Adventure Therapy for Complex Trauma, Tri-phasic, Ecologically Dynamic and Human Rights Based

Background: Adventure therapy (AT) experiences may be restorative for complex trauma (CT) however no theory or practice framework yet exists. Purpose: Research results toward this theory and practice framework were presented at 9IATC June 2022. Methodology: Two scoping reviews of AT and CT literature were conducted and subjected to critical analysis. 30 academics, practitioners and young participants from the CT and AT fields were interviewed for input. Findings/Conclusions: A tri-phasic approach including safety, processing and integration leads to improvements in attachment, skills, schemas and stress management. During the analyses ecological dynamics (ED) and some well-intended but harmful practices were evident. A human rights-based practice ED framework may help avoid these harmful practices. Implications: Such a CT informed AT practice may enhance program effectiveness for young people with CT and should apply to all forms of AT. More research is needed due to differences in ontology and epistemology.