Communication

Rather than creating a wedge or fanning the flames of anger toward family, wilderness therapy becomes a catalyst for family cohesion and intimacy. Parents and their adult children report feeling closer to each other during and after the wilderness experience. Although the journey that led to an out-of-home placement was not anticipated, families often express gratitude and joy after the experience, stating the belief that all families would benefit from a wilderness therapy experience.

Weekly phone calls with the therapist focus on a narrative, updated diagnosis and prognosis, as well as discussions about future assignments and recommendations. These weekly phone calls, letter writing, and updates combined with family therapy assignments, give way to family phone therapy and, in many cases, mid-program visits. Initial admission into the wilderness begins with limited and directed communication with your child through weekly letters. Increased contact typically results as the child progresses from the position of blame and manipulation to accountability and respect. As appropriate, enrolling families will receive a call from a former Second Nature family who will serve as a mentor, seeking to "give back" by providing parent-to-parent support and leadership. These mentors volunteer to help new families adjust to challenges throughout the journey.

Second Nature's weekly webinars offer additional contact and support, providing open-forum sessions where participants enjoy anonymous, interactive participation. Webinars are internet-based video lectures and Q & A sessions facilitated by co-Founder, Dr. Brad Reedy and Second Nature therapists. Parents can take advantage of this unique experience during the live sessions or access an expansive library of archived sessions.