Nareg, Raina2023-07-192023-07-192023-07-14http://hdl.handle.net/10222/82706At present, many of the response systems utilized by veterans for mental health supports implement evidence-based therapies to treat service-related mental health conditions. These services are often short-term and solution-focused, meant to rapidly address and treat mental health of veterans, without addressing mental health stigma, the cultural influence of the military, or considering a gender-based perspective when treating individuals. Many veterans voice disconnection and loneliness following their military release. Outdoor therapy has served to provide reconnection within the veteran community, enhanced social connection and support meaning and purpose by delivering therapy from an alternative approach. This study of Warrior Adventures Canada's (WAC) program has demonstrated that outdoor therapy is effective in treating mental health from a different angle to bridge the gap between conventional and mainstream mental health service delivery models. This is supported by the perspectives of WAC's previous participants, as demonstrated in the semi-structured interview method utilized in this qualitative study.ABSTRACT Objective: This study explores an understudied area of outdoor therapy, an alternative therapeutic model for addressing mental health with military veterans. It includes the perspectives of outdoor therapy participants to inform the research findings. Method: A phenomenological approach inquired veteran perspectives of mental health recovery and outdoor therapy. A gender-based analysis uncovered themes regarding hypermasculinity within military culture. Interview questions explored experiences with Warrior Adventures Canada (WAC), the efficacy of outdoor therapy, and military culture. The study also evaluated responses to program evaluations completed by past WAC participants. Results: The findings indicate positive improvements to mental health and mental resiliency. These interviews highlight the cultural nuances and gendered differences within the military, which can influence mental health deterioration. Conclusion: Qualitative data suggests beneficial aspects for mental health recovery not typically found within mainstream trauma-focused approaches, relating to the comfort, safety and trust innately found in the program of WAC.enoutdoor therapywilderness therapynature therapysocial worktrauma interventiontrauma therapymilitary mental healthveteran mental healthmental healthWarrior Adventures Canadamental health therapyholistic mental healthtrauma-focused modeltrauma therapy modelmilitary social worknon-deliberative practicehypermasculinitygender-based analysismilitary culturepeer-based modelveteransveteranmilitaryCanadian militaryCanadian Armed ForcesArmed Forcesmilitary personnelchain of commandcognitive behavioural therapycognitive processing therapyeye movement desensitization reprocessingEMDRCBTPEprolonged exposure therapyCBTtrauma-informed practicetrauma informed practicetrauma informed caretrauma-informed caretrauma-informed therapytrauma informed therapyspiritualityphysical healthmindfulnessmeditationhikingkayakingcampingcampfirewhite river raftinggroup therapymental health professionalcharity programby donation programnonprofitnonprofit organizationCanadian mental healthdepartment of national defenceDNDmilitary mental health researchveteran mental health researchveteran suicidesveteran suicidesuicidemental resiliencypost traumatic stress disorderpost-traumatic stress disorderPTSDgeneralized anxiety disorderGADoperational stress injuryoperational stress injuriesOSIroyal canadian mounted policeRCMPfirst respondersfirst responderoutward boundwounded warriors