Since 2008, Elements has embraced the outdoors as a clinical setting where young people build self-awareness and healthier coping patterns through a blend of clinical therapy and outdoor immersion. Central to that approach is an experiential learning model built around Adventure Programming. While climbing and rappelling tend to draw the most attention, staff in Elements' Eclipse program, designed specifically for neurodivergent clients, say one of the quietest activities on the itinerary has become one of the most effective: fly fishing.
During a recent outing, the day began with a lesson on the DBT skill ACCEPTS, a set of strategies that include Activities, Comparison, Contribution, Emotions, Pushing Away (framed as taking space), Thoughts, and Sensations. This skill helps someone return to an emotional baseline during moments of distress. From there, clients split into two groups: one learned to tie their own flies, the other practiced casting technique. The casting group paired their lesson with a creative exercise, sketching a short comic strip depicting a past moment of distress at home and identifying which ACCEPTS skill might have helped.
Staff noted a marked shift once the group reached the water. Clients who had been restless and easily distracted during the casting and tying lessons grew noticeably quiet and focused once lines were in the water; several landed fish over the course of the afternoon, adding a burst of shared excitement to an otherwise calm activity. After a few hours on the water, the group thanked their guides and wound down with a late lunch by the lake, skipping rocks and taking in the quiet before heading out.
Days like this illustrate a core tenet of Elements’ philosophy: adventure activities don't just build outdoor skills; they create space for real-time reflection and emotional regulation.
"Adventure programming is every bit as important to treatment as therapy itself," said Dr. Neal Christensen, psychologist, Elements Partner, and founder of the Eclipse program. "High-energy activities like climbing and rappelling have their place, but there's something singular about the focus, patience, and what I'd call 'boredom tolerance' that only comes from standing at the water's edge, waiting for a bite."
About Elements:
Elements is a small owner-operated outdoor behavioral health program in central Utah whose mission is to provide the most effective and engaging treatment program for adolescents in the outdoors. Since 2008, Elements has provided specialized therapeutic interventions for clients and their families by balancing evidence-based therapy with fun experiential activity. Elements is licensed and supervised by the State of Utah Department of Human Services and accredited through the Association for Experiential Education.
For inquiries or to learn more about Elements, please contact Admissions at admissions@elementsprograms.com or visit elementsprograms.com