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Adventure Therapy is one of our popular treatments for substance abuse and addiction recovery, not just because it’s fun, but because we have found it to be an effective therapy for our patients. This is because adventure therapy offers a variety of benefits including communication skills, assessing risk and reward, and learning to take responsibility among many others we’ll discuss here.
It is an experiential form of psychotherapy that was developed in the early part of the 20th century as a way to provide a safe environment while participating in activities that might be considered risky and exciting if performed without supervision. We provide adventure therapy to offer a sense of perceived risk so that our clients can learn to take on challenges, build trust in their peers, and develop confidence as they participate in these activities.
At OC Revive, the main elements that we include in our adventure therapy exercises are to provide structured goals, a component of adventure, a sense of individual responsibility, an atmosphere of friendly camaraderie, a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and a sense of accomplishment.
We offer adventure therapy as individual as well as group activities, primarily in a group setting, to enhance and take advantage of several of the benefits of this approach. They could be indoor or outdoor, depending on various factors that we try to include for a specific group.
These are a set of exercises designed to support specific character traits that a group may be trying to learn, such as honesty, helpfulness, social skills, etc.
These are typically posed as challenging games to encourage mental activity and problem-solving.
Many of our activities are intended to team up individuals with each other so that they learn to communicate, build relationships, and most importantly develop trust in others.
We create outdoor exercises for our clients to allow them to learn to overcome obstacles, handle their emotions, and practice coping skills so that they learn about their strengths as well as their peers.
Sometimes we include wilderness expeditions that are set in nature, and in unfamiliar surroundings so that our patients can learn to adapt to harsher environments and uncomfortable settings.
While there is some crossover between the above activities, adventure-driven therapy may include activities such as kayaking, zip-lining, mountain climbing, etc.
Adventure Therapy offers a powerful treatment approach for several substance abuse disorders as well as mental health disorders. It is very effective in helping our patients cope with real-life situations after recovery.
Although Adventure Therapy is not the primary treatment for substance abuse and addiction recovery, we at OC Revive, have found it to be highly effective in helping individuals find purpose and empowerment, so that they can learn to engage with life and real-world situations in their road to recovery.
Take the first step on this exhilarating path to recovery. Reach out to OC Revive today to learn more about our Adventure Therapy program and how it can be integrated into your personalized treatment plan. Let’s tackle this adventure together and move towards a brighter, healthier future. Call us at 844-954-3890 or visit to start your adventure therapy journey now!
Adventure Therapy is an experiential form of psychotherapy that combines structured activities with perceived risk to aid in the treatment of substance abuse and mental health disorders. It helps by engaging clients in activities that require communication, problem-solving, and trust-building, mirroring the challenges they may face in recovery. The therapy encourages taking responsibility, enhances self-confidence, and teaches coping skills through real-life experiences and teamwork.
While Adventure Therapy has many benefits, it is not typically used as the sole treatment for substance abuse and addiction recovery. It is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes traditional counseling, medical care, and support groups. Adventure Therapy is an adjunct to these traditional methods, offering a dynamic way to reinforce lessons learned in therapy and promote personal growth.
At OC Revive, Adventure Therapy includes a wide range of activities, such as:
Adventure Therapy is suitable for individuals undergoing treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders who are physically able to participate in the activities. Before starting Adventure Therapy, clients are typically assessed to ensure that they can safely engage in the activities. It’s important that participants are medically cleared and have a baseline level of physical fitness appropriate for the specific adventure activities planned.
Research has shown that Adventure Therapy can offer numerous benefits in the recovery process, including:
Adventure Therapy provides a unique and effective avenue for individuals to explore their abilities, confront their fears, and build a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
Start at John Wayne Airport, 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707.
Head southeast for about 0.2 miles.
Keep left at the fork and follow signs for Rental Car Return. Continue for 0.7 miles.
Use the left lane to turn slightly left onto N Airport Way. Continue for 0.2 miles.
Use the left lane to turn slightly left to stay on N Airport Way and proceed for 0.1 miles.
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. Drive for approximately 1.1 miles.
Use the right lane to merge onto I-405 S via the ramp to San Diego. Travel on I-405 S for about 8.8 miles.
Take exit 90 for Bake Parkway. Drive for about 0.3 miles.
Turn left onto Bake Pkwy and continue for approximately 2.4 miles.
Turn right onto Birtcher Dr.
Your destination, OC Revive at 27326 Birtcher Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630, will be on your right.
Start at Los Angeles International Airport, 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
Head west on World Way toward Vicksburg Ave. Continue for 0.2 miles.
Use the 2nd from the right lane to turn slightly right onto S Sepulveda Blvd (signs for I-105). Drive for about 0.4 miles.
Use the right lane to take the I-105 E ramp. Merge onto I-105 E. Continue for approximately 17 miles.
Use the right 2 lanes to merge onto I-605 S towards Long Beach. Drive for about 2.2 miles.
Take the exit onto I-405 S toward Long Beach. Continue on I-405 S for approximately 38 miles.
Take exit 92 for Bake Pkwy. Drive for about 0.3 miles.
Turn right onto Bake Pkwy (signs for Bake Parkway/Irvine Spectrum Center). Continue on Bake Pkwy for about 2.6 miles.
Turn right onto Birtcher Dr.
Your destination, 27326 Birtcher Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630, will be on your right.
Start at San Diego International Airport, 3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101.
Head east on N Harbor Dr toward McCain Rd. Drive for about 0.7 miles.
Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto W Grape St. Continue for 1.5 miles.
Use the left 2 lanes to take the Interstate 5 N ramp. Merge onto I-5 N. Travel on I-5 N for approximately 65 miles.
Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 91 for Bake Parkway. Drive for about 0.3 miles.
Turn right onto Bake Pkwy. Continue for approximately 3.8 miles.
Turn right onto Birtcher Dr.
Your destination, 27326 Birtcher Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630, will be on your right.
Start at Riverside Municipal Airport, 6951 Flight Rd, Riverside, CA 92504.
Head southwest on Flight Rd. Continue for 0.3 miles.
Turn left onto Arlington Ave and drive for about 1.5 miles.
Use the right lane to take the ramp onto CA-91 W. Merge onto CA-91 W. Travel on CA-91 W for approximately 20.5 miles.
Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 34B to merge onto I-15 S toward San Diego. Drive for about 4.7 miles.
Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 96 to merge onto CA-91 W toward Beach Cities. Continue on CA-91 W for approximately 8.7 miles.
Merge onto CA-55 S via the ramp to Newport Beach. Travel on CA-55 S for about 14.3 miles.
Take the exit onto I-405 S toward San Diego. Drive for about 3.7 miles.
Take exit 92 for Bake Pkwy. Drive for about 0.3 miles.
Turn left onto Bake Pkwy. Continue for approximately 2.7 miles.
Turn right onto Birtcher Dr.
Your destination, 27326 Birtcher Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630, will be on your right.
I began my journey to recovery back in 2011 when i moved to California from New York.Along with my recovery and beginning a new way of life, I began to develop a heart for others struggling with sobriety.My journey to California was filled with many trials and lessons learned, but most of all, personal growth. I truly believe I would not have found success if I didn’t come to California.
I first opened an adult treatment center, California Prime Recovery(CPR) as a way to work with those struggling on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years, CPR has evolved into someting much more impactful and beautiful than i could’ve ever imagined. I have come to realize that my own happiness and growth depends on being involved in the lives of others in recovery. Helping people through recovery is a cornerstone of many 12 step programs, and it has become the most important aspect of personal life. Giving back to those still suffering is the only way not to lose what you have gained.
Throughout this journey, and by mentoring many adolescents, I realized i wanted to offer more to teens who were struggling just as i was. This is when i decided to start OC Revive. I had built many wonderful relationships throughout my professional journey and found two others who shared the same vision, and passion that i had for the youth. It didn’t take long for myself, Tyler Michaelis, and Derek Walsh to turn our dream into a reality. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment for adolescents and truly believe “their future is our collective responsibility”.
As Co-Founder & COO of OC Revive, Derek has a wealth of personal and professional experience dealing with the issues faced by today’s troubled teen. Throughout High School and College, Derek struggled with peer pressure, learning challenges, and substance abuse. Working with the support of family and friends, Derek set out to conquer those obstacles and find a richer, more fulfilling life.
On 15 October 2012, Derek overcame his own substance abuse problem and dedicated himself to help others work through their own addiction. A year later, Derek began a new journey and started his career in the recovery industry. Throughout his career, Derek has worked his way through numerous roles at top-rated treatment centers. While working at those treatment centers, Derek began to see a pattern that those struggling individuals would’ve benefited immensely from receiving earlier in life.
Derek decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution, and find a way to address those issues at an earlier age. He concluded that there needed to be interventions before adulthood, and he didn’t want to see anyone going through the same cycle that he did. That was when he and Tyler Michaelis decided to start OC Revive, to make sure teens get the help they need to find a purpose that leads them to a life of happiness and success.
Derek attended college at Orange Coast College and Santa Barbara City College.
Brittany joins the OCR team with over 15 years of experience in the Mental Health adn Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings. Brittany has been supervising Associate Marrige and Family Therapists and Associate Social Workers for almost 6 years and works in compiance and auditing to ensure that treatment centers are up to par with biling regulations. Brittany has worked with young adults and adolescents for most of her career.
Brittany earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Baptist International University. Brittany enjoys working with adolescents and young adults and believes that ever single person has the ability to set goals and meet them, even when they can’t see it themselves. Brittany loves spending time with her family, traveling, good coffee, and being outdoors.
Patrick is a mental health and addiction professional who has a passion for recovery and helping others. He was inspired and encouraged by his mentors to work with individuals and families that have been affected by mental health issues, and alcohol and drug addiction. He has been working in the field of addiction recovery for 23+ years and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Patrick is also certified in Adult and Adolescent Anger Management. His career in addiction treatment began in 2001 at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage CA. as an Addiction Specialist working on the inpatient campus and is the co-creator of Betty Ford Center’s “Young Adult Track” specializing in work with 18-25-year-old Patients. He also excelled in working with addicted and impaired professionals in the “Relapse and Recovery Program”.
Patrick transitioned to Orange County in 2011 where he accepted a position as the Program Director for Orange County Recovery Services. Patrick is a gifted lecturer, group facilitator, and counselor with a passion for recovery who has been an active recovery member for over 25 years.
Anthony is an Orange County local and has been a great addition to the Oc Revive team. Since 2015, Anthony has been working in the substance abuse field and has also pursued his drug and alcohol counseling license. Since being with Revive Anthony has established a relationship within the School Districts and serves as a voluntary speaker for substance abuse awareness in the community. By sharing his personal testimony, he has excelled in gaining trust and building rapport with others. He always seems to have a smile on his face and brings a positive vibe wherever he goes. With that being said, Anthony is very passionate about the work that he does and goes above and beyond to provide our struggling youth the care that they so desperately need.
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families
