Adventure therapy is rooted in the tradition of experiential education, which in turn, has been described as “learning by doing, with reflection.” Adventure therapy uses activities with reflection as a general model, and values the individual’s central and active participation in the therapeutic process. Although adventure therapy can be comprised of several distinct types of services – as well as settings, duration and techniques – the varying modes are all experientially based and use some degree of outdoor activities and group process.

The theory underpinning each of the modes of adventure therapy is that individuals are placed in a setting or participate in an activity-based experience that is outside of their comfort zone, and the results of their decision-making, coping mechanisms and problem-solving become very clear. Practitioners facilitate the exploration and development of the individual’s skills, as well as their relative effectiveness and relevance to his or her everyday experiences.

Research shows that adventure therapy is effective in treating issues that affect an individual’s sense of self worth and that positive adventure therapy experiences foster a sense of empowerment and personal responsibility.