Adventure Therapy: Nondeliberative Group Work in Action

ABSTRACT

Nondeliberative group work allows group members to generate their own solutions and provides experiential opportunities to transfer learning to life outside of a therapeutic setting. Adventure therapy is explored as a tool for engaging groups in a nondeliberative manner. The theoretical underpinnings of adventure therapy are presented and contextualized within the larger framework of experiential education. Specific methods and models of adventure work are presented and considered in relationship to nondeliberative social work with groups. Two case examples are presented to illustrate the nondeliberative nature of adventure therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Adventure therapy
• experiential education
• nondeliberative group practice

Notes

¹ Challenge courses also commonly referred to as a “ropes course” consists of obstacles often suspended in the air that individuals or groups engage with.

² Traveling off-trail.

³ Problem-solving activities usually set on the ground or low to the ground.