In this special episode, we have a conversation with Dean Reynolds, the founder and executive director of Seeds Wilderness Therapy, located in Colorado. Seeds Wilderness Therapy) is a Christian-based wilderness therapy program that started during the pandemic. Dean talks about his journey to Christianity after a terrible motorcycle accident and how he decided to serve others, leading him to the wilderness field. He shares his experience of working at various wilderness therapy programs in different parts of the country and discovering that expressing his Christian beliefs were not accepted. Dean's encounters in the field encouraged him to start a Christian-based program, which led to the establishment of Seeds Wilderness Therapy). Dean explains how the program functions, the philosophy and programming model, and how the program incorporates Christianity into a nomadic wilderness therapy program.
Dean's bio from the Seeds Website)- With over 10 years of working with youth at risk in wilderness settings, I am a firm believer in the power of restoration in an individual’s life through wilderness counseling. When a person is away from the distractions of everyday life, he/she can move inward and begin the work of healing. This renewal process is possible when the individual allows the purpose and hope of God to replace negative coping patterns. With this mindset, I started Seeds Wilderness Therapy, where individuals will meet with God to renew and restore their lives and be productive members of their family.