Wilderness therapy

hiking in wilderness

Elements Traverse

We envision a world where everyone has the support and skills necessary to live a full and healthy life. Our mission is to provide young adults with the most engaging and effective treatment program in the outdoors. As an intentionally small owner-operated company, our program and our company culture are centered around our four core values
  • Empowerment: We believe that we all possess the power to be the person we want to be and to live the life we want to live. Once we harness our personal power, we can change the world.
  • Passion: There is something that sparks all of us to dream, to wonder, to work, to live. We believe that once we tap into our personal passions, we are better able to articulate what we want to do with our lives, and what impact we want to have on the world.
  • Connection: We believe that life's meaning comes from our connection to others, to ourselves, to the natural world. We believe that we are strongest when we are connected to a community of friends and family.
  • Character: We believe that one’s character is the foundation of one’s personal legacy. We believe that every second of every day we are who we are. Both how we treat those we want something from, and how we treat those from whom we have nothing to gain. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

Jul 6, 2023
boy on paddle board

Elements Wilderness

On the surface, our students may be angry, depressed, anxious, or withdrawn, taking little or no responsibility for their actions.  They cope with these feelings by avoiding their responsibilities, shutting down, blaming others, or engaging in maladaptive mechanisms such as gaming, substance abuse, or overuse of electronics.  However, this presentation is simply symptomatic of a deeper struggle to cope with life’s stressors.  At Elements, we recognize and address these behaviors, but the real focus is on development of actual, healthy skills to encounter life differently.

Jul 6, 2023

Wingate Wilderness Therapy – Expanse

Expanse Wilderness is a proven program designed to increase confidence and positive self-awareness in Young Adults 18-28, who are struggling to make transitional changes. Immersed in nature, our students find healing through the challenges and “awakening” experiences associated with wilderness living. If you are Young Adult looking for a program that will guide you step by step through the process of Self-Discovery, Expanse Wilderness can help.

Apr 11, 2023

True North Wilderness

Inspiring and empowering students to identify positive choices and develop strategies for maintaining healthy relationships sets the cornerstone for a lifetime of success. Our team creates a safe and supportive environment that enables students to explore their personal strengths and skills while working to challenge limiting thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. Sophisticated clinical methods are combined with an emphasis on self-reflection and experiential learning to develop proficiency in social, emotional, and independent living skills. Highly skilled guides and experienced therapists are committed to caring and non-punitive approaches that encourage confidence and personal growth. Each student progresses through the four phases associated with our written curriculum at their own pace, developing internal motivation and establishing consistency with new coping skills as they move forward.

Apr 11, 2023

Trails Carolina

At Trails Carolina, our wilderness therapy program’s mission is to give your child the confidence, coping mechanisms, and communication skills that will help them become the best version of themselves. Throughout our wilderness program, families restore and rebuild their relationship with their child. We believe that by connecting with nature in a wilderness therapy setting, your child can learn to address their unhealthy behaviors, gain valuable personal insights, and learn important lessons. Free from the distractions and negative influences of everyday life, they can focus on their own personal growth and healing process.

Apr 11, 2023

SUWs of the Carolinas

At SUWS of the Carolinas, we know it can be difficult making the decision to send your child to treatment. We have extensive experience helping young people, ages 10-17, and their families work through specific challenges in life. Through the use of the wilderness, in combination with traditional therapeutic methods, we help encourage change in each youth that comes to us for care. Whether your child or adolescent is struggling with an addiction to alcohol or marijuana, is suffering from the debilitating symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety, or is trying to overcome the challenges associated with autism spectrum disorders, our team of highly qualified professionals is ready to help.

Apr 11, 2023
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Get urgent support from a crisis service:
If this is an emergency, please call 911.

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If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Here are some other resources you may find useful.

For more information on navigating a crisis, see our Navigating a Crisis page.

Medical and Health Disclaimer: ShineTogether does not provide medical advice. All content on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please contact a medical professional if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

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