Dunegrass Healing ~ Developing Roots for Growth and Empowerment
Anxiety and depression are treatable, but 80% of kids with a diagnosable anxiety disorder and 60% of kids with diagnosable depression are not getting treatment, according to the 2015 Child Mind Institute Children’s Mental Health Report. This can lead to unhealthy relationships, struggles in school, work, social situations and more. Without treatment such problems can carry over into adulthood and lead to lifelong problems impacting one’s ability to have a meaningful quality of life and healthy relationships. Dunegrass Healing creates an opportunity for kids to come together and see that they are not alone. Through guided experiences in nature participants gain insight managing emotions, while developing problem solving and interpersonal skills. Participants are empowered to gain confidence and accountability in their decision making and learn healthy options to cope with life’s ups and downs. This program works to build empowerment through six focus areas ~
Mindfulness ~ Utilizing mindfulness practices, we guide participants in developing a stronger sense of self-awareness. This allows for more easily identifying true feelings and recognizing negative thought patterns that feed anxiety or depression. Nutrition ~ We educate participants on how nutrition impacts moods and emotions, help them identify unhealthy eating habits, and how to make changes that promotes control over their own well -being. Physical Activity ~ Physical activity is one of the most highly effective ways to improve mental health. Benefits include stress relief, improved memory, better sleep and energy, and increased self-esteem. Participants will be given many experiences in nature incorporating physical movement to see firsthand these positive impacts. Choices and Control ~ Kids and young adults often feel they have little control over what happens to them. This causes feelings of helplessness and frustration. Participants will learn to identify what they can control and how their choices impact their well-being. Positive Thinking ~ Participants are challenged to identify negative messages and work to bring about positive replacement messages from which to experience life. Confidence Building ~ Low self-esteem limits our potential for self-discovery and growth. Through experiential activities in nature we challenge individuals to confront their negative self-talk, resulting in stronger confidence and self-esteem. Dunegrass Healing’s nature based therapy program is conducted in small groups, providing the opportunity for participants to see they are not alone. The program offers:
One hour of individual therapy
Six, three hour group sessions over the course of two weeks
Coupled with learning and growth in our six focus areas, activities such as hiking, ecological learning, kayaking/paddle boarding, obstacle course, and more. The opportunity for follow up support with their group.
