Adventure & Experiential Therapy
Adventure therapy, otherwise known as experiential therapy, has been shown to greatly benefit adolescents in recovery by breaking down some of the barriers associated with typical treatment. Research shows that adolescent males are in general are more likely to benefit from a kinetic or multi-sensory approach. Through a variety of activities, teen boys are able to tap into and address difficult-to-discuss issues, work with their fellow residents and find healthy hobbies that will last a lifetime.
an alternative to traditional therapy
Our 177-acre campus provides the ideal setting for adventure therapy that allows youth to address past, present and future issues in non-traditional ways.
Often, young men struggle to express their feelings in a one-on-one therapeutic setting. They may clam up or decline to participate in traditional therapy. By giving teens the chance to experience new, thrilling activities, we find that they are better able to bond with their peers, open up to counselors and learn to enjoy days without the use of drugs and alcohol.
Here are some of ARCH Academy’s on-campus accommodations for experiential therapy:
expressive art therapy
Ropes Course & Zip Line
Equine Therapy
Weight & Aerobic Workout Room
Fly-Fishing
OFF-CAMPUS EXPERIENCES
ARCH Academy also offers a variety of off-campus activities. In addition to attending 12-Step meetings throughout Nashville, it is important that we help our teens integrate with the Middle Tennessee recovery scene in multiple ways. We frequently go hiking, attend sporting events and go canoeing.
We are also able to take adventure of activities on our main Cumberland Heights campus, just a short 15 minute drive from ARCH Academy. There we can visit the pond, disc-golf, wall-climb and take advantage of the full-size gymnasium.
COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK
We have found that connection and community are especially beneficial for adolescent recovery. Through service work, residents of ARCH Academy are able to learn more about the people of Nashville, care for their community and find a sense of purpose through volunteerism.
Our community service opportunities include feeding the homeless, planting gardens, maintaining public parks, working with students and more.
EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE OF RECOVERY
The goal of our adventure-based interventions is to allow for alternative interventions for our boys to embrace recovery. ARCH Academy takes advantage of its acres of wooded terrain to facilitate a connection with nature and provide the serenity needed for introspection and connection with others.
It was so encouraging to know that we are not alone. Even though each of our stories is different in terms of how we got to this place, we are all on this same journey of recovery.
