What is this all about?

Instead of sitting in a counselling office, we're going to go for a hike. Sunnidale Park offers a beautiful forest experience in the city - with many different trails to explore and challenge ourselves. During our time together, we will combine traditional psychotherapeutic techniques with adventure therapy and nature-based therapy practices. Incorporating mindfulness, we will also spend time slowing down and just enjoying being outside and in nature.  

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During this time of rapid change and uncertainty, we know that things can feel overwhelming. This is a safe space to talk about what is going on and to learn skills for coping with stress. During our session, we will take all appropriate precautionary measures and practice safe social distancing. Also, if we can help connect you with other supports during this time please let us know!

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Get Out Adventure Therapy has developed this form of Adventure Therapy based on Nature Assisted Therapy techniques, emerging science around the benefits of natural settings, exercise, and conversation and mental health, and mindfulness practices. Brandon, found of Get Out Adventure Therapy, has a background in guiding, leading hikes, and counselling outdoors. He is a Certified Ontario Hike Leader and First Responder. 

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How do I sign up?

You can email to schedule a time that works with your schedule. Please offer a few different days and time frames that could work for you. I will do my very best to find one that works!

I offer sessions Monday-Saturday and tend to book up quite quickly after 3pm.

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Once you've signed up, keep on reading below to find answers to (hopefully) all of your questions. 

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What do I need to do before going?

The two forms you will need to complete for Get Out Adventure Therapy are:

1) Informed Consent Form (know what you’re signing up for)

2) Intake Form (help me get to know you)

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These will be emailed to you after you book online. Please fill these forms out at least 24 hours before your session. By filling these forms ahead of time, you ensure that we use our time together meaningfully and not just doing paperwork. It also allows us to plan ahead to make sure that you get what you want out of counselling

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Where do I go?

We will meet at the pavilion in Sunnidale Park (227 Sunnidale Rd. Barrie, ON)

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How do I get I there?

If you come by car, there is parking in Sunnidale Park.

The nearest bus stop is Cundles Rd W at Sunnidale, served by Bus 8A/B. 

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Please note, the trails are packed gravel and may be uneven. If you have accessibility requirements please email Brandon with any accessibility questions.

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What do I do when I arrive?

Please arrive at Sunnidale Park at least 10 minutes before your session begins - use this time to make sure you are dressed for the weather and use the washroom. Please note, the washroom is only open late-spring to fall. 

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We will meet at the pavillion (by the circular driveway). This will also offer us a covered space if it is raining. Please check out a photo of Brandon so that you can recognize him. His work cell is 519 721 4465 if you need to contact him the day of session. 

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What should I wear and bring?

Please dress for the weather - as our session will take place no matter what the weather, as long as it is safe. It is generally recommended to dress in layers, as then you will have options as we hike. Wear your lightest layer closest to your skin and then add heavier layers. Please wear something water-resistant as your outermost layer.  Please wear sturdy shoes (preferably water-resistant) if you have them (or boots if winter). Please note, the trails can be quite muddy. I have some shoe-covers in a few sizes, ponchos, and umbrellas if you need.

 

Please make sure you have a snack and water with you in a backpack if possible, as it is nice (and safer) to have hands free for our hike. I will have a backpack if you’d like to put small items inside.

 

Depending on the time of year, please bring bug-spray, and sunscreen depending on your needs.

 

You are required to bring all medications you may need, and to inform Brandon of what meds you require, and how they are administered in case of emergency.

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Is it safe?

Brandon, founder of Get Out Adventure Therapy, is a Wilderness First Responder, certified in First Aid and CPR, and a Certified Hike Leader in Ontario. Your safety though is still first your responsibility. Please familiarize yourself with our Informed Consent, and bring up any concerns or accommodations you require to ensure your own safety. Our Informed Consent Form, amongst other items, outlines the unique risks of Adventure Therapy including physical risks, interactions with wildlife and the public, and no guarantee of confidentiality in this form of therapy given the public spaces we use. You will be emailed the online links to these forms to be completed prior to your first session.

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Unless it is unsafe, our session together will go ahead in all forms of weather! Ponchos, boot covers, and umbrellas available upon request. The reason we hike in all weather is that challenging and uncomfortable situations are often the moments where breakthroughs can happen. This is the time to practice life skills and conversations that can make a difference.

 

During our sessions, we will practice appropriate social distancing and hand hygiene. Please do not come to your session if you are ill or have been in close contact with someone who is ill. If you are unwell or have symptoms, we can cancel or conduct our session over the phone instead. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Get Out Adventure Therapy prior to your session.

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It is important for you to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if hiking outside is safe for you to participate in. Please let your therapist know of any concerns you have, or accommodations we can take to make our time safer. In case of emergency, your therapist will determine the safest actions given the circumstances.

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What will the session be like?

That’s up to us! Each client determines the pace of hiking, and is often given options as to what route they would like to take. There are multiple trails and paths for us to choose from. Being outside gives us the chance to spend time in nature and even take a few moments of silence on the trails.

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At the beginning of each session we will choose our focus for the day. We will work together on your goals and address any specific issues that you're facing. We can incorporate Heartmath biofeedback, mindfulness practices, CBT practices, etc into our sessions. We will tailor our time together to meet your unique needs. Ask about our specialized programs for ADHD, First Responders, and Quitting Smoking.

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We can also incorporate any of the following activities into our session:

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• Outdoor Photography - bring a cell phone and use a strategy inspired by PhotoVoice to talk about life

• Intro to Slacklining - practice balancing on a tight rope suspended between two trees just over the ground, talk about balance in life, and see how far you can get!

• 2-Way Radio and Compass Workshop - practice using 2-way radios and a compass

• Vegetable and Flower Planting - learn how to plant seeds, collect healthy soil, and bring home a vegetable or flower to watch grow at home

• Rock Climbing Training and Conversation - get active, work on finger strength, practice some core exercises and talk about life for those of us who can't wait to get climbing again!

• Mindfulness Skills Scavenger Hunt - see if you can find all 5 Mindfulness Skill Cards hidden in the park, and practice each one that you find

• Survival Structure Building - practice building and using a small bundle of random objects to create a structure that would keep you safe overnight.

 

During our hike, there are spots where we can stop to have a drink, eat a snack, or just talk. We will try to return to the pavilion 5-10 minutes before the end of your session to debrief and take payment.

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What does it cost and how do I pay?

A 60 minute session costs $115 and a 90 minute session costs $145. The cost of your adventure therapy session may be covered by EAP or insurance plans. Please talk to Brandon for more information. 

 

Payment is required at the end of your session by credit or debit. You will only need to present your card once. All future sessions will be automatically and securely billed. Payment is done in person, and can include credit, debit (with a CVV) or E-transfer to brandon@getoutadventuretherapy.com.

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What if I can't make it?

Our cancellation policy is to give a full refund if the cancellation is done 48 hours or more in advance. Cancellations less than 48 hours prior to your session will be charged 50% of your fee. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior to your session will be charged 100% of your fee. Life happens, we know, so let us know if you need to reschedule and we will always try and work with you.

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What do I need to do after my session?

Depending on if our physical activity is different than your normal physical exercise, you may feel sore the following day. Make sure to consult with your health care provider if you have any concerns, or have

experienced an injury during your session. Please inform us if you have hurt yourself in any way during your session.

 

You are welcome to continue booking Adventure Therapy sessions at your convenience, and pending our availability. Please email us to set up our next session: brandon@getoutadventuretherapy.com