Peak Experience Training is a hands-on training program for staff of therapeutic wilderness programs. The training lasts 3½ days and is designed specifically for wilderness program staff members who come into direct contact with youth in these programs on a regular basis.

Sandy Newes, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and specializes in wilderness and adventure therapy. She is well known for her expertise in these types of therapy and gives trainings and consultations to wilderness programs in many locations. Katie Asmus, M.A., specializes in body-centered psychotherapy. She is currently a faculty member of Naropa University's MA Wilderness Therapy program and has a private practice. Scott Bandoroff, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with nearly 25 years of wilderness therapy experience.

This hands-on training program is aimed to give wilderness staff skills to help improve their experiences when working with youth in wilderness programs and increase effectiveness of the interactions. Some of the skills worked on during the training include better communication with clinical staff, deeper understanding of behavioral triggers, de-escalating emotional crises, and employing better flexibility in the application of their skills and knowledge. Participants participate and learn about adventure based metaphor development, ceremony, creative arts therapies, and primitive skills.

The program meets many of the competency requirements for the National Wilderness Counselor Certification.

[This information came from the Peak Experience Training website and brochure.]