Overview

During this module, you will be given unique opportunities to experience first-hand, work of instructors, counsellors, and psychotherapists integrating outdoor adventurous activity with therapy. Through visits to local organisations and case study work on one of them, you will be able to explore how these organisations incorporate outdoor adventure and therapy into their programmes, to improve the mental and physical well-being of their clients. This module ensures that you are equipped with a solid platform from which you can further develop as an academic or practitioner in the field of outdoor adventure therapy. The course content is made up of several core themes providing you with a basic understanding of principles and practice within outdoor adventure therapy, these include: the history and foundations of outdoor adventure therapy, models of adventure therapy, the role of nature in adventure therapy, adventure therapy practices, risk management, and key competencies.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -{D}Demonstration of a basic awareness and understanding associated with outdoor adventure therapy, its history, models of delivery and basic competencies. You have also provided some evidence of how adventure therapy is employed within the local community. Finally, you have shown a basic level of understanding of the influences from a variety of learning and psychological theories that underpin outdoor adventure therapy.

-good -{B{ Demonstration of a good awareness and understanding associated with outdoor adventure therapy, its history, models of delivery and basic competencies. You have also provided evidence of how adventure therapy is employed within the local community and evaluated how well it is used and how effective it is. Finally, you have shown a good level of understanding of the influences from a variety of learning and psychological theories that underpin outdoor adventure therapy.

-excellent -{A} Demonstration of a high degree of awareness and understanding associated with outdoor adventure therapy, its history, models of delivery and basic competencies. You have also provided evidence of how adventure therapy is employed within the local community and evaluated how well it is used and how effective it is. Finally, you have shown a significant level of understanding of the influences from a variety of learning and psychological theories that underpin outdoor adventure therapy.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the use of outdoor and/or adventure therapy within a local community group or organisation.

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the variety of influences and psychological theories that underpin outdoor adventure therapy models.

• Identify, understand, and critically evaluate the competencies and skills that underpin safe and effective practice of therapy in an outdoor environment