The clinical integration of adventure within counseling and other therapeutic
environments is well researched (Delaney, 2020; Gass et al., 2021; Schoel & Maizell, 1988).
Similarly, the use of adventure education has demonstrated active exploration of course content,
intrapersonal awareness, and interpersonal experiences (Christian et al., 2021; Duffy et al.,
2020). Despite the overlaps between the therapeutic and educational application of adventure, we
see a distinct lack of research exploring the integration and impact of adventure-based education
in training programs for counselors-in-training (CITs). This present study will explore the lived
experiences of CITs from Council for Accreditation of Counselor and Related Educational
Programs (CACREP, 2016) in the United States, that have engaged in adventure-based education
activities within their counseling courses. This qualitative study will utilize Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis to explore these experiences and seeks to develop unique
understanding of how CITs were impacted by outdoor adventure within their courses.
Keywords: Adventure-based education, counselor education, experiential learning |