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New Perspectives - Feb,
2002 Issue #90
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Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy
Expeditions
Seven Week Extended Expeditions
Admissions Department
P.O. Box 1064
Albany, OR 97321
(541) 926-7252
admissions@cfreer.com
In response to many requests from parents, consultants and residential
programs, Catherine Freer will offer seven-week expeditions starting May 12. Our Extended Expeditions will include and build on our
traditional three-week Trek by providing adolescents with an additional four weeks of continued therapy and self-responsible outdoor
living. A Master’s level therapist will be with each group throughout the four additional weeks, just as on our regular treks, to
provide a daily professional level of intensive individual and group therapy and assessment. The four weeks give participants more
time to explore themselves, to internalize what they have learned, and to deepen their commitment to personal change.
Trek
The first three weeks of the Extended Expedition are regular Freer backpacking treks. As always, these treks are in beautiful mountain
or desert wilderness so that the children get the full benefit of the beauty and peace of wild natural areas. Treks promote self-discovery
and deep personal insight through daily counseling and educational groups, nightly therapy groups, structured journal assignments,
and time for quiet self-reflection. A qualified therapist conducts group and individual therapy and assessments while living full
time with the group. Individualized therapy work is focused and intense. Each child sets up his/her own camp, and cooks and manages
his/her own food and equipment. Important lessons and amazing personal insight stem from simple wilderness living.
Integration
After seeing their family members for a day at the trek-ending family meeting, participants begin a four-week program that continues
the intensive Trek therapy work while adding a more group- cooperation style and specific outdoor skills. Most of the time, the Extended
Expedition groups cook as a group, and work together to plan their routes and discuss how to manage their daily activities. Activities
are adventure based and may include white-water rafting, flat-water kayaking, forest restoration or other service projects, and longboat
expeditions in the San Juan Islands. Participants develop responsibility and self-confidence, and have time to truly accept the reality
of their need to change. Extended Expeditions give parents more time to participate in their own counseling, and allow additional
time for families to plan and organize aftercare plans.
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