Learning the Ropes: Challenges for Change

When Talking Won't Work: Implementing Experiential Group Activities With Addicted Clients

“…To move beyond these, Longo asserted that experiential exercises helped addicted individuals to develop empathy, practice interpersonal skills, and focus on trust building. Similarly, adventure therapy has provided adolescents struggling with substance abuse and other addictions the opportunity to learn how to trust themselves and other group members, thus aiding in the recovery process (Carns, Carns, & Holland, 2001).…”

“…Adventure education is an integration of action and learning, with the goals of using group work to increase self-esteem, build trust, and facilitate problemsolving through outdoor experiences (Clements & Wagner, 1995). The experiential activities most often used in adventure education are those known as the ''ropes course'' (Carns, A., Carns, M., & Holland, 2001). A wide variety of high and low rope initiatives provide opportunities for groups to develop effective problem-solving skills, while at the same time learning how to cooperate and commit themselves to one another.…”