Trauma-informed practices in experiential, adventure, and outdoor programming prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment for participants who have experienced trauma.
These approaches recognize the impact of trauma on individuals and emphasize creating supportive environments that foster healing and resilience through outdoor experiences. By integrating trauma-informed principles, programs can help participants navigate their challenges while promoting personal growth and positive relationships in a safe and nurturing setting.
Publications
Bellegarde, N., Chintakunta, S., Christian, D. D., & Pemu, M. (2024). Using adventure therapy to address ACEs. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2024.2415939
Tucker, A. R., Beale, B., Norton, C. L., Walsh, H., Keefe K., Holmes, L., & Wermer-Colan, R. (2024). The Ohio Adventure Therapy Coalition: A statewide trauma informed group work initiative to meet the needs of CPS youth. The Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2024.2386163
Bettmann, J. E., Prince, K. C., Ganesh, K., Rugo, K. F., Bryan. A.O., Bryan, C. J., Rozek, D. C., & Leifker, F. R. (2021). The effect of time outdoors on veterans receiving treatment for PTSD. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(9), 2041-2056. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23139
Myrick, L., Wermer-Colan, A., Norton, C. L., & Tucker, A. R. (2021). Understanding trauma-related distress among wilderness therapy field staff. Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, 13, 69-101.https://doi.org/10.19157/ JTSP.issue.13.01.05
Norton, C. L., Tucker, A. R., & Bandoroff, S. (2020). Psychological risk management: Mental health prevention and response strategies in outdoor settings. In N. Harper & W. Dobud (Eds.), Outdoor Therapies (pp. 42-53). Routledge Press.
Norton, C. L., Tucker, A. R., Farnham, M., Borroel, F., & Pelletier, A. (2019). Family enrichment adventure therapy: A mixed methods study examining the impact of trauma-informed adventure therapy on children and families affected by abuse. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 12(1), 85-95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0133-4
