In some families, parents find themselves unable to enter helpful conversations with a son or daughter. Attempts to talk about concerns result in a conversation of blame through words or silence. The times for teaching and learning together are few and far between, if not at all. For these families, we offer an opportunity to significantly improve their relationship through a “walking” in the wilderness.
Student Profile
ANASAZI accepts adolescents 12-17 years of age who are physically and emotionally able to handle the rigors of the trail and whose parents are willing to participate in their child’s walking.
The ANASAZI Foundation outdoor behavioral healthcare program is most effective for adolescents with mild to moderate mood disorders, behavioral problems, attachment disorders and/or adjustment difficulties. These would include:
Depression or
anxiety
Oppositional
behaviors
Poor self image or low self-esteem
Substance
abuse
Internet, gaming, or technology disorder/addiction
Learning difficulties or school struggles
Relational problems with family
Victims of trauma or abuse
Bipolar disorder
Law enforcement and/or peer conflict
Self-harming behaviors (eating problems, cutting, etc.)
Poor social skills
Immaturity
Lack of motivation / direction in life Lack of motivation / direction in life
Entitlement orientations
Other similar problems related to a lack of self-regulation and moral identity
Adolescents with more severe problems in the areas listed above can also benefit from the ANASAZI program as an integral part of a more long-term, comprehensive treatment plan that may include subsequent intensive outpatient or residential treatment in addition to an outdoor therapeutic experience. The “trail” experience often serves as a great initial phase of treatment for youth who may come from more troubled backgrounds/environments or with more intense/longer-lasting problems.
ANASAZI is not designed to address more serious psychological problems such as psychotic disorders, conduct disorders where violence and serious criminal/gang involvement are major concerns, severe personality disorders, severe posttraumatic stress, severe substance addiction/dependence, and other physical or psychological disorders that would make it impossible to fully participate in an outdoor-based program that can be physically and emotionally challenging.
Family Involvement
Youth whose families are willing to play an active role in the treatment and who acknowledge the need for developing new and more productive ways of interacting and dealing with conflict is much more likely to achieve the desired treatment outcomes.
Spiritual Insight
Youth and families who have a core moral/spiritual belief system often find that the ANASAZI program resonates with philosophical beliefs. The ANASAZI program is unique in that it encourages the consideration and exploration of the spiritual component of one’s life as part of treatment. However, this is purely voluntary on the part of participants and ANASAZI Foundation does not endorse nor favor any particular denomination or belief system.
