Outdoor Experiential Therapeutic Personal Growth Group
Are you or do you know someone age 13-18 who could benefit from help with
- A Disconnection from Self, People, or The Natural World
- Underperformance in School
- Poor Self Esteem or Body Image
- Anxiety, Depression, or Self Harm
- Difficulty with Family or Social Relationships
- Increased Isolation and Withdrawing Behaviors
- Drug or Alcohol Use
- Challenges with “Too Much Screen Time”
Reaching for your Goals
This group empowers teens to not just talk about but experience more fulfilling ways of living through a blend of adventure-wilderness-experiential therapy, ritual, and expertly guided personal and group process.
- Increased Self Confidence, Self Esteem and Self Efficacy
- Effective Relationship, Communication, and Social Skills
- Able to Show Personal Responsibility and Resilience
- Be More Aware, Mindful, Tolerate Distress and Regulate Emotions and Thoughts
- Be Confident, Competent, and Prepared in the Natural Environment
- Feel Fully Alive, Creative, Connected, Compassionate
- Know More About Who They Are and the Value and Gifts they Have to Offer the World
This group meets year round every Wednesday evening from 3:00-5:00 usually in an outdoor setting in Fort Collins with some time indoors if necessary due to weather. Teens will have the opportunity to set goals, process life’s challenges, learn skills, and engage in activities designed to have fun and learn by doing. Every 6-8 weeks there is a teen and parent group to bring the skills and lessons into family relationships and out into the world.
It is an open group, so you can attend when you would like, however we ask for an 8 week commitment to ensure you give the process time to work for you. You are welcome to attend as long as you would like, as new activities and skills are experienced each week. Further, there is a reward system for participation and meeting goals which includes longer trips into the wilderness for hiking, snowshoeing, orienteering, and more.
Why outside->in?
We believe a solid foundation for health and growth starts with connection. Connection to self, to others, and our world. Especially our natural world. This program was created to develop this foundation of connection and teach the skills and tools we need to grow and thrive in our community.
Drawing on and blending the best therapeutic tools of experiential, cognitive, emotional, adventure, mindfulness, and wilderness therapies we get our clients outside and provide new experiences that are not just theoretical, but provide our clients with new experiences that prove first hand how a positive, successful, productive, socially connected life is possible. We take all the best of the outdoors, and instill them within.
Still want more information? See our mission and a more detailed agenda for each group here. Or contact us today to learn how this group can help your teen with their particular needs.
If you know someone who could benefit from this unique opportunity, here are flyers you can download to email, print, and share.
For Parents, Teachers, and other Professionals – Outside->In Flyer
The Facilitators
Chuck Hancock, M.Ed., LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience counseling and leading groups for teens, college students, and adults. Chuck has worked in private practice, Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, the Larimer Workforce Center, Outward Bound, and UC Health His style is direct, honest, caring, and playful – preferring to help people see themselves and see for themselves. Chuck also has training and certification in MBSR-T (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens), as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and has facilitated Challenge Courses and has the skills to manage risk and maximize growth. In addition to his professional work with youth, he is a father of two children, a puppy, and loves camping, trail running, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, meditation, yoga, and loves singing and playing guitar.
Alex Kowal, LPC, NREMT is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician. Alex has experience with adolescent, adult, couple and family counseling in both outpatient and inpatient therapeutic settings. Currently, he is employed with UCHeath as a Licensed Behavioral Health Specialist. In addition to this, he is also an emergency medical technician (EMT) active with UC Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS Reserves), Bicycle Emergency Response Team (BERT) and was a wildland firefighter in both Boulder and Larimer Counties. Alex’s therapeutic style is empathetic, engaging, understanding and direct. His blend of medical and therapeutic experience allows clients to be present in a safe environment both physically and emotionally. Personally, he has a love for running, yoga, snowboarding, camping, hiking, mountain biking and exploring with his wife and two dogs.