There is no denying the status of the Yampa Valley as a mecca for those who love the outdoors and adventure-based sports.
Owing to that fact, it is also an ideal location for approaches to mental health that are based on adventure and connection with nature.
Tiana Schneider first came to Steamboat Springs to enjoy legendary skiing. After attending college in California, and obtaining a graduate degree in wilderness therapy in Boulder, she returned to the Yampa Valley to establish a counseling practice that promotes nature- and adventure-based approaches to mental health.
Courtesy photo/Tiana Schneider
The philosophy of wilderness therapy is based on two pillars, according to Schneider.
The first is adventure-based therapy, which is a more “traditional” approach and involves individuals engaging in wilderness and outdoor recreation challenges in an attempt to find metaphors between the activity and life.
“That’s really coming from a place of experiencing natural consequences and being able to bring that back to our lives,” said Schnieder. “We can use that experience as a lived moment that we can then relate back to.”
The second pillar of wilderness therapy is ecopsychology, which centers on the human-nature connection and relationship, both of which are essential for mental health. Schneider calls this approach “foundational”, as it links the harm that we do to ourselves, and the harm that we do to nature, together as one. Such approaches center on “being in and being with nature”, as opposed to “using nature,” in order to realize new pathways to better mental health and mindsets.
“Developing our relationship with self and developing our relationship with nature supports the growth and healing of both,” said Schneider.
The Yampa Valley is a perfect location for both pillars of wilderness therapy due to the culture of the communities and the prevalence of lifestyles that are tied to nature, adventure, and outdoor sports.
“Most people who live in [Steamboat Springs] have some sense of relationship with nature, they like being outside or doing outdoorsy things,” explained Schneider. “It’s not hard to talk to people about that and to introduce deeper layers of connection through therapeutic work.”
Schneider utilizes that accessibility to nature, and the culture of being outdoors, as a foundation of her work with clients. Her counseling space features nature-based art on the walls and a large amount of plant life, which “brings nature into the office” during indoor sessions. She also uses natural objects, such as rocks, to further link her clients to the natural world that surrounds them.
Schneider and her clients will also do place-based outdoor counseling sessions in and around Steamboat Springs. Her office, which is located less than a block from the Yampa River, allows for access to many ideal venues for these appointments, including a serene ranch outside of the city limits.
Courtesy photo/Tiana Schneider
The outdoor therapy sessions focus on creating metaphors between nature and the lives, feelings, and mindsets of clients.
“If someone is struggling with grief, we might go out on the land and find a place that reminds them of the feeling of grief,” she explained.
Schneider also assigns nature and adventure-based “homework” to her clients. These out-of-office reflections provide a continuation of the therapy session and are then discussed at the next session. Examples of “homework” include mindfulness walks in nature, with a focus on certain sensory stimulations such as sound or smell. Another revolves around finding flora and fauna that is near the client’s home and making a daily connection with it, focusing on observations and meditations regarding its presence, function, and place in existence.
Despite the Yampa Valley being an ideal location for nature- and adventure-based therapy, there are some aspects that present some unique challenges.
Owing to advancements in digital recording of outdoor activities, and the development of competitively-based outdoor social media networks, some individuals lose touch with the positive and therapeutic aspects of nature. This is due to the development of a “conquering” mindset based on personal records, beating others, and accomplishing goals that are based on competition.
“That can be a jarring realization for people who identify as being outdoor people but actually lack a solid relationship with the land that they are moving in,” said Schneider. “It is common that how you relate with the land is how you relate with yourself and others. There can be mirrors of how they try to conquer themselves and not actually be in relationship with themselves, and how they try to conquer relationships without having a connection with others.”
One solution is to take a balanced approach to outdoor pursuits, with time being dedicated to mindfulness and wellness goals in addition to those elusive personal records. With an equalized perspective and mindset, individuals may actually notice their performance levels increasing, along with their enjoyment of the wonderful outdoor spaces of the Yampa Valley.
In September, Steamboat Locals’ writer John Camponeschi will be presenting you a four-part series of stories about mental health in Routt County and the people, organizations and educators that raise awareness and provide solutions for those in need.
Read Part 1 – Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide (REPS)
Read Part 2 – Death Doulas & Death Cafes
Read Part 3 – Student Mental Health
This series of stories is proudly presented to you by Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group as a continuation of their commitment to “Keep Steamboat Special” by supporting non-profits and events that promote a healthy Steamboat lifestyle! You can also support their efforts simply by making a request on the Steamboat Locals Choice for Music. For every song request made in the month of September, The Steamboat Group will donate $2 to REPS, up to $500 total!