Dennis Thompson
Family Services

As one of three founding fathers whose soul and sweat created what we know now as wilderness therapy, distilling Dennis’s wisdom, skills, knowledge and vision for his work into a few paragraphs is like trying to capture the experience summiting Mt. Everest in a few sentences. It is his spirit and energy that gave the form, thought, and shape to this industry.

Dennis, along with two colleagues, pioneered the wilderness therapy industry in 1984. Dennis’ initial role was teaching the skills necessary to live in wilderness to adolescents searching for purpose and meaning in their lives. Since that time, Dennis has worked in every area and aspect of wilderness therapy programs. He’s grown many from the ground up, and been hired by organizations to mentor and train directors in programs across the country.

As a foundational principle, Dennis brought with him a philosophy of simplicity and connectedness learned from his upbringing on a ranch, and from time mentored by a Piute Indian elder. This gentleman became a role model for Dennis and inspired the vision for the life he wanted to live, for the person he wanted to be. That vision is one of generosity of spirit, and of respect for individuals and their freedom of choice. It is a vision to be one who offers acceptance, one who is a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope for seeking individuals.

With this vision in mind, Dennis continues to build and expand elements within in the wilderness therapy industry. One of his many conceptions and creations is the Family Workshop: a therapeutic time, space, and place for reuniting Passages To Recovery students and their family members as the student emerges from the wilderness. Dennis has been developing and running family workshops for over 20 years. Forming, restoring and rebuilding safe and healthy relationships is essential to the process that takes place in family workshop.  

To initiate the relationship building process, Dennis meets with the student groups each week. He brings with him his extensive skills, his 8 hand drums and his stories gathered in his travels across the planet to create a soulful experience for students. They spend star covered evenings together, drumming, singing and storytelling.