Youth Encounter's Unique Therapeutic Journey
For over a decade, Youth Encounter has been a pioneer in transforming the lives of young people in Aotearoa through its unique and comprehensive Therapy program. Founded by Mary & Joel Wanhill, Youth Encounter's mission has always been to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can heal, grow, and thrive. What sets Youth Encounter apart is its innovative use of activity-based therapy, featuring activities like dirt bike riding and surfing. In fact, Youth Encounter's Dirt Bike Therapy program is a world-first, offering a groundbreaking approach to engaging and supporting young people facing challenges such as mental health issues, trauma, and neurodiversity.
By integrating these exhilarating activities with traditional counselling and group therapy, Youth Encounter provides a holistic and engaging experience. The program's unique approach not only helps participants develop essential life skills but also facilitates a sense of accomplishment, builds resilience, and promotes positive mental well-being.
Take Lucy, for example. When she first arrived at Youth Encounter, she was battling severe anxiety and depression, a struggle all too common among New Zealand’s youth. According to the Acorn Vital Signs 2022 report, 24% of young people report significant levels of anxiety and depression. Engaging in Youth Encounter Therapy, Lucy found not just professional support, but a community that understood her. Through individual counseling, group therapy, and activity-based interventions, she began to rebuild her self-worth and identity. Today, Lucy is a shining example of resilience and recovery, actively participating in her community and inspiring others with her journey.
Our Therapy programme is designed to address the multifaceted challenges that young people face. Unemployment and disengagement from education are critical issues, with 12.4% of youth aged 15-24 not in education, employment, or training (NEET) as of 2022. Jake’s story is a testament to the transformative power of purpose and direction. Initially disconnected from school and society, Jake found his passion for mechanics through our therapy and hands-on learning opportunities. This newfound purpose re-engaged him with his education, leading to an apprenticeship and a promising career path.
Educational struggles are another area where our Therapy makes a significant impact. Around 10% of youth in NZ do not complete secondary education, limiting their future opportunities. Sarah’s experience exemplifies how personalized support of therapy can change this trajectory. Facing academic and social challenges, Sarah was on the verge of dropping out. Through our Therapy process, she not only completed her education but also became a mentor herself, helping other young people navigate similar difficulties.
Substance abuse is a pervasive issue among youth, with 27% engaging in hazardous drinking according to the Ministry of Health NZ. Mark’s journey through our Therapy highlights how resilience and healthy choices can emerge from the darkest struggles. Caught in a cycle of substance abuse, Mark found an alternative path through our activity-based learning and supportive community. He developed the resilience to overcome his challenges and now advocates for others facing similar battles.
Youth Encounter’s Therapy is more than a series of interventions; it is a lifeline for many. New Zealand's youth suicide rates are among the highest in the OECD, underscoring the critical need for our work. By strengthening identity, building resilience, fostering purpose, and creating a supportive environment, we aim to reduce these alarming statistics and provide young people with hope for the future.
As we celebrate over 10 years of delivering our transformative dirt bike therapy, we reflect on the countless lives that have been touched and transformed through our therapeutic process. Our commitment to nurturing secure identities, fostering purpose, envisioning hope-filled futures, and building resilience drives us forward. Through our therapy programme, we continue to help young people live life wide open, thriving with possibility and purpose.
Explore more about our journey and the impact of our therapy programme. Join us as we continue to make a difference, one life at a time.