1st Edition
Delivering Effective Adventure Therapy A Therapist’s Guide to Producing Transformative Change for Clients
Delivering Effective Adventure Therapy: A Therapist’s Guide to Producing Transformative Change for Clients provides effective interventions for enriching therapeutic techniques using experiential methodology infused with metaphor.
Therapists continuously search for effective therapeutic interventions to engage clients in treatment and promote positive change. Adventure therapy overcomes the barriers of traditional therapeutic interventions such as, passivity, lack of input, and increased levels of resistance from clients. Rather than just “talking the talk” of therapy, this book provides examples and case studies that utilize experiences to enrich the therapeutic process and assist clients in reaching their therapeutic objectives faster with longer-lasting results. In addition to the practical therapeutic interventions detailed in the text, the theoretical background, rationale, models, case studies, and contraindications for these interventions are also explored. This toolkit is a practical and immersive guide which details adventure therapy practices in the field of mental health.
This text is essential for mental health clinicians, including psychologists, social workers, and family/marriage therapists. As well as, therapists working in adventure, wilderness, outdoor, and alternative treatment settings.
Biography
Michael A. Gass, PhD, LMFT, is Director of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Center in the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire, USA, and a licensed marriage and family therapist.
"Dr. Michael Gass has once again hit the ball out of the park in his most recent book on Adventure Therapy. This book demonstrates through metaphors, research, and a deep awareness of the healing process for adolescents. The reader will learn the power of Adventure Therapy through his unique writing style and his creativity for methodology, philosophy, and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Gass is a leader in the field, and we hope he will take us on another journey."
Craig Dobkin, co-founder, Play for Peace
"Dr. Michael Gass lives and breathes metaphor. His heart, passion, and depth for teaching are reflected in the eyes of his students. His wry smile is the tell of the transference of experience into tangible change. His art is creating a new perspective, reframing intervention, and allowing experience to educate. Mike Gass connects us to the beauty and mystery of life."
Kim Neal Wasserburger, MSW, Karl Rohnke Creativity Award winner, Experiential Creations Consulting
"Dr Michael Gass is a soul like no one you will meet in your lifetime. He is a true mentor. To know him is to have the privilege of receiving as well as observing his unwavering capacity for kindness, generosity, and optimism. He is also determined, focused, and a genuine visionary about how best to help others grow and find their healing path. Over 40 years of experience, research, teaching, and parenting have culminated in this richly developed book brimming with useful knowledge and vivid metaphors. Dr. Gass has positively impacted countless lives through his undaunted leadership and passion to serve others."
Elizabeth Carol Bounds, co-founder / board president, Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation / Wilderness4Life