Episode 27: Healing through Wilderness Therapy with Raileigh Duschen
“When you’re in the wilderness, you’re absolutely, 100 percent present with everything that’s within you and there’s nothing to distract you.”
In this episode, Raileigh Duschen - a wilderness, certified yoga, and meditation guide, joins us to share her experience of the healing powers of nature she’s witnessed firsthand, especially with young people. Raileigh also discusses:
2:05 - What is Wildnerness Therapy
3:45 - 90 days in the woods as a kid
6:25 - What those first few days are like for the kids
9:20 - The different types of groups and characters
10:45 - The interactions between the kids involved
12:10 - The environment and living conditions of the program
14:00 - Where she picked up her wilderness skills
15:25 - Balancing the uncomfortableness of being in the woods while managing the responsibilities of the program
17:40 - Changes the kids experienced throughout the program
22:30 - The phases of adventure
25:50 - Specific memories of breakthroughs with kids
29:10 - What does the end of the program look like
30:50 - Reuniting with their families
32:25 - Why the wilderness is such a great place for this program
33:30 - How her experience as a guide has changed her
35:10 - Answering her calling
37:40 - Where this journey has brought her
39:15 - Her aspirations
41:00 - Advice she has to others looking to answer their own call to adventure
42:00 - Closing remarks
You can learn more about Raileigh and follow her adventures on Instagram @raileigh or on Facebook @raileigh.duschen.
See below for photos Raileigh shared from her adventure.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
Have a story to share?
We’d love to hear from you.