Trauma-informed practices in experiential, adventure, and outdoor programming prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment for participants who have experienced trauma.
These approaches recognize the impact of trauma on individuals and emphasize creating supportive environments that foster healing and resilience through outdoor experiences. By integrating trauma-informed principles, programs can help participants navigate their challenges while promoting personal growth and positive relationships in a safe and nurturing setting.
Publications
Rohn, K., Goodwin, D., Ayers, E., Tucker, A. R., Norton, C.L., & Gonzalez, D. (2026). From intellectualization to integration: Applying an anti-oppressive framework to research and practice in experiential education. The Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership. Advanced Online Publications. https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2026-13346
Cray, L., Leonard, A., & Mitten, D. (2026). Case study 4: Coaching outdoors to address veterans' trauma. In J. Passmore, P. Jefferies, A. M. Watson, & A. Burn (Eds.), The Outdoor and Nature Coaches’ Handbook: The Complete Guide to Theory, Research and Practice for Professional Coaches (pp. 216–218). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003593713-24
Lung, D. M., Tucker, A. R., Norton, C. L., & Beale, B. (2026). Adventure therapy in trauma treatment. In J. R. Reyes & J. Haas (Eds.), Introduction to Trauma Counseling: Inclusive Approaches (pp. 175-196 ). Cognella Academic Publishing.
Hunter, S., Brown, C. L., Crowley, C. J., Reisman, B. L., & Michael Russo, G. (2025). Exploration of an adventure therapy case study through a trauma-informed neurobiological lens. Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 1–15. https://doi-org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/20445911.2025.2526070
Bellegarde, N., Chintakunta, S. V., Christian, D. D., & Pemu, M. M. (2026). Adventure therapy to mitigate the harmful effects of ACEs with lower-SES adolescents. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 21(2), 158–174. https://doi-org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/15401383.2024.2415939
Tucker, A. R., Beale, B., Norton, C. L., Walsh, H., Keefe, M., Holmes, L., & Wermer-Colan, A. (2025). The Ohio adventure therapy coalition: A statewide trauma informed group work initiative for youth involved in CPS. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 20(3), 376–390. https://doi-org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/15401383.2024.2386163
Bettmann, J. E., Prince, K. C., Ganesh, K., Rugo, K. F., Bryan. A.O., Bryan, C. J., Rozek, D. C., & Leifker, F. R. (2021). The effect of time outdoors on veterans receiving treatment for PTSD. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(9), 2041-2056. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23139
Myrick, L., Wermer-Colan, A., Norton, C. L., & Tucker, A. R. (2021). Understanding trauma-related distress among wilderness therapy field staff. Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, 13, 69-101.https://doi.org/10.19157/ JTSP.issue.13.01.05
Norton, C. L. (2021). Trauma-informed risk management. In S. Smith (Ed.), Beneficial risks: The evolution of risk management for outdoor and experiential education programs (pp. 81–94). Sagamore-Venture.
Norton, C. L., Tucker, A. R., & Bandoroff, S. (2020). Psychological risk management: Mental health prevention and response strategies in outdoor settings. In N. Harper & W. Dobud (Eds.), Outdoor Therapies (pp. 42-53). Routledge Press.
Norton, C. L., Tucker, A. R., Farnham, M., Borroel, F., & Pelletier, A. (2019). Family enrichment adventure therapy: A mixed methods study examining the impact of trauma-informed adventure therapy on children and families affected by abuse. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 12(1), 85-95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0133-4
