Hiker Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
The strength of Hiker Therapy is the combined affects of hiking and nature as well as my professionally trained active listening ear, and my unconditional positive regard for my client. all of which guides a client to reap rich rewards and benefits from Hiker Therapy.
When I take a client out on the trail I will ask them prior to the hike what their anxiety or depressive mood level is on a scale of 0-10, 10 being high anxiety or depressive mood. I check in both halfway and at completion. Clients repeateadly report decreased, and in most cases, alleviation of anxiety and a depressive mood to levles of 0-2, from 5+ when we started the hike..
It works!
Hiker Therapy For Recovery
Regarding addiction, hiking therapy is very conducive to addiction recovery. Nature provides the best environment to soothe the soul and spirit, while the hike offers the physical component which stimulates the body and the mind by releasing mood enhancing endorphins.
Also, regarding additive behavior, if you take the drug of choice away, something needs to replace the prior activity, hiking offers that replacement. Add to this my professional skills and training as an Addictions Therapist and Hiker Therapy is truley an excellent treatment and recovery method for those in need of healing and repair.
Family Disease
The world of addiction and recovery is unique onto no other in the emotions, feelings, anxieties, and relationship situations that are presented to family members and friends struggling with this debilitating disease.
As a CCAPP Certified Addictions Therapist I specialize in working with those who are affected by the addict or alcoholic. You don’t have to suffer; there is guidance and help in how to deal with this very destructive disease. Besides my counseling, whether on the trail or in the office.
I have created a list of resources that can provide you with help to deal with the unknown and guide you in managing your peace of mind in the face of this disease.
Addiction and Recovery Resources
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Alcoholics Anonymous San Diego
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous San Diego
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Gamblers Anonymous San Diego
- Center for On-Line Addiction
- Drug and Alcohol Recovery Guides
- Infographic: The Twelve Steps of Recovery
- Infographic: Drug Abuse and your Body: Exposed
- SAMHSA Substance Abuse/Addiction
- SAMHSA Treatment and Recovery
- Web of Addictions
- Al-Anon National
- San Diego County Al-Anon & Alateen
- SMART Recovery National
- SMART Recovery San Diego
- Sexaholics Anonymous
- Sexaholics Anonymous San Diego
Mental Health Resources
- San Diego Crisis and Transitional Living Services
- San Diego County Behavioral Health Services
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Crisis Hotlines
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Suicidal feelings and mental health struggles can affect more LGBTQ+ people than straight/cis people. Find resources for yourself and to help support a loved one that may be struggling
For veterans, crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service. If you’re a veteran or service member and in crisis, these resources can help.