

Adventure Therapy Group
For Pandemic Recovery
An Outdoor Experiential Processing Group
The pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. We experienced social isolation, change in our societies functioning, grief, fear, and many reminders of systemic issues (racism, sexism, etc). These significant stressors have left many feeling chronically stressed. In this group we aim to:
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Process our experiences of the pandemic
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Refresh social skills & increase confidence
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Practice skills for recovering from chronic mental health strain
Processing takes place in the context of adventure-based activities. This group is LGBTQ+ affirming and diversity welcoming. Please note that this group is physically active and requires participants to be able to walk up to two miles in the forested park setting. Not all group settings can be reached by public transit, so having transportation available is helpful. Groups typically consists of 4-8 participants and takes place within various parks and public spaces in Portland, OR. Read about group therapy fees here.
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Adventure Therapy
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Activities
While many activities can fall under the term "Adventure Therapy", our group may engage with the following:
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Hiking
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Experiential team-based activities (think of low ropes challenge course elements)
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Scavenger hunts
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Primitive skills
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Sunrise/ sunset viewings and reflections
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Group Format
​A group typically
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All participation is voluntary, and participants are always welcome to say "pass" or opt out of any planned group exercises or discussions. We take breaks on the trail to provide time to rest, reflect, and share.
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Benefits
Research shows that time in nature benefits our mental well-being, including decreasing anxiety and stress, calming the nervous system, improving mood, increasing self esteem, and improving a sense of connection to the natural world.
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Past participants report expanding self-awareness, developing more helpful thought patterns, developing an increased capacity for emotional expression, developing healthy interpersonal boundaries, learning and developing practical tools for emotional well-being.
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COVID Protocol
Participants should be comfortable in a group setting and wearing a mask (due to COVID) for the duration of the session. Social distancing will be practiced, and the group will take place 100% outdoors. If a participant has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID, or has any symptoms that may present a COVID symptom concern, they should not attend group.
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Can I join?
Individuals who typically thrive in this group are:​
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Comfortable hiking and being outdoors
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Relatively comfortable trying new activities and engaging with others
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Have a desire to improve their mental well-being
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Willing to wear a mask and practice social-distancing (due to COVID)
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Able to communicate needs, preferences, or request accommodations to the Facilitator
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In good physical conditioning and do not have any serious health concerns that would interfere with being able to walk up to 2 miles at a time
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A screening intake session (one on one) is required before the first group session to ensure proper fit, alignment with goals, and to provide more detailed information about the group. The intake session is charged at the same rate as the group session. If it is determined that the group is not a good fit, a referral to an appropriate group will be made. Submit an email, call, or contact form to request a spot in the next group opportunity.

WHERE?
This group takes place at various outdoor locations in Portland, Oregon. The exact meeting location is shared after a participant has completed an intake session. We do this to protect confidentiality and location of participants.

WHEN?
Group time may vary depending upon the time of year, when the sun sets, etc. Group sessions range between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the time of year a group takes place.

WHO?
This group is offered to adults ages 21+. Participants should feel comfortable wearing a mask and being socially distanced (due to COVID), be relatively comfortable in the group setting, and have good overall health, with an ability to walk at least 2 miles. Most participants are involved in their own individual therapy (with another counselor or with me) in addition to being in the group.

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Do I need to commit to attending every group session?Yes, this is ideal for the group to build trust and to have enough participants to run smoothly. You will be informed of the time commitment before you sign up.
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What do I need to bring to Pacific Crest Trail Prep Group?This is an online group and you will need to have access to stable internet and be present on the screen using a phone or computer. Most weeks you will not need to bring anything, although occasionally it may be helpful to have a pen and paper to take a few notes and participate in some reflective activities.
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What are the benefits and risks?The benefits include: processing your expectations of the upcoming hike, gaining social support, identifying areas of anxiety to proactively prepare for them, processing your intentions and the meaning you assign to this experience, and practice skills for managing mental health while on trail. The risks include: Discomfort with processing, emotional vulnerability.
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How long has this group been around?The Pacific Crest Trail Prep Group is being piloted in 2025 for the first time. Have no fear- Aimee has been leading various therapy groups, including hiking therapy, since 2020, and working with groups outdoors since 2009.