes have evidently emerged and first made appearance in United States of America back in 1970s.
- To be noted, everything about these programmes is not all positive. This refers to how so many things have come out showcasing different issues faced by individuals while in the programme. As of now, even though this therapy has existed for a long time there is no substantial proof showing that these programmes are actually effective.
- Meanwhile, many reports have been received of abuse, deaths, traumatic experiences and other controversial happenings. And, when these cases start popping out from several Wildness Therapy programmes it is a cause for concern. Especially, because there are children and teenagers involved who get exploited in different ways.
More information about Wingate Wildness Therapy
The natural environment gets adopted and utilized by the Wingate Wildness Therapy. And, their main purpose is to bring personal growth and healing to individuals. Without a doubt, this specific programme is known to focus on a more inclusive approach. For the same reason, they have been able to bring positive change to many lives. This programme provides a mix of group as well individual therapy. And, during all the therapeutic activities involved are integrated with outdoor experience and the serenity of the nature. As you may know, issues such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and defiance get addressed ion this programme.
“Wingate Wildness Therapy” – What is included in the programme? What is it designed for?
A wide variety of outdoor activities are involved in this wilderness therapy programme. For example, hiking, camping, survival skills, etc. Evidently, all of these activities help individuals become more resilient, self-reliable and responsible all together. Just because this programme is based in a remote area of Utah full of wilderness and forest. For the same reason, individuals happen to get disconnected from all the distractions which exists normally. This refers to the modern distractions associated with the lifestyle of a huge chunk of world’s population. Hence, the individuals who have participated can successfully focus on what is actually important while being there. Personal development and healing will be achieved much more efficiently indeed.
This programme is most popular for its personalized treatment plans according to the specific needs of an individual. Therefore, the activities within the programme will be tailored to every individual’s requirement. And, the reason they are there for. By being a part of this programme, the individuals can have many benefits. For example, the benefits may include understanding how to cope with life, improving self esteem and keeping relationships healthy.
Controversies surrounding “Wingate Wildness Therapy” – Lawsuits related to troubled kids and teenagers in their programme
- Back in the year 2019, this therapy programme and its owners faced a massive lawsuit. Evidently, they got sued by an individual named Jacob. And, they were sued for negligence
- Thereafter, in the year 2022 another lawsuit loomed over this therapy programme. This one was by a former participant who claimed there not being appropriate services. Especially, lack of efforts in providing basic necessities. He specifically became chronically dehydrated while being in the programme. And, the blame was put on this programme.
Conclusion
Indeed, such therapeutic practices and programmes are only worth it if they actually show effective results. Evidently, these therapy programmes including Wingate are not backed by science. Hence, there is no solid evidence that showcases that these things actually work. Moreover, whether Wingate Wildness Therapy can be trusted or not is not really clear. Indeed, you should think twice before enrolling any of your loved one or yourself into these programmes. That is because of the controversies surrounding this programme and other similar ones.
[AUTHOR – PIYUSH CHAUHAN]
