BlueFire PulsaR, a wilderness therapy program for young adults ages 18-28, has added wilderness expeditions based on the Hero’s Journey model as part of its clinical programming. These expeditions serve as a narrative-based learning experience for clients to work toward their goals.

The Hero’s Journey model includes several phases: the Ordinary World, the Call to Adventure, the Refusal of the Call, the Mentor, Crossing the Threshold, the Ordeal, and the Return. Each of these phases is modeled throughout PulsaR’s wilderness expedition, lending real-world examples to the arc of the story. 

At the beginning of the expedition, clients were asked to identify what they wanted to let go of or leave behind in terms of habits or feelings that could be holding them back. Clients picked a rock in the desert to carry with them as they traveled to represent the emotion or experience they wanted to leave behind. When they felt like they were ready, the team held a ceremony to let go of the rock and the emotion associated with it, returning from their trip lighter and less burdened.

“Coming to wilderness therapy in itself is a rite of passage for many young adults,” says Jake Tucker, LCPC, Primary Therapist at PulsaR. “Using the Hero’s Journey as a metaphor really resonates with clients and gives them the opportunity to ‘zoom out’ and look at their lives and their journey through a new perspective.”

During the summer, the trip includes hiking, mountain biking, and other adventure activities. Each activity provides an opportunity for clients to practice new skills and learn new things about themselves. 

PulsaR plans to continue offering the Hero’s Journey expeditions quarterly. For more information about blueFire PulsaR’s clinical programming, visit https://bluefirepulsar.com/clinical/ or call (866) 430-6807.

About blueFire PulsaR

blueFire PulsaR is a co-educational wilderness therapy program for young adults ages 18-28. Adventure therapy, equine therapy, academic opportunities, career counseling, and “family spark” help students open up and look at their life. This program is dedicated to helping students regain a better sense of the world around them while addressing their emotions by developing healthy coping skills and communication skills. 

Call (866) 430-6807 or visit bluefirepulsar.com for more information.