Additional Readings

Here we have collected a list of additional readings published by both the research team at Elements as well as other helpful resources published in the field of Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare (OBH).  For a more in depth reading of the research, visit OBH Center publications and the Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (JTSP).

• Discovering and Treating Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in the Wilderness
  • Overview of the similarities and differences between PDA and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and discussion of how to identify and diagnose this condition in a wilderness therapy setting.
• Preface to Volume 14 of JTSP: Neal Christensen, Ph.D.
  • Introduction to latest volume of the Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs focused on Neurodiversity.
• Digital Media Overuse: Can Elements Wilderness Program improve the mental health functioning of adolescents with technology issues? 
  • A summary article focused on mental health functioning outcomes of adolescent clients at EWP with technology issues.  Full article can be found here.
• Healing Sexual Trauma in the Wilderness
  • Case study of a sixteen year old male at EWP suffering from a history of sexual abuse.  The individual studied entered the program with a variety of issues and psychiatric diagnoses.  He left the program demonstrating leadership, empathy and support of his peers and with a desire to be successful in his ongoing post-Elements therapeutic placement.
• Does Wilderness Therapy Work? Understanding the Research
  • This article dives into the effectiveness of wilderness therapy and features Neal Christensen, PhD, the Clinical Director of Elements Wilderness Program