Mirasol
Tucson, AZ

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Mirasol Offers Backpacking
As Part Of Its
Teen Eating Disorder
Treatment Program

Wilderness therapy - also known as adventure-based therapy - is a well-established intervention for a variety of psychological disorders including substance abuse, adjudicated youth, PTSD, depression and anxiety disorder. For the treatment of anorexia nervosa and bulimia, the "gold standard" is generally cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, research conducted by Mirasol has demonstrated that adventure-based therapy is also highly effective in the treatment of eating disorders.

Women with eating disorders tend to be overly analytical, self-critical and completely dissociated from their bodies. The goal of adventure-based therapy is to create unusual, physically and emotionally challenging circumstances that stimulate problem-solving and coping strategies. By requiring clients to work together to solve common problems, adventure therapy also promotes the development of social skills and self-confidence.

Challenge courses, hiking and other outdoor activities have been part of Mirasol's eating disorder treatment program since its founding in 1999. Clinical Director Diane Ryan began adding wilderness experiences including camping, hiking and even caving in 2006. The response from clients and staff was overwhelmingly positive. More importantly, EEG brain maps and standard psychological tests demonstrated significant decreases in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Mirasol recently expanded its adventure therapy program to include backpacking, and now offers bimonthly two- and three-day trips, taking advantage of Arizona's wealth of impossibly lovely wild public lands. Each trip includes a 50-50 split of medically- and emotionally-appropriate clients and the clinical staff required to ensure their safety and support them in their journey.

Mirasol is a residential eating disorder center dedicated to integrative treatment of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. We believe that eating disorders are the result of chronic stress and trauma, and emphasize therapies that have proven successful in the treatment of other stress-related conditions.