Adventure Therapy for Healing
Nature-based counseling for children, teens and young adults in Anchorage, Alaska.
Nature-based counseling for children, teens and young adults in Anchorage, Alaska.
At Mountain Path Counseling LLC, we specialize in adventure therapy and nature-based counseling services tailored for children, teens, and young adults in Anchorage, Alaska. Our approach integrates somatic therapy, play therapy, and mindfulness techniques to foster healing and personal growth. We recognize the deep importance of connection to the land in Alaska and incorporate this vital relationship into our work. We serve a diverse population and are proud to be an affirming space for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and all clients, providing support with compassion, respect, and cultural humility.
Meet Cole Talbot, MA, LPC, therapist at Mountain Path Counseling. A graduate of Naropa University, Cole earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Contemplative Psychotherapy in 2021. He is a Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist and a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, with ongoing training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. With diverse experience in community mental health, he has worked in adolescent residential treatment, child and family outpatient services, and wilderness therapy programs. Born and raised in Alaska, Cole has a deep passion for serving young Alaskans, honoring the unique connection they have to their land and community.
Cole’s approach to counseling is rooted in a love for nature, adventure, and mindfulness. When he’s not working with clients, you can find him exploring Alaska’s mountains, rivers, and oceans with his wife and their dog, Cedar. His background as a naturalist, outdoor educator, cross-country ski coach, and school counselor enriches his holistic and experiential approach to healing. Cole integrates meditation and mindfulness practices into his work, helping clients cultivate inner resilience and self-awareness. At Mountain Path Counseling, Cole is dedicated to guiding individuals on their unique journey toward healing, growth, and a deeper connection to themselves and the natural world.
Adventure therapy offers a unique approach to counseling through engaging outdoor activities. These experiences encourage personal growth and foster a deeper connection with oneself.
Incorporating mindfulness into our counseling sessions helps clients remain present and engaged. At Mountain Path Counseling LLC, we teach techniques that promote emotional balance and resilience.
We offer Somatic Experiencing (SE), a gentle, healing approach that helps you reconnect with your body to release stored stress and trauma. Through mindful awareness of physical sensations, SE supports emotional balance, resilience, and overall well-being. Experience healing from the inside out.
We offer Play Therapy, a compassionate approach that helps children express emotions, resolve conflicts, and build resilience through play. Using a safe and creative environment, Play Therapy supports emotional growth, healing, and self-discovery, empowering children to navigate life's challenges with confidence.
Nature-Based Therapy collaborates with the natural environment for healing and personal growth. It emphasizes mindfulness, reflection, and gentle engagement with nature to foster emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a deeper sense of connection. This approach supports overall well-being in a restorative outdoor setting.
An adventure therapy clinical intake typically lasts 60-90 minutes. It involves an initial assessment of your goals, emotional and physical needs, and comfort levels with outdoor activities. We discuss your or your child's background, experiences, and concerns to create a personalized treatment plan blending outdoor activities with therapeutic goals.
A one-hour outdoor adventure therapy session begins with a check-in or grounding activity. We then use experiential outdoor activities and skill-building techniques to support your process, helping you explore feelings, build resilience, and foster self-awareness in a natural, supportive environment tailored to your needs.
A one-hour outdoor family therapy session starts with a check-in or grounding activity. We then engage in experiential outdoor activities to promote communication, connection, and understanding, working through family challenges in a natural setting that supports collaboration, growth, and healing for everyone involved.
Please note that we do not accept insurance directly. We provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. In accordance with the No Surprises Act, we are transparent about our fees and policies. If you have questions about costs or coverage, please contact us before your appointment.
1. What is adventure and nature-based therapy?
Adventure and nature-based therapy use outdoor activities and natural environments as settings for healing and growth. It combines experiential activities like hiking or nature exploration with traditional counseling to foster resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being.
2. Who can benefit from adventure and nature-based therapy?
This approach is especially helpful for children, teens, and young adults, but can benefit anyone seeking a fresh perspective, increased self-confidence, or help managing stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression in a natural setting.
3. Is outdoor experience required or necessary?
No prior outdoor experience is needed. The activities are tailored to each individual’s comfort level and designed to be accessible regardless of outdoor activity experience.
4. How does outdoor therapy differ from traditional counseling?
Outdoor therapy emphasizes experiential, hands-on activities that engage your senses and body, fostering a deeper connection to yourself and nature. It often leads to insights and healing that can be difficult to achieve through traditional talk therapy alone.
5. What should I wear or bring to sessions?
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and weather conditions, as this is season and weather dependent (Alaska has dynamic weather). A full list of what’s needed will be provided before your session. If you have challenges finding clothing or equipment, we may be able to support you in sourcing what you need.
6. Are outdoor activities safe?
Absolutely. Safety is a top priority. All activities are carefully planned and supervised, with accommodations made for individual needs and physical abilities.
7. What if I’m not comfortable with outdoor activities?
That’s okay. We tailor sessions to your comfort level. The focus is on your personal growth, and activities can range from gentle walks to more active adventures, depending on your preferences.
8. How long are the sessions?
Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes, but longer outdoor experiences can be scheduled based on your goals and comfort.
9. Is this therapy suitable for children and adolescents?
Yes. Adventure and nature-based therapy are particularly effective for youth, helping them express themselves through activities and develop coping skills in a natural setting.
10. Where do we meet?
We meet in a variety of outdoor locations throughout Anchorage. Sessions often occur in the same location weekly to help build familiarity and support connection with the area, creating a sense of stability and comfort in the natural environment.
11. Do you accept insurance?
Currently, we do not accept insurance directly. However, we can provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please check with your provider to understand your coverage.
12. How do you work with minors and families?
We value collaboration and regularly schedule family check-ins to keep parents and caregivers involved. At the same time, we maintain confidentiality for teens and children to create a safe space for exploration. This balanced approach fosters trust and healthy growth within the family.
13. How long does therapy typically last?
The length of therapy varies depending on individual goals, but many clients see progress over a series of weeks or months. We tailor the approach to your needs.
14. What are signs that my child or teen might need therapy?
Changes in behavior, persistent sadness or anxiety, withdrawal from activities, difficulty at school, or emotional outbursts can indicate that support might be helpful.
15. How can I get started?
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll discuss your goals and how adventure therapy can support your journey toward healing and growth.
Please reach us at coletalbotlpc@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, please contact one of the following resources:
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