The program was founded by Larry Olsen, who had previously worked as a therapist in traditional settings but found that many of his clients were not responding to treatment. Olsen believed that nature could provide a powerful therapeutic environment for young people struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. He started Trails Carolina with the goal of creating an immersive wilderness experience where teens could learn new skills, build self-confidence, and develop healthy relationships with peers and mentors. The program takes place in the mountains of western North Carolina, where participants spend weeks or months living in tents and hiking through rugged terrain. They learn survival skills like building fires, purifying water, and navigating using maps and compasses.

They also participate in group therapy sessions led by licensed therapists Facebook Trails Carolina who specialize in working with adolescents. One of the key components of Trails Carolina’s approach is its focus on experiential learning. Instead of sitting in a classroom or office talking about their problems, participants are actively engaged in challenging activities that require them to work together as a team. This hands-on approach helps them develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and self-awareness. Another important aspect of Trails Carolina’s philosophy is its emphasis on building positive relationships between staff members and participants. Each participant is assigned a primary therapist who works closely with them throughout their time at the program.

In addition to individual therapy sessions, they also have regular check-ins with other staff members like field instructors and nurses. Over the years, thousands of teenagers have come through Trails Carolina’s doors seeking help for issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma-related disorders,and more . Many have gone on to lead successful lives after completing the program thanks to what they learned during their time there. Finding hope can be difficult when you’re struggling with mental health challenges or addiction,but programs like Trails Carolina offer an alternative approach that can be life-changing. By immersing themselves in nature and learning new skills, young people can gain the confidence and resilience they need to overcome their challenges and build a brighter future for themselves.”