5 Signs Your Teen Might Benefit from Outdoor Counselling

Let’s be real: teens don’t always love talking… especially when it involves a serious conversation and eye contact in a beige office.

But put them on a trail, give them a backpack, and let them talk (or not talk) while walking under the trees? That’s where the magic happens.

At Backcountry Wellness, we’ve seen outdoor counselling work wonders—especially for teens who feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or totally shut down by traditional therapy. If you're wondering whether this might be the right fit for your teen, here are 5 signs to look for:

1. They’ve shut down emotionally

If your teen has gone from chatty to radio silence and “I’m fine” is the most you get, they might need a different space to open up. Outdoor therapy removes the pressure—no chairs, no awkward silences—just movement, nature, and time.

2. They're constantly overwhelmed or anxious

School. Social stuff. Screens. Teens today are flooded with pressure. If your kid seems stuck in stress mode, outdoor counselling can help regulate their nervous system and create space for calm, grounded conversations.

3. They hate traditional therapy

Let’s not sugarcoat it: some teens loathe the idea of sitting in an office and spilling their guts to a stranger. But pair counselling with hiking or paddleboarding? Suddenly, it’s less “therapy” and more “doing something cool with someone who gets it.”

4. They spend too much time inside

If your teen is glued to a screen or rarely gets fresh air, nature-based therapy can be a double win: time outside and support for their mental health. Plus, outdoor adventures help them reconnect—with themselves and the world around them.

5. They're craving connection, but don’t know how to ask

Teens often struggle to talk about what they’re feeling. Outdoor counselling creates a space where connection happens naturally—through shared experiences, movement, and quiet moments that say a lot without saying much at all.

Bottom line?

If your teen is struggling but traditional therapy hasn’t worked (or never even got off the ground), outdoor counselling could be the fresh start they need.

We’re here to help them feel stronger, calmer, and more like themselves—without the awkward office vibe.