“And when your family shares a deeper intimacy and respect, problems between family members will seem lighter to bear.”― Dr. John M. Gottman, therapist and world-renown thought leader

As mental health literacy has gained traction in our post-pandemic world, the ability to recognize, diagnose and process has grown significantly. This increase in awareness and willingness to explore what lies under the surface of our language, our behaviors, and our patterns, shines a light on some key concepts related to overall health. One fact we know, now more than perhaps ever, is that mental health is health. Well-being is dependent upon a multitude of factors, including physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. The revelations about the way societal norms and discourse have shaped our lives revolutionizes the way we approach mental health overall. In addition, issues, topics, and struggles that were once hushed or silenced, are now receiving attention and this can bring up challenges for families. Traditional concepts of family and family roles have shifted for the better and psychology is catching up.

The latter half of the 20th century brought social empowerment and attention to one’s individual condition and their context within a group in new ways and our sense of identity has evolved along with the times. This impacts relationships considerably, especially our origin connections within the family structure. These societal shifts impact all members of the family, and the role of mental well-being and connection is a central component in navigating relationships skillfully and creating harmony.

The Stats on Family Mental Health

Following the last few years, mental health data show that American youth are in crisis, and parents are navigating a highly complex world. According to statistics, 20% of adults experience mental illness, and one out of every six youth have a mental health disorder. While it’s difficult to look at the facts about mental health struggles, the good news is that these topics that are vital to the well-being of all of us are finally getting airtime and attention. We’re talking about how we feel, we’re digging into the deeper meaning around behaviors, and we are more comfortable holding vulnerable conversations. This is the silver lining of a tumultuous time in our culture.

*A group enjoying a sunrise with Adventure Recovery*

Amid the sobering facts about mental health and recovery, parents are empowering themselves by seeking individual and family therapy, and cultivating ways to connect, heal, and thrive, together. This is increasingly true of families dealing with behavioral health struggles such as anxiety and depression or alcohol and substance use disorder. Talk therapy is a powerful tool and there are other interventions that complement the healing process in conjunction. One of the ways parents can go beyond traditional modes of therapeutic communication is through experiential modalities, such as adventure .

A growing body of evidence suggests that experiential family adventures in nature—through activities such as rafting, hiking, camping, biking, and surfing—offer profound health benefits. One study reviewed the impact of shared experiences without communicating—simply having experiences with others, without talking—and how this affects us psychologically. When we are engaged in activities, or taking in beautiful sights and sounds, we are reaping benefits on multiple levels. These experiences also give our nervous systems a chance to regulate and find a resting state, a level of calm that can inform the way we feel and the ways we communicate.

"Embracing outdoor activities and immersing oneself in nature can be transformative for a family, offering a dynamic approach to reshaping negative interpersonal patterns and family dynamics. Nature provides a conducive and uncontrived environment for fostering open communication, trust, and empathy among family members. Engaging in outdoor activities together encourages cooperation, problem-solving, and mutual support, promoting healthier ways of interacting and resolving conflicts. The natural setting also facilitates introspection and self-discovery free from many distractions of the modern world, allowing individuals to gain perspective on their roles within the family system. Through outdoor experiences, families can break free from entrenched negative patterns, cultivate resilience, and forge stronger, more fulfilling relationships, ultimately fostering lasting improvements in mental health and overall well-being"—Mark Sobel, Clinician with Ahava Counseling

Family Mental Health in Nature

Nature has gained traction in recent years as a powerful tool for promoting mental health. The research shows that spending time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood and overall well-being. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20 minutes in a natural setting significantly lowered cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone (and known cause of inflammatory conditions and anxiety). These findings underscore the potential of nature-based activities to enhance mental health outcomes. Further, the simple benefits of daylight and sunshine are simple things that can elevate mood and uplift people’s spirits.

Dr. John Gottman, renowned for his work on marital stability and relationship analysis, highlights the importance of shared positive experiences in building strong family bonds, including those off the couch. “The rituals you create in your lives together are important and will keep you connected,” says Gottman. These experiences can serve as a foundation for emotional connection and resilience in times of stress. We establish new patterns through new, shared experiences.

Family Mental Health Services, Outside

*A family out and about with Adventure Recovery*

As we explore mental health, the research shows that family relationships are a strong component of how we function in all of our relationships and can play a significant role in our overall wellness. Many studies also reveal that adventures benefit individual and group mental health, improving overall sense of wellness, self-efficacy, and elevating mood.

Engaging in activities that provide a natural backdrop for connection can be powerful and transformative. When participating in exercise, exploration, and community building activities— outside of the typical daily routines—family members expand their context for one another, deepening perspective and relatability. The group naturally must collaborate, support one another, and work harmoniously. This goes a long way for generating empathy among family members. Further, these experiences inspire greater capacity for compassion and foster teamwork and unity amongst groups. These interactions create imprints that can fuel positive shifts in relationships. When you combine the benefits of adventure with the opportunity to create a sacred space for families to share and connect, the results can be profound.

“We’ve seen firsthand that when families participate in the AR model, many of the skills and processes they are working on in the traditional clinical modalities come to life in a new way, creating deeper understandings that are profoundly impactful. The conventional, and at times maladaptive, family roles are re-examined and reframed in light of the unit as a whole. This creates more positive functioning that is natural and effective. Incorporating lessons from ancestral traditions, technical adventure activities, the natural world, and a sense of sacred space and reverence can restore balance and forge a new, healthy path forward.”—Josh Flaherty, LMSW, Executive Director of Adventure Recovery

Therapeutic Adventure and Family Bonding

Attachment theory, pioneered by John Bowlby and further developed by Mary Ainsworth, emphasizes the importance of secure attachments in early life between infant and caregiver for healthy emotional development. Often, these attachments can go through challenges or may become maladaptive due to many factors. As we’ve evolved and learned more about these connections—and how they’re forged and sustained—many of us see where these relationships faltered historically. Our culture was not as communicative about mental health, but now we are applying these theories and teachings to learn new and better ways to connect.

"Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives."— Brené Brown, author, professor

Brené Brown, a research professor and expert on vulnerability and shame, notes that vulnerability is a key component of strong family connections. When families engage in outdoor activities, they often face challenges that require them to rely on one another. This interdependence fosters trust and deepens emotional bonds.

Family adventures in nature provide opportunities for parents and children to strengthen these bonds through shared experiences and cooperative tasks, especially if these bonds are strained in any way. We share the raw moments, fears, hopes, and successes in an adventure context and the depth of this experience runs deep.

Family Wellness and the Three C’s of Resilience

As part of the thought leadership informing family adventure expeditions that combine clinical and experiential approach, clinicians often incorporate the 3 C’s of Resilience, developed by leading psychologists in relation to notions of hardiness of personality. The therapists, including Salvatore Maddi, Suzanne Kobasa, and other esteemed colleagues, observed that people going through struggles and challenges, face a unique opportunity to cultivate aspects of character that serve them through all aspects of life, especially in relationships.

The idea is comprised by three aspects, also known as the three C’s: commitment, control, and challenge. The three C’s frame an approach to stress through a set of principles. Taken together, the three components of psychological hardiness can be transformative. The impetus for the application of these tools is to build awareness, deepen capacity, and to develop comfort in the present moment. This allows clients to approach life with vulnerability, courage, and hope. This work lead clients beyond dysfunctional behavioral patterns, past trauma, and pain, and stepping into the brightness of compassion and future potential.

Why Nature Expeditions for Family Mental Health?

Curated family time in nature fosters resilience and autonomy within the family system through interventions and themes based in personal control, challenge, and commitment. Each day, participants embark on wilderness adventures, participate in uniquely tailored individual and group therapy sessions, cultivate connection, and navigate challenges along the way. Family members can advocate for themselves in new ways, communicate effectively through challenges, and strengthen their intentions for relationships with each other moving forward. This is how change happens, as a group.

Family Roles, Outside

“That which is created in a relationship can be fixed in a relationship.”—Murray Bowen

*Whitewater rafting with Adventure Recovery*

Family systems theory, developed by Murray Bowen, views the family as an interconnected system where each member's behavior affects the whole. The family is an interdependent unit and the roles played by each individual can become solidified in dysfunction. When families experience enmeshment and conflation of emotions and feelings, it creates anxiety and can be difficult to initiate positive shifts. Healthy awareness and intention around these patterns and roles is often necessary.

Outdoor experiences and adventures as a group, especially under the guidance and skillful facilitation of professional guides and clinical experts, can disrupt the unhealthy patterns and help to create new dynamics.

Self-Regulation and Family Mental Health

"Family Intensives support the family system in collectively increasing nervous system regulation. Engaging in nature encourages mindfulness, self-soothing through movement and senses, and present moment awareness. As families immerse themselves in the wilderness environment, they will naturally experience a reduction of stress, increased levels of presentness and mood regulation, and higher levels of connection to self, others, and environment. Nature provides a safe and supportive container for families to practice new communication skills and face challenges in a connected and regulated way."—Maura Nolan, LPC, LMHC, CMHC, Therapist at Ahava Counseling

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, emphasizing the role of physical experiences in emotional healing. When we are present in our bodies, which naturally happens during adventure outings, we are often more able to notice our feelings and behaviors and apply awareness and tools to self-regulate. Gabor Maté, a physician and expert in trauma and addiction, highlights the importance of embodied experiences for processing emotions

“Nature’s ultimate goal is to foster the growth of the individual from absolute dependence to independence — or, more exactly, to the interdependence of mature adults living in community. Development is a process of moving from complete external regulation to self-regulation, as far as our genetic programming allows. Well-self-regulated people are the most capable of interacting fruitfully with others in a community and of nurturing children who will also grow into self-regulated adults.”—Gabor Maté

The Healing Power of Family Adventures

Structured outdoor experiences designed to strengthen family bonds and promote mental health are relatively new. As the wilderness model of therapeutic care is disassembled in the US, many are seeking alternatives to traditional talk therapy. When out in nature, sharing time under the stars, nervous systems are given space to regulate, cemented roles are disrupted, and space is created for unity. Adventure activities are an added plus because they provide fertile ground for learning together and creating new memories. Rafting, hiking, camping, and surfing are not only enjoyable but also therapeutic, providing families with a shared sense of accomplishment and adventure. These endeavors require teamwork, communication, and trust. Families must work together to navigate the challenges, creating shared purpose. This collaborative effort can translate to improved communication and problem-solving skills in everyday life.

“Change also comes when we learn to do something different, to make choices in our thinking and daily routines that interrupt a downward spiral and create an upward one.”
― Tian Dayton

Dr. Tian Dayton, a clinical psychologist and expert in trauma and addiction therapy, emphasizes the importance of breaking out of routine to foster healing. This rings true for families needing a reset.

Routine can entrench families in rigid roles and patterns. Nature-based activities provide a fresh context where family members can interact in new ways, encouraging flexibility, adaptability, and resilience.

Unplugging as a Family

Another obvious benefit of being outside together is untethering from the constant alerts, messages, emails, and calls. These distractions pull us out of the moment and at a core, base level, when we are with others but looking at devices, we are simply not present. Unplugged, we have a chance at connecting. The shared journey can lead to meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of one another. Research from the University of Michigan found that group experiences in nature are associated with decreased depression and perceived stress, as well as enhanced mental well-being.

Setting up camp, cooking meals over a fire, and sleeping under the big sky can foster a sense of self-reliance and resilience. A European study found that family camping experiences significantly improved family bonds, cohesion, and communication.

Innovative Approaches for Family Harmony

As families seek new ways to connect and thrive, the integration of nature-based activities into therapeutic practices represents a forward-thinking approach. Nature-based activities can complement traditional therapeutic approaches by providing a dynamic and engaging context for growth and healing, while generating shared memories to last a lifetime.

“To immerse fully into an experience fortifies our relationship with self. When we can authentically show up as ourselves, we are better equipped to both work through difficulties in our relationships and to share in profound beauty. Adventures provide us with a perfect reminder that we can do hard things—and that we are worthy of triumph. Challenges are often our touchstones for growth and make the moments of awe and reverence even better. Sharing these moments with others naturally strengthens our bonds.” —Nathan Bennick, National Field Director of Adventure Recovery

The benefits of family time in nature are clear: reduced stress, strengthened bonds, and enhanced emotional resilience. As families navigate the complexities of modern life, these experiences offer a powerful antidote to disconnection and stress. By embracing the time together with openness and hope, families embark on a journey of healing and transformation, one adventure at a time. For families seeking deeper connection and lasting well-being, the great outdoors is powerful medicine.

If you are interested in learning more about Family Intensives and transformative adventures outside, read more.