Ample scientific research supports the idea that spending time in nature benefits your mental and physical health. Surrounding yourself with the natural world is easy in a beautiful state like Arizona, which has a reputation for stunning desert scenery and dramatic geological formations. At Canyon Crossing, we encourage our clients to get outside with ecotherapy activities like ropes courses, hikes and backpacking trips.
What Is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy, also called nature therapy, is the practice of using the great outdoors for healing. The concept draws upon the idea that humans evolved to be outside, and that the natural environment acts like a balm for the psyche. Many ecotherapy activities incorporate some form of physical activity, which has the additional benefits of getting your heart rate up and burning calories. Even a brief walk is enough to reap these rewards.
Nature therapy also promotes mindfulness because it simultaneously engages so many senses. You’ll hear birds chirping in the trees, feel the breeze ruffling your hair and breathe in fresh air. Participating in adventure therapy allows you to learn more about yourself and others as you solve shared challenges with others in your group. Many of our clients have new insights and breakthroughs along the way.
Benefits of Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy brings many notable benefits for participants, including:
- Greater trust and self-confidence
- Sense of personal empowerment and accomplishment
- Improved teamwork, leadership skills and self-esteem
- Learning valuable lessons via self-reflection
- Cooperating with others to achieve a shared goal
- Healthier habits
- A more optimistic, positive outlook on life
- Heightened awareness of your strengths
Nature Therapy in Arizona
Arizona has no shortage of natural beauty, paired with relatively mild year-round weather. That means our clients have plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the area around Prescott. For example, the nearby Granite Dells natural area features two public parks: Watson Lake Park and Willow Lake Park. Both parks feature miles of walking, hiking and biking trails.
In addition to the Granite Dells recreational area, the 1.25-million-acre Prescott National Forest has campgrounds, hiking areas and a chance to see wild animals such as bears and pronghorn deer in their natural habitat.
Recovering Through Ecotherapy
At Canyon Crossing, we have built our recovery program with the overarching goal of women helping women. In addition to adventure therapy, our clients can participate in holistic options such as equine therapy, educational workshops, trauma-focused treatment and 12-step therapy, all in our gender-responsive environment that addresses women’s unique needs in recovery.
We understand that women tend to progress from substance dependency to a full-fledged addiction more rapidly than men, and that many women who arrive in treatment have more advanced illnesses than their male counterparts. We also recognize the societal stigmas facing women who seek addiction treatment, and we want to help you overcome all these issues while you regain your health and well-being. To verify your insurance coverage and learn more about women’s-only addiction recovery in Prescott, Arizona, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
