Adventure Therapy in Lliria

The First Gathering for Adventure Therapy took place in Llíria (Valencia)

The First GATE (Gathering for Adventure Therapy Europe) was held from 1 to 4 February 2017 in Llíria. (Valencia). The GATE is a call for adventure therapists, adventure therapy programs, psychosomatic clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, child and youth mental health units and hospitals, or any other professionals that offer nature and outdoor based treatment programs to join and share experiences and knowledge.

Adventure Therapy is a therapeutic intervention where participants are engaged in significant experiences through adventure activities in a natural environment, to enhance personal development and improve peoples’ quality of life. This methodology has been extensively practised and investigated in countries such as United States, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, it is not as popular, although the interest and professionals who use it is increasing.

About 130 people from all over the world were able to participate in 26 experiential workshops that were carried out in the rural lodge of Llometa de Llavata (Lliria). The 1st GATE provided a platform to gather practitioners, organizations, researchers and people interested in the field of adventure therapy and experiential learning working with youth at risk. This event connected to our European community of elders through our keynote speakers and enhance national adventure therapy structures and actions. Round tables and workshops provided room to share knowledge and experiences. The 1st GATE was also be a space to dream about the consolidation of The European Network of Adventure Therapy thanks to our fire circles and other activities that allows professionals to network.

Asociación Experientia (Moncada, Valencia) hosted this GATE, organized by The European Network of Adventure Therapy.

This network has been established within the Erasmus + Strategic Partnership “Reaching further: Exploring the healing effects of Adventure Education and Experiential Learning, a methodology to increase the quality of youth work for European youngsters with fewer opportunities”

For more information, check these websites:

www.asociacionexperientia.org      www.adventuretherapy.eu