Campfire Conversations

Using bushcraft as a therapeutic approach to men’s work

Authors

  • Luke Blackham MNCS

Keywords:

Bushcraft, Community, Men, Therapeutic, Wellbeing, Mental Health, Group Work, Nature-Based

Abstract

This paper reflects on the learning gained from delivering therapeutic group work with men in a natural environment using bushcraft as a vehicle to deliver a programme of work aimed to support the wellbeing of participants. The article explores the benefits of using bushcraft for therapeutic work and how developing a micro-community supports participants' wellbeing through the co-construction of a shared space to learn and reflect, fostering a power-shared journey whilst developing a sense of community. A case study is used to demonstrate the work and its impact.

References

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Sharp P, Bottorff JL, Rice S, Oliffe JL, Schulenkorf N, et al. (2022) “People say men don’t talk, well that’s bullshit”: A focus group study exploring challenges and opportunities for men’s mental health promotion. PLOS ONE 17(1): e0261997. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261997

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Norton, C.L., Tucker, A., Farnham-Stratton, M, Borroel, F & Pelletier, A. (2019). Family Enrichment Adventure Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study Examining the Impact of Trauma-Informed Adventure Therapy on Children and Families Affected by Abuse. Journ Child Adol Trauma 12, 85–95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-017-0133-4

Sharp P, Bottorff JL, Rice S, Oliffe JL, Schulenkorf N, Impellizzeri F, et al. (2022) “People say men don’t talk, well that’s bullshit”: A focus group study exploring challenges and opportunities for men’s mental health promotion. PLoS ONE 17(1): e0261997. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261997

Ungar, M., Dumond, C., & Mcdonald, W. (2005). Risk, Resilience and Outdoor Programmes for At-risk Children. Journal of Social Work, 5(3), 319–338. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017305058938

photo of campfire by Luke Blackham

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Published

14.11.2024

How to Cite

Blackham, L. (2024). Campfire Conversations: Using bushcraft as a therapeutic approach to men’s work. Pluralistic Practice Journal. Retrieved from https://pluralisticpracticejournal.com/index.php/ppj/article/view/8

Issue

Section

Practice Reflections