Gain The Ridge Blog
Awkward Transitions: A Spring of Hope for Outdoor Therapy
We’re emerging from the winter of wilderness therapy—a season marked by the closure of many traditional, immersive programs. These programs saved countless lives, but a wave of criticism and vilification overtook the narrative. We need a story that meets this moment— A story that honors past harms, casts out true villains, and invites clients to become the heroes of their lives.
An Honest Reckoning: Reflecting on the Field’s Response to Accusations of Harm and What We Must Do Differently
We make mistakes, we cause harm, and it’s time we own it.
I do not believe any of the programs I know well or the people who run them intend to do harm, but it is human nature to make mistakes and for things to go awry.
It’s time we take this as an opportunity to grow and advance the field and adopt an approach that works to maintain trust when harm happens.
I suggest the behavioral healthcare field adopts a standard, borrowing directly from the medical community by requiring programs to have a communication and resolution program (CRP).
A Simple Choice that Changed My Path
After Open Sky closed, I took a long exhale. I was fortunate enough to take time to spend with my family, travel, and relax in a way I had not been able to for years—really, more than a couple of decades. But, there was this periodic nagging that would creep in. A kind of unease. Then a conversation with someone I just barely met a couple days before changed everything.
From Frustration to Function: Three Questions That Transform Underperforming Teams
Frustration is part of the work—and part of the growth. When things aren’t going well, it’s easy to question your impact, your path, or your leadership. But frustration often signals that you care deeply and are seeking something better. In this reflection, Danny shares how he’s come to view frustration not as a weakness but as an invitation—to pause, recalibrate, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Sticking My Butt Out: A Powder Day Lesson on Living Your Core Values
"I didn’t plan to teach a lesson that morning. I just felt compelled to act. As cars cut the line in a snowy traffic jam, I pulled halfway into the opposite lane and blocked them—because it felt like the fair thing to do. Later, I realized that simple, slightly awkward act reflected one of my core values. Fairness isn’t something I talk about. It’s something I live. And sometimes, that means sticking your butt out."
Reflections on the Trail: A Conversation About Leadership, Loss, and the Work That Matters
"This work has a way of shaping you—sometimes gently, sometimes like a storm. After 25 years in wilderness therapy, I’ve learned that staying grounded isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. In my conversation with Will White, I talk about the real behind-the-scenes of running a program, the founding and closing of Open Sky, and why finding joy and resilience in this field matters more than ever. Whether you’re leading a team or just finding your footing, I hope this conversation offers something real to hold onto."