Parenting Post-Wilderness: Parenting a Struggling Teen Before, During and After Treatment

162. The Truth About Wilderness Therapy With 'Forest for the Trees' Filmmakers Mark Strauss & Vince Dixon

Beth Hillman | Parent Coach for Parents of Struggling Teens & Mark Strauss & Vince Dixon Episode 162

Stories about wilderness range from life-saving transformations to devastating failures, and often, the loudest voices online lean toward fear and controversy.

That’s why I’m so excited to be joined by filmmakers Mark Strauss and Vince Dixon, co-directors of the upcoming documentary Forest for the Trees: The Truth About Wilderness Therapy. With lived experience of loss, addiction, and healing in their own families, Mark and Vince share why they felt compelled to create a film that tells the whole story: the good, the bad, and everything in between.

As a parent who’s walked this road myself, I can’t tell you what a relief it is to hear someone say, “Let’s look at the whole truth.” Because when you’re facing impossible choices for your child, what you need most is understanding, not judgment.

In this episode on the truth about wilderness therapy, we discuss:

  • Vince’s journey from losing his sister to fentanyl poisoning to creating films that spark healing conversations;
  • Why Mark and Vince believe wilderness therapy is misunderstood and often misrepresented;
  • The importance of showing all sides of wilderness stories: positive, negative, and complicated;
  • How parents’ desperation and deep love factor into the decision to seek treatment;
  • Why this documentary is being made now, and how you can get involved in supporting it.

Resources mentioned in this episode

You can learn more about ‘Forst for the Trees’ on their website, Instagram or Facebook.

Learn more about 'Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral' on their website, or Instagram.

Learn more about Mark’s film 'The Funeral Photographer' on their website.


Looking for support?

🗺️Need help setting healthy boundaries with your teen AND following through? My free guide will help you do so by creating your own Parent Home Plan!

🤍Influence lasting change in yourself and your struggling teen with my private coaching or parent group program specifically created for parents of struggling teens.


Have a question or need support? You can email me at beth@bethhillmancoaching.com


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And remember parents, the change begins with us.

People on this episode