A Positive Way of Walking
Changing the world one youth and one family at a time, might not be enough.
The Anasazi Foundation announces boldly on its website that its “world-renowned, licensed, and Joint Commission-accredited outdoor behavioral healthcare programs are ideal for adolescents (12-17) and adults (18+) struggling with depression, anxiety, self-image, defiance, family conflict, mental health, lack of motivation, mild mood disorders, drug and alcohol experimentation, internet addiction, entitlement issues, and other self-defeating behaviors.” I can endorse those statements, having been engaged in various ways, and supportive of this exceptional organization, for at least 25 of its 36 years of operation. Almost every time I mention Anasazi in a new business setting, one of the persons in the conversation has a rewarding story about the turnaround of a son, a daughter, a niece or nephew.
The Anasazi Foundation, established in 1988, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people and their families overcome behavioral and emotional challenges through wilderness therapy programs. By immersing participants in nature, Anasazi aims to foster personal growth, enhance family communication, and promote lasting behavioral change.
Larry Olsen and Ezekiel Sanchez launched Anasazi 36 years ago and with help from Dr. Terry Warner (founder of the Arbinger Institute) developed their uniquely nurturing and life-changing program. Focused on a change of heart rather than on behaviors, this program has inspired bestselling books, elicited international acclaim, and changed the lives of 6,000+ young people (more than half participated via donated funds) and 20,000 parents. Tens of thousands more were helped by programs emulating Anasazi’s work.
Today Anasazi remains the lone nonprofit in its field and is among the highest-ranked behavioral healthcare programs in the U.S. (with a satisfaction rating exceeding 92 percent). And the need for affordable and effective mental-emotional-behavioral healthcare has never been greater.
Anasazi Foundation's Wilderness Therapy Program
Anasazi's wilderness therapy program is designed for adolescents aged 12-17 and adults 18 and older who are struggling with issues such as substance abuse, emotional difficulties, or behavioral concerns. Participants, referred to as "YoungWalkers," engage in a minimum 49-day journey through the Arizona wilderness, embracing a primitive lifestyle that includes hiking, camping, and learning survival skills. This environment, free from modern distractions, encourages introspection and personal responsibility.
The program's therapeutic approach is holistic, addressing the mind, body, heart, and spirit. Trained and licensed staff build trusting relationships with participants, guiding them toward self-discovery and a "change of heart," which often leads to lasting behavioral change. Anasazi emphasizes the inherent "seed of greatness" within each individual, fostering an environment of unconditional love and respect.
Impact on Family Communication
A core component of Anasazi's program is strengthening family relationships. The foundation believes that healing is most effective when it involves the entire family unit. Through shared experiences and guided communication, families learn to understand each other's perspectives, leading to improved relationships and a supportive home environment.
Anasazi offers follow-up coaching and support to help families implement the lessons learned during the program. This ongoing support ensures that the positive changes achieved in the wilderness are sustained, fostering healthier family dynamics and open communication.
Challenges Facing the Wilderness Therapy Industry
Despite the positive outcomes associated with programs like Anasazi's, the wilderness therapy industry faces significant challenges, particularly concerning litigation and allegations of abuse. High-profile cases, such as the lawsuit against BlueFire Wilderness Therapy, have raised concerns about participant safety, staff qualifications, and the ethical practices of some programs.
These legal challenges have led to increased scrutiny and calls for stricter regulations within the industry. Critics argue that the lack of standardized oversight allows for potential abuses and negligence, prompting discussions about the need for comprehensive reform and transparent operational practices.
In response to these challenges, reputable programs like Anasazi emphasize their commitment to participant safety and ethical practices. Anasazi maintains accreditation from national organizations, including the Joint Commission and the Association for Experiential Education, and adheres to strict standards to ensure the well-being of participants.
The ongoing litigation and scrutiny within the wilderness therapy industry underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards. Programs must prioritize participant safety and well-being, continually evaluating and improving their practices to maintain trust and effectiveness.
Anasazi’s Specific Concerns and Remedies
Despite a tremendous need and Anasazi’s overwhelmingly positive reviews, admissions have been impacted substantially by issues originating elsewhere and by a general uneasiness about residential treatment. Related online posts and media stories often start with genuine concern, but even the most thoughtful lump good programs with the bad. Some question parents’ rights to admit children in treatment for any reason. Regardless, the emotional and physical safety of Anasazi participants are always observably paramount, and they work continually to improve processes born of the founding principles and years of experience. These have ensured best practices and prevented unethical treatment or any major issues. Anasazi alumni are quick to share their own experiences online (drawing clear lines between Anasazi and others), but these stories are increasingly obscured by the overwhelming noise. Confusion abounds, and fraught parents are understandably reluctant to call.
The foundation’s team has also heard a few concerns about the program’s Native-inspired elements (including using the name “Anasazi”), especially since co-founder Ezekiel Sanchez’s recent retirement from Anasazi’s board. While there are no immediate plans to change Anasazi’s trusted name, they report that they will work with Native American friends and alumni to ensure their practices remain appropriate and sensitive to concerns of cultural appropriation.
A New Chapter
Regardless of the toxic social media environment, one of Anasazi’s principal self-declared challenges is that they reach too few people. Only about 300 families per year can be the beneficiaries of Anasazi’s full length wilderness programs. To expand its reach, Anasazi is supplementing its seven week program with other options, including: (1) A five-day wilderness retreat for parents and child or couples; (2) A five day wilderness retreat for adults; (3) A seven week parent coaching program; (4) New funding programs to provide more scholarships for participants in all of the presently available programs; and (5) Eventually there will be a robust learning management system to support systematic online learning, and active school curriculum projects.
Veritas Chronicles fully endorses the work of Anasazi Foundation, based on intimate knowledge of the programs and people. Further, we support the prospect of an Anasazi Foundation future, where tens of thousands of families, every year, can become the beneficiaries successful principles for “walking in the Anasazi way.”
