Considering the Tale of the Spinning Wheel: Beyond Crisis Management in Outdoor Learning and Outdoor Adventure Therapies
Outdoor learning and outdoor adventure therapies, like all therapeutic approaches, are shaped by ethical dilemmas. However, unlike many therapies, these dilemmas unfold in dynamic and unpredictable environments where challenge, uncertainty, and risk are often integral to the experience. Rather than offering simple answers, this talk explores how ethical principles can help practitioners recognise and navigate these tensions. Using a familiar fairy tale as a narrative guide, we consider how beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and other ethical principles support everyday ethical decision-making. We examine how practitioners and organisations are required to justify not only how their interventions prevent harm and respond to crisis, but also the theoretical and mechanistic foundations through which they are intended to promote wellbeing and uphold client dignity.
About the Presenter
Heidi Shingler has worked for the University of the Highlands and Islands (Scotland) since 2018 to establish the Adventure Therapy undergraduate modules and Post Graduate Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Therapeutic Practice.
Heidi’s prior work included a blend of outdoor education, expedition work and therapeutic work. She has enjoyed many adventures and journeys working by land and sea with groups and individuals. Heidi’s passion for the outdoors developed at a young age and evolved into a career by gaining NGBs (ML, RCI, CWI, CWDI, LNT-Master Educator, BCU-Coach), pursuing university education, and working in the field. As an Integrative Humanistic counsellor, Heidie’s work spans a range of indoor and outdoor contexts, blending the outdoors and therapy. She is dedicated to furthering the field of adventure therapy through research, training, education, and the establishment of an established network in the UK.
As a Leave No Trace Master Educator, Heidi works collaboratively to deliver Leave No Trace trainer courses and awareness workshops across the UK for outdoor education providers, Mountain Training Association Members, and Universities, providing practical and ethical education for sustainable recreational behaviour in the outdoors.
