Adventure Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice

by Michael A. Gass

The evolution and history of adventure therapy, as chronicled in the second chapter of this book, well demonstrates how far this field has evolved from a “divergent therapy” into an efficacious form of therapy that engages clients on cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels. Adventure Therapy is written by three professionals who have been at the forefront of the field since its infancy. The theory, techniques, research, and case studies they present are the cutting edge of this field.

The authors focus • the theory substantiating adventure therapy • illustrations that exemplify best practices • the research validating the immediate as well as long-term effects of adventure therapy, when properly conducted.

This book is the leading academic text, professional reference, and training resource for adventure therapy practices in the field of mental health. It is appropriate for a wide range of audiences, including beginner and experienced therapists, as well as graduate students.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Cedar Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains a wealth of good information and, perhaps more importantly, pressing questions about the field of Adventure and Wilderness Therapy. Definitions are laid out, different types of programs are discussed, etc.

It's also dense, and not much fun to read.

And maybe it's just the salty, under-appreciated field staff coming out, but I think we should get more than a few paragraphs (most of which talk about our incompetence due to lack of training) to the individuals spending the majority of their time with the clients.

I very much enjoyed and appreciated the short stories interspersed throughout by practitioners. Definitely felt much more like the type of learning AT employs than the majority of the much more dense & sometimes overly-academic text.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

An important primer to the field of Adventure Therapy. Lots of vignettes and stories from the field as well as important foundational information.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not the easiest read. The author assumes that the reader already knows about many of the activities that adventure therapists use. I find this to be frustrating, as well as the fact that the book has many typos. Nonetheless, I am learning a lot about the field of adventure therapy.

[gradedog · Rating 3 out of 5]

If ya want the basics on adventure therapy, this is it.