Crossroads Young Adult Transition program evolved from Crossroads Academy in 2014. The program serves males 18 to 26 primarily recovering from substance use problems. Crossroads philosophy is based on providing an autonomous environment in order to parallel emerging adulthood. Relationships form the foundation of the therapeutic approach, which are forged in the context of outdoor adventures with staff and therapists. Building meaning and purpose through courage in the face of uncertainty, stepping outside of comfort zones, and having passions all lend to healing and growth. As summer approaches, wake-boarding/surfing, hiking, and camping is all the talk around the apartments. The most excitement right now surrounds rock climbing.
The city of Ogden in northern Utah provides a mecca of indoor and outdoor climbing adventures. As the snow melts the hillsides explode with color, which provide a stunning backdrop for the steep rock walls surrounding the city. A new waitlist-controlled randomized group pilot study showed significant decreases in depression after eight weeks of indoor rock climbing (see study here). One cognitive theory of depression is based on self-efficacy, which is also targeted by rock climbing.
Crossroads utilizes small accomplishments with rock climbing to help young men build self-confidence, which can then generalize to other life domains. For example, in rocking climbing terminology, mastering a new route is described as “deconstructing a problem.” Crossroads therapists draw from this metaphor to teach executive functioning skills such as planning, organizing, and implementing. This then lays the ground work for young men to secure employment, higher education, and accomplish daily life tasks. Well known climber Alex Honnold captures this in his book Alone on the Wall, “In a real sense, I performed the hard work of that free solo during the days leading up to it. Once I was on the climb, it was just a matter of executing.”
David Johnson, PhD & Kristi Keding, CMHC