One person's adventure is another's walk in the park
The young people most in need of mental health support are often those least likely to connect with conventional services. How can we engage those who are falling through the cracks? For Human Nature Adventure Therapy, the answer often lies outdoors - on forested paths, windswept beaches or around a fire. Yet it is our ethos of flexibility and commitment to “meeting young people where they’re at” that allows us to reach those in need and facilitate meaningful change. Since 2015, we have combined clinical excellence with authentic human connection, co-designing journeys that are deeply responsive to each young person’s needs in all facets of the therapeutic journey. As a result, we have an industry-leading 95% engagement rate, with 83% of participants showing improvements in their mental health.
But what is it like to be a mental health clinician on the ground? How can we best work with the wonderful people we serve, the environment around us and the resources we carry within us? And what is it about our approach that makes it effective? Through moving case studies, practitioner reflections and experiential activities, this is an opportunity to step out of the books and connect with our devoted program team about what the day-to-day work is like. Our diverse panel of mental health workers will walk you through their experiences while sharing powerful stories about the young people who inspire them. Some of these stories are of transformation, others of healing and courage, and some of joy and laughter. All of them speak of courage.
We are thrilled to share our work, to hear about yours, and to give you the opportunity to feel a part of the experience on both sides, walking away with something extra for your own practice toolkit.
Jack Chiu, Tyarna Larkin, David Flanagan, Jaclyn Cunningham
he & she
Human Nature Adventure Therapy Clinicians
Jack Chiu is an Adventure Therapist, clinical psychologist and board-approved supervisor with 7 years’ experience working with young people in the tertiary education, government and not-for-profit sectors. His practice is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive and grounded in warmth, creativity and authenticity, integrating modalities such as CBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy and relational approaches. With a diverse background spanning music and life across continents, he is passionate about ethical and sustainable mental health support for young people doing it tough.
Tyarna Larkin is a proud Minyunbal, Ngiyampaa, and Ni-Vanuatu woman, Therapeutic Mentor at Human Nature, as well as a dedicated social worker. With a profound commitment to her culture, she integrates its essence into every aspect of her work, especially when engaging with young people and the broader community. Through her deep understanding of vicarious resilience, Tyarna brings empathy and unwavering support to the youth of the Northern Rivers region. Throughout her career, Tyarna has stood alongside teenagers and children facing homelessness, mental health challenges, sexual violence, and cultural disconnection.
David Flanagan is a Therapeutic Mentor at Human Nature Adventure Therapy. David has a background in education, disability and social services, always working to support and engage young people. David is also a gardener, a tree planter, an anthropologist, a cycle tourer and a bush walker with a love of adventure and the outdoors. David is inspired to engage young people with nature and adventure, to support change and to build connections.
Jaclyn Cunningham is an Adventure Therapist and Social Worker with Human Nature Adventure Therapy. She has a background working in education, youth homelessness, family support, and Rites of Passage program design and facilitation. Jaclyn is passionate about working with young people, families, and communities to support wellbeing and connection to nature.