In this week’s episode Zack sits down with Will White, producer of the Fear Less podcast and clinical supervisor at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, to discuss their recent hike up Mount Moosilauke. They recount the challenging hike taken on Memorial Day with ten residents and adventure coordinator TJ Bauman, exploring the profound physical and emotional benefits of outdoor adventures to help people with anxiety. The episode delves into exposure therapy, adventure therapy, and the therapeutic effects of nature, highlighting how these experiences foster personal growth and resilience. Zack also shares a deeply personal story about the significance of the day, marking the anniversary of a close friend's passing, adding an emotional and reflective layer to the conversation.

Zack uses this episode to emphasize Mountain Valley's mission of helping adolescents and young adults overcome anxiety and related disorders through innovative therapeutic practices. He discusses the importance of creating opportunities for residents to step outside their comfort zones and embrace challenges, reinforcing the center's commitment to fostering an exposure-based lifestyle. Zack's heartfelt narrative and dedication to mental health advocacy resonate throughout the episode, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of therapy and nature. This episode will also be featured on Dr. Will White’s podcast, "Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors."

Zack’s Hack: In this week’s anxiety hack Zack the benefits of spending time in the outdoors to help reduce anxiety and to fear less.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.