Additional Information
A number of private and public universities and colleges offer courses
that introduce students to adventure-based therapy. But there is no set educational
path to adventure therapy.
You must have strong outdoor skills and the necessary clinical skills if
you want to become a true adventure therapist, says Itin. And there are several
ways you can get both.
Advanced degrees in psychology, social work or counseling will teach you
the necessary clinical skills, says Christian Itin. He is the former chair
of the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group. You simply cannot be an adventure
therapist without those skills.
"People [undergoing adventure therapy] tend to move very quickly into very
strong emotions," says adventure therapist Shelly Ramsey. "You can really
be in a major crisis if you don't have the skills to deal with it."
As for the outdoor skills, you can acquire them on your own, through the
military or through one of the many existing outdoor training schools.
It also helps if you have certificates that prove your outdoor and first
aid qualifications.