Adventure Therapy Lab
The Adventure Therapy Lab (ATL) at the University of Arkansas exists to join faculty
and students together to conduct research and provide service in the area of Adventure
Therapy. The ATL produces research and publications related to Adventure Therapy in
mental health as well as school settings. It provides workshops, trainings, and supervised
experiences to promote Adventure Therapy and prepare mental health professionals to
work with at-risk populations at various developmental levels. It supports the vision
and goals of the Counselor Education program, the College of Education and Health
Professions, and the University of Arkansas by promoting research in a unique and
growing field as well as attracting students from around the state, nation, and globe
eager to be trained in adventure therapy. Dr. David D. Christian, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, is the Adventure Therapy Lab’s founder
and current director. For more information about the ATL, contact Cian Brown, Assistant Director or Tyler Quattlebaum, Student Liaison.
The ATL Went to NEW ZEALAND!!!!
Drs. David Christian and Merry Moiseichik hosted the first ever Adventure Therapy and Leadership in New Zealand study abroad experience. It was a HUGE success and we are already planning to go
back in 2019. We would like to thank Fayettechill and Gearhead Outfitters for their support. The Adventure Therapy and Leadership in New Zealand study abroad
experience is designed to
provide students with the opportunity to compare Adventure Therapy, leadership, and
mental health counseling in the United States and New Zealand. Students will be exposed
to Adventure Therapy and Leadership used with at-risk youth in New Zealand as well
as an experience specifically designed for use with indigenous (Maori) youth. Students
will also have the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s educational culture by
attending counselor preparation courses at Otago Polytechnic, indigenous Maori culture
by staying on a Marae, and adventure culture by visiting Queenstown in order to understand
how these three facets of culture (education, indigenous, and adventure) impact past,
current, and future counseling trends. During the trip students will have the opportunity
to kayak, hike, camp, mt. bike, and participate in a variety of other adventure experiences.
No experience is necessary and the trip is open to both undergraduate and graduate
students at the U of A. For more information about the 2019 trip click on the link
above or email Dr. Christian or Dr. Merry.
Recent Events:
- 2018 University of Arkansas Office of International Students and Scholars Orientation at Devil's Den State Park.
- Elk River Float with Delegation of Egyptian Scholars
- First ever Adventure Therapy and Leadership in New Zealand study abroad experience.
- HOBY 2018 Student Leadership Conference
- Northeast Arkansas School Counselor Association summer workshop
- Presentation on Adventure Therapy in Schools at the 2018 Arkansas School Counselor Association Annual Conference in Hot Springs.
Recent publications:
Adventures in Supervision: Implications for Supervision of Adventure Based Counseling
Christian, D. D., & Perryman, K. L. (2017). Journal of Creativity in Mental Health.
Christian, D. D., Perryman, K. L., & Portrie-Bethke, T. L. (2017). Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 3(1), 44-58.
News Articles:
Study Abroad Trip to New Zealand Puts Adventure Therapy Into Action. Newswire (July 26, 2018)
Adventure Therapy Lab Partners with International Student and Scholars Office in Welcoming Students. Newswire (August 25, 2017)
U of A Students Take New Adventure Therapy Focus to Local Schools. Newswire (December 6, 2016).
Adventure Therapy Focus of New University of Arkansas Lab. Newswire (June 7, 2016).
New Professor Brings Adventure-Based Counseling to U of A Program. Newswire (September 15, 2015).
Getting Off the Couch. Counseling Today (December 1, 2011).
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