Adventure Therapy Institute (AT)

The Adventure Therapy Institute, offered by the University of Michigan School of Social Work, provides education and training to professionals in the use of adventure as an approach in therapy and therapeutic programming. The Institute orients participants to the history and theoretical underpinnings of adventure therapy, and the principles of experiential education. These principles of adventure-based clinical practice are demonstrated in a hands-on, experiential manner. In addition, the Institute identifies the environmental and interpersonal contexts in which adventure therapy is applied, how the adventure therapist implements assessment and intervention methods, as well as unique issues existing within Adventure Therapy.

Topics covered include:

  • Historical and foundational context: the definition of adventure therapy and current foundational concepts.
  • Environmental contexts: the venues in which Adventure Therapy are applied, including private and public schools, and outpatient, inpatient, residential, and wilderness settings.
  • Interpersonal contexts: the principles and practice techniques specific to AT in individual, group, and family therapy.
  • Experience-based assessment: an overview of using adventure tools, techniques, and principles to enhance the assessment phase of treatment applications. Attention will be given to how it guides effective practice, enhances facilitation, and is implemented.
  • Intervention strategies: issues related to typical treatment outcomes, facilitation skills, and exploration of the activities typical in the application of adventure practice will be discussed and demonstrated.

The Institute utilizes Association for Experiential Education (AEE) standards for therapeutic programs and the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG) best practice standards as the foundation for course content.