Though some horror stories surrounding Trails Carolina have surfaced, most young participants in this program claim they have gained confidence as a result. On the other hand, others have claimed it has inadvertently caused harm.
Trails Carolina is renowned wilderness therapy program, combining outdoor activities and therapeutic treatment. However, some have criticized this program due to alleged unethical practices and a lack of transparency.
What is Trails Carolina?
Trails Carolina in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina is an outdoor education and wilderness therapy program offering life-altering experiences to troubled youth since 2008. Families seeking alternatives for their struggling child frequently look towards wilderness therapy programs as a means of treatment.
The program is built upon the belief that every child has potential for happiness and health, with students learning to take responsibility for their behavior within a supportive yet challenging environment. Utilizing multiple systems of support including academic classrooms, equine therapy sessions and wilderness expeditions as tools of education, wilderness adventure components provide more comprehensive assessments and allow children to practice skills before returning home.
Research supports and has validated this program’s efficacy; 98% of participants reported ongoing improvements in mental health 12 months post-program completion. Furthermore, families are included and supported throughout this journey; they receive weekly calls with a family therapist to address family dynamics as well as updates on their student’s progress.
What are the Benefits of Wilderness Therapy?
Wilderness therapy offers an escape from everyday stresses, while at the same time helping individuals overcome addiction by immersing them in a healthy environment that allows them to learn how to cope without drugs or alcohol. When selecting such programs for therapeutic use, however, make sure they have been licensed and accredited as this will ensure safety.
Participants of wilderness therapy programs often engage in outdoor activities like hiking, camping and rock climbing to challenge themselves and build resilience. Furthermore, group therapy sessions with a therapist offer invaluable support from peers while simultaneously honing interpersonal skills.
Many wilderness therapy programs incorporate creative activities like painting and journaling into their programming to facilitate emotional release and assist participants with understanding their emotions and experiences. Furthermore, wilderness therapy programs often engage in family therapy to foster accountability and communication between members of a household – this can improve relationships while supporting recovery when returning home.
What are the Concerns About Trails Carolina?
Trails Carolina Horror Stories has come under scrutiny due to allegations of abuse and neglect, with former participants reporting emotional distress, isolation and food and water deprivation as well as poor staff training that does not prioritize ensuring adolescents’ safety in its programs.
Trails Carolina has also been accused of lax regulation. WBTV revealed that the state Department of Health and Human Services often went more than one year without inspecting its facility, while inspectors reported violations against state law that did not allow participants to call their parents during sessions at Trails Carolina.
Trails Carolina may not be for everyone; some families have reported negative experiences while others have witnessed its benefits. Many families claim the time away from distractions has enabled their teenagers to focus on strengthening relationships with family, teachers, and peers while improving relationships with family, teachers, and peers; some teens even experience improvements in grades or work ethic as a result of taking part in Trails Carolina.
What Can I Do if I Have Concerns About Trails Carolina?
As investigations and allegations surrounding Trails Carolina continue to surface, it’s vital that parents and families remain informed. Staying abreast of developments will enable them to make better decisions when selecting wilderness therapy programs for their adolescents – Trails Carolina must adhere to proper regulation and ethical practices in order for it to provide effective therapeutic benefits.
Recent incidents at Trails Carolina should serve as a wakeup call to all industries to put participants’ safety and wellbeing first. Furthermore, parents should conduct extensive research on any wilderness therapy programs their child may enroll in before making a decision to enrol their teen – asking hard questions of providers and demanding full transparency from them.
WBTV reached out to North Carolina DHHS to learn more about its oversight of Trails Carolina but were met with silence in return. This is of concern since inspections at Trails Carolina have gone over 12-15 months without taking place despite state regulation mandating inspections at least every 12-15 months.
