Adventure Therapy—Critical Questions

Abstract

This article explores the basic definition of adventure therapy, which leads to the critical questions of whether adventure therapy is a profession, and if there should be a certification system. In considering the definition of Adventure Therapy three basic areas are considered in the defining process. These basic areas are: (a) level of change, (b) degree held, and (c) population served. In considering whether adventure therapy is a profession or a set of tools and techniques, the place of adventure therapy in academic institutions is considered. The consideration of certification includes an exploration of who gets to define what is certified. The article concludes with a number of challenges raised for those who consider their practice to be adventure therapy.