Intentional Practices of Adventure Therapy Facilitators: Shinning Light into the Black Box

Adventure therapy (AT) settings are diverse and range from school and community settings to outdoor wilderness and bush settings. However, due to the complex and diverse nature of AT, the specific practices associated with the facilitation of AT can be unclear and have been referred to as the black box. To shine light into at least one corner of the black box and understand the practices of AT facilitators, the current study explored the intentional facilitative practices of AT facilitators (i.e., social workers, psychologists, counselors, educators). These processes include: (1) Assess Point A (e.g., client history and current individual/group functioning), environmental conditions, and Point B (i.e., therapeutic goals); (2) Match interventions with the assessment of client and group needs; (3) Shape environmental conditions; (4) Facilitate the experience; and (5) Evaluate the process. Findings provide guidance for human service providers, such as social workers, as they seek to service the diverse needs of youth clients.