“Evolv Adventure Therapy” is a unique program that goes beyond the traditional office-based therapy model. It is an exciting and adventurous experience. Through this program, people of all ages can break records while overcoming self-limiting beliefs that often lead to negative behavioral patterns.
How Nature Makes Us Feel Better
Getting out into nature makes us feel happier and more energetic. This is because sunlight boosts serotonin, a natural feel-good hormone that promotes calm and focus. In fact, some physicians use sunlight or artificial light therapy to treat certain mood disorders, like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is often caused by low serotonin levels.
However, sunlight isn’t the only benefit that nature provides. The sounds of nature, such as crickets chirping and birds singing, can enhance concentration and improve cognitive performance in as little as 40 seconds.
Adventure Therapy for Mental Health
Adventure therapy is experiential and utilizes outdoor physical activities to improve cognitive functions, interpersonal skills, and behavioral patterns. This treatment program is normally offered alongside other evidence-based therapies to individuals with addiction or mental health conditions.
Participants in Evolv Adventure Therapy enjoy:
- A renewed sense of responsibility
- New positive relationships
- Improved social skills
- Self-awareness
- Self-confidence
- Physical resilience
- Decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Improved psychological resilience
- Healthier coping skills
- Stress management techniques
How Evolv Adventure Therapy Works
Evolv Adventure Therapy consists of multiple outdoor activities, from yoga to rock climbing, which participants can participate in alone or in a group setting. Each activity promotes self-awareness, growth, resilience, problem-solving, determination, and personal growth.
The Five Key Concepts of Evolv Adventure Therapy
As a form of adventure and nature therapy, Evolv is based on five key concepts. These concepts focus on the steps to solving a problem rather than the solution alone. This allows participants to challenge themselves, think critically, and confront fears. Participants in this program also learn coping skills that can be used long after program completion.
Evolv Adventure Therapy Key Concepts
- Identity Development: Participants learn that they are more than the challenges they face, and that they can love themselves despite them.
- Self-Efficacy: Each participant realizes they can accomplish more by pushing past their comfort zone.
- Flow Theory: Evolv Adventure Therapy activities promote flow by engaging the participant to the point of losing track of time.
- Grit: Each participant is encouraged to stick to their activity rather than giving up at the first sign that things aren’t going as planned.
- Growth Mindset: Evolv Adventure Therapy participants are changed positively and are thus inspired to move into this new positive version of themselves.
Therapists who host Evolv Adventure Therapy activities aren’t merely cheering from the sidelines but are actively engaged in the process. This makes participants feel like part of a community, encouraging them to care for one another’s wellbeing.
How Effective is Evolv Adventure Therapy?
Due to its hands-on approach, Evolv Adventure Therapy yields several benefits to its participants. These benefits are mainly centered around self-awareness and personal development, though participants can also benefit in other ways.
Research indicates that adventure therapies like Evolv Adventure Therapy are effective in helping individuals manage their behaviors, emotions, and interpersonal relationships more positively.
Additional research highlights the following adventure therapy benefits:
- Is an effective treatment for anxiety: In a study published by the University of Tennessee, researchers found that adventure therapy benefits those suffering from anxiety after just a few months of participation.
- Promotes a quicker recovery from psychological stress: The USDA Forest Service states that access to outdoor green spaces lowers the risk of depression and promotes a less prolonged stress response.
- Contributes to the wellbeing of participants and practitioners: The Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education cites strong evidence that a mixture of traditional indoor treatment and outdoor therapy yields better results for young people with psychological distress. Additionally, outdoor therapy lowers the risk of burnout among practitioners.
- Promotes calm in veterans with substance use disorders: Science Direct found that adventure therapy—specifically sailing adventure therapy (SAT)—promotes calm and positivity amongst veterans suffering from substance use disorders (SUDs). It was also found to promote psychological flexibility.
Evolv’s Adventures
Transformations Treatment Center offers a range of Evolv Adventure Therapy activities on or near our facility. With our naturally tropical backdrop, participants are immediately immersed in an environment that exudes vitality and tranquility. These elements are particularly crucial for participants looking to recover from mental health disorders and addiction.
Evolv Adventure Therapy activities include:
- Sunrise Meditation: A guided sunrise meditation for cultivating mindfulness.
- Kayaking: A water sport that requires quick thinking and adaptation to unpredictable conditions while promoting cardiovascular endurance and stamina.
- Paddle Boarding: Paddle boarding, also known as stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), is an activity that enhances the connection with nature while building upper body strength and improving balance.
- Rock Climbing: A physically demanding sport that involves scaling walls and natural rock formations. This activity encourages participants to push through their fears to develop confidence and accomplishment.
- Yoga: An ancient Indian practice that combines postural changes, light exercise, meditation, and deep breathing. Participants acquire improved physical health and mental clarity.
- Tai Chi: An ancient Chinese practice that uses slow, fluid movements and deep breathing to promote relaxation, balance, and strength.
- Snorkeling: An underwater adventure where participants use a snorkel to observe marine life. The deep, rhythmic breathing creates a calming effect, while the vibrant colors of the coral reef evoke wonder.
- Visiting a Turtle Rehab: An environmental adventure where participants visit a turtle rehabilitation center to learn about conservation and environmental responsibility.
Evolv with Transformations Treatment Center
Evolv Adventure Therapy was expertly developed to promote long-term sobriety, positive emotional changes, and trust in oneself using evidence-based adventure therapy programs. Along with other programs, participants can expect a renewed sense of belonging, mental wellbeing, and resilience.
If you’re ready to embark on a fascinating journey from adventure to healing, contact us at (844) 770-0165 – and begin your transformation today.
