in my opinion it can be a good experience for any child, but it won't change anything. I never understood the theory behind it changing people. I could be wrong, but I don't know anyone who was any better because they went. But I hope it works for your child. Good luck!
I have studied it because we have shorter versions here in Europe with good results, however after Cartisano modernized the industry in 1980's the European and American version of wilderness therapy became very different.
First of all European wilderness therapy are voluntary and targeted against youth with low self-esteem.
But here is the general phase-system in US programs:
1) Phase one is adjustment. Because a lot of programs allow transport by firms to the program and secrecy regarding the admission time, a lot of teenagers are taken from their bed during the night by private transport firms. Very often we are taking about clients, who have not been through the court system as most of you here, so those youth have no idea why their parent took such an extreme messure. So the first 2-3 days are going with adjustment. We are talking toilet, hygiene etc and overcoming the shock. Add to the shock strip search including probe inside.
2) Phase two is entering the group. There are various rituals for that. The group dynamic is very important. Most modern programs mix groups with old and new students, so the newcomers can learn from the more experience.
3) Phase three is working with group and survive. Because wilderness is very real, failure to dry clothes means wet clothes the next day and possible illness. Back home when they dont clean their clothes or dont give it to you to wash, you get their clothes and wash it. There is no consequence at home. In the wilderness the response comes at once. Take food also. If they are picky at home, you give in and serve something else. In the wilderness they starve. The staff remove something from the food like salt etc., so the clients become more tired and their health out of balance so they are not to tempted to run away. Unfortunately some kids are so stubborn so they ignore their health. That's why some dies. Another problem is that the kids would complain about sore feet etc. But sometime they have infections and because they complain all the time the staff could see it as manipulation. In Colorado a boy died after his foot did rot away. It took him a week.
4) The best programs include a solo phase where the youth are alone for 24-48 hours, so they can find peace and think about the future.
5) Half of the program then turn to the European approach with a lot of exercises to improve the self-etsteem by the kids. We are talking about activities like rock-climbing, gorge jumping and high rope courses. It is about pushing your self pass those limits you thought you had.
6) The last leg is you as a parent camping out in the wilderness with your child and have some family therapy sessions. Here your child is the parent because you have to rely to his or her skill in order to avoid starving. Listen to your child and enjoy that you can learn something new. Of course while it is not very comfy it is not by any means what he or her went through. You know when you are leaving. You know why you came. They didn't know either.
Wilderness works because the nature punish lazyness, but it is not without risk. Does it last?
Yes, if the youth knows up front why he or her is going and what the purpose is. Otherwise espect a honeymoon (3 months and then all is back as it was before).
I would do it anytime with my child if drugs came into the picture, BUT...
I will take three weeks off and go with him or her along the hikes. As a parent who has lived all my life with my children, I know when I am played and when I just have to clean those wounds before they become infected.
Would it be hurt, be cold or even damn hard all the way? Yes, of course it would, but I can see from every single statement made on this message board that I would suffer as bad if I stayed home. Parenting and worrying don't stop just because your child is with other people at a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) or a wilderness program.
Good luck with the wilderness. It could benefit him so much. But use the time until enrollment sitting down and talk about goals and go with him as far as possible until he is ready to walk the first steps down to his group.
) they will mature. Of course, this could be the calm before the next storm.
