Bryan Thomas, MAI
Wilderness Therapist

Bryan started his work with adolescence in 1999 when he joined the Juvenile Aid Bureau of the Poughkeepsie Police department as the Coordinator of a juvenile mentoring program. He followed that with 5 years as the Program Manager of a community outreach program serving adults with mental illness in California. Throughout this work Bryan gained a growing desire to explore the therapeutic value in rites of passage for individuals in the process of healing and personal growth. He carried this curiosity as he continued to advance his education with a Master’s degree in the field of mental health at Naropa University. Bryan’s education also includes a Bachelors degree in Psychology, Wilderness First Responder certification, and completion of the Tom Brown School standard course.

Bryan began his work at Passage To Recovery as a wilderness field guide after traveling in search of his own passion that took him on a journey from New York to California. After a leave of absence for graduate school, he returned as a wilderness therapist. His quest continues as he creates opportunities for individuals to seek their passion and helps to guide them to discover their own uniqueness and vision. His method involves traditional therapeutic models in combination with rites of passage ceremonies and time in the wilderness. His approach to the work has developed through his own personal journey, finding healing in both the therapeutic relationship as well as in the solitude of wilderness.

Bryan has a diverse collection of interests and experiences. In college he was a member of the soccer team that won the Junior College National Champion twice, and also won 50 games in a row.  Bryan lived in a teepee for two years while putting himself through college. Currently, Bryan spends his free time creating art in the form of writing poetry and painting.  Other interests include reading, spending time alone in nature, and watching independent films.