Neil Binette and Bogie Foden present on Research at Regional Conference

Course Leader Edward “ Bogie” Foden and Parent Therapist Neil Binette presented at the NATSAP NE Regional Conference in Kennebunkport, ME on September 27, 2017. They shared an enthusiastic review of the impact of parent and family therapy work during treatment in wilderness therapy, based on research conducted by Bogie this past year at True North as part of his graduate work at UNH. Students of wilderness therapy often report that their parents could benefit from therapy and support to address unproductive patterns in the family dynamic. Bogie and Neil explored aspects of family therapy that contribute to successful outcomes in wilderness settings such as in-person family workshops, reflective written correspondence and parallel parent curriculum, facilitated through weekly phone sessions with a dedicated parent therapist. Outcomes suggest that family inclusion has many benefits not limited to: a shorter course of treatment, improved communication during and post-treatment, increased understanding and perspective-taking. Attendees participated in an experiential activity during which everyone drew a moment shared with their family. It was fascinating to talk about the drawings that were shared and to explore the effectiveness of the exercise that is commonly used as part of the two-day family workshop at True North. At a time when there is a significant lack of data regarding family inclusion practices, Bogie and Neil explored the impact of the True North Parent Program on family functioning in order to begin establishing meaningful literature on this critical topic.