Wilderness Therapy Symposium at Naropa University

Posted by Bill Sassani Sep 11, 2008

This weekend Naropa University will host its 6th Wilderness Therapy Symposium in Boulder, CO. The symposium is meant to bring together professionals in the wilderness therapy industry, including therapists, backpacking field instructors, transporters, administrators, and other professionals to share ideas as well as exchange knowledge and techniques for practicing wilderness therapy.

On Friday there are several pre-conference workshops scheduled, and a job fair/networking reception between 4-6 P.M. Gary Ferguson, whose book Shouting at the Sky describes his experiences while visiting a wilderness program, will be the keynote speaker for the conference. His presentation will cover how modern society can utilize nature to heal.

Saturday’s sessions cover a wide variety of topics, which include:

• Doorway to the Sacred: Youth Opening to the Wild
• Exploring Teen Dating Violence in a Wilderness Setting
• The Five Wilderness Medicine Protocols You Need to Have
• Preparing Families for Long-Term Change
• Treating Adolescents with Adoption and Attachment Issues
• The Major Historical Influences on the Evolution of Wilderness Therapy: An Oral History from Sentient Figures

Sunday there will extended 3-hour sessions, as well as extended 6-hour sessions

held off-campus in an outdoor setting. Participants who attend these sessions should bring appropriate clothing and footwear for being outside all day.