Matt's Story: Finding Myself in the Wilderness
Matt Thompson
Wilderness Program Survivor
The Lead-Up
I was 16 when my parents woke me up in the middle of the night. Two strangers stood in my doorway, ready to "escort" me to a wilderness therapy program in Utah. I had no warning, no chance to say goodbye to friends or siblings. Within hours, I was on a plane to what would become the most challenging three months of my life.
First Days
The initial shock was overwhelming:
- Having my personal belongings taken away
- Learning to make fire with a bow drill
- Sleeping on the ground in all weather
- Carrying everything I needed in a heavy pack
Daily Life in the Program
Every day followed a strict routine:
- Wake up before sunrise
- Pack up camp
- Hike for miles through rough terrain
- Group therapy sessions
- Survival skills training
- Journaling assignments
The Breaking Points
There were moments that tested my limits:
- Getting lost on a solo expedition
- Developing blisters that wouldn't heal
- Dealing with extreme weather conditions
- Missing important family events
- Feeling completely isolated from the outside world
The Impact
Looking back now, I can see how this experience affected me:
- Developed severe trust issues with my parents
- Struggled with anxiety in new situations
- Had difficulty forming close relationships
- Dealt with PTSD symptoms for years after
The Recovery Process
My healing journey has involved:
- Finding a trauma-informed therapist
- Connecting with other wilderness program survivors
- Learning to process and validate my experiences
- Working on rebuilding family relationships
- Advocating for reform in troubled teen programs
Moving Forward
Today, I share my story to help others understand the impact of wilderness programs and forced treatment. While some may claim these programs help troubled teens, my experience shows the potential for lasting trauma and the importance of consent in mental health treatment.
Resources for Other Survivors
If you've been through a similar experience:
- Breaking Code Silence support network
- Unsilenced.org
- HEAL (Health, Education, & Legal support)
- Trauma-focused therapy directories
- Survivor support groups
Remember: Your experiences are valid, and you're not alone in this journey.