Adventure Counseling as an Adjunct to Group Counseling in Hospital and Clinical Settings

Abstract

Adventure counseling has been thought of as a highly specialized application of group counseling skills in a wilderness environment. In fact, adventure counseling is based on a developmental theory of group, can be useful for a variety of clients, and can be thoughtfully integrated into clinical and hospital settings. This article describes the overlap between group counseling and adventure counseling, the stages and characteristics of adventure counseling, research supporting the efficacy of adventure counseling, and suggestions for implementing strategies of adventure counseling into clinical and hospital group counseling.

Keywords:

• group counseling
• adventure counseling
• clinically based counseling

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark C. Gillen

Mark C. Gillen, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Counseling and School Psychology Department at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.

Richard S. Balkin

Richard S. Balkin, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Counseling Department at Texas A&M University–Commerce.