Fear Less
Welcome to the Fear Less podcast, a show dedicated to discussing anxiety, fear, and general mental well-being. In this podcast, host Zack Schafer sits down with clinical professionals, educators, parents, and individuals with anxiety to have meaningful conversations about fear and how to manage it. Through expert knowledge, personal stories, and practical everyday tips, Zack helps listeners gain the insight, confidence, and skills necessary to master their fears. Zack Schafer, MS, OTR/L, is a mental health occupational therapist and the executive director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center (MVTC), a non-profit residential treatment program for youth with debilitating anxiety. This...
Autism and Anxiety: Helping Neurodivergent Teens Thrive through a Developmental Approach
In this insightful episode, Zack sits down with Cam Sherman, executive director at NeuroDev, to explore the intersection of neurodiversity and anxiety in young people. Cam unpacks how traditional academic and clinical approaches often miss a key component: developmental growth. Drawing from his work at NeuroDev—a mentoring-based program for neurodivergent young adults—Cam explains why young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience anxiety and stress, particularly around identity formation, social connection, and transitions to independence. Parents will gain valuable insights into how developmental mentoring, lived experience, and community support can offer more than symptom management—they can fo...
From Perfectionism to Self-Compassion: Izzy’s Journey Through Teen Anxiety and Recovery”
In this heartfelt episode Zack sits down with former Mountain Valley resident Izzy Carosi, who courageously shares her journey through anxiety, depression, and the perfectionism that once consumed her. From the outside, Izzy appeared to have it all—strong academics, athletic talent, and a vibrant personality—but beneath the surface, she struggled with crippling anxiety and perfectionism. Her path led her to Mountain Valley Treatment Center, where she experienced both a painful early departure and a powerful return. In her honest retelling, Izzy opens up about learning to accept help, understanding attachment and perfectionism, and rediscovering her authentic self—"Little...
Why Every Teen with Anxiety Should Learn DBT: Insights from Brittany Little LCSW
In this episode Zack is joined by Brittany Little, LCSW, clinical director at Moosilauke Counseling Solutions and former therapist at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Brittany shares her deep expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how it can be a transformative tool for teens struggling with anxiety, OCD, and emotional dysregulation. While often associated with borderline personality disorder, Brittany explains how DBT’s practical, skills-based approach is incredibly useful for adolescents with intense emotions—even before they're ready for exposure therapy. Topics covered include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, as well as how DBT lays a cruc...
“I Hate the Way I Look”: Addressing Anxiety and Body Image Issues
In this compelling episode Zack is joined once again by clinical psychologist Dr. Roberto Olivardia to explore body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)—a deeply misunderstood and often overlooked condition, especially in adolescent boys and young men. Dr. Olivardia, co-author of The Adonis Complex, shares his decades of clinical and research experience in working with individuals who struggle with distorted body image, anxiety, and co-occurring disorders like OCD and depression. He breaks down how BDD presents, the dangerous cultural messages that fuel it, and why it often goes undiagnosed in young men.
For parents of teens grappling with anxiety, ap...
Treating OCD and Eating Disorders: What Clinicians, Clients, and Families, Need to Know
In this episode of Fear Less, Zack talks with licensed therapist Elian Beattie, the owner of Insights Group, an outpatient therapy practice in Rye, New Hampshire. Elian specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, and eating disorders, and shares her rare expertise in addressing both OCD and disordered eating at the same time—something many treatment providers avoid. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how these two conditions often overlap, from perfectionism and control to compulsive behaviors around food and body image. Elian breaks down how both disorders can be identified, assessed, and treated with evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Re...
Is an Eating Disorder Actually OCD? Dee Franklin on Redefining Treatment
In this episode Zack welcomes Dee Franklin, a licensed mental health counselor, to explore the striking overlap between eating disorders (ED) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Drawing from her decades of clinical experience and a widely-discussed article she co-authored, Dr. Franklin shares how many eating disorder behaviors—like ritualized eating patterns, perfectionism, and sensory avoidance—mirror the core functional mechanisms of OCD. Together, she and Zach dive into the controversial but increasingly accepted view that ED and OCD may not be as separate as traditionally thought, and how treatment models that embrace this overlap can lead to more effective, sustainable outcomes.  The co...
Leaning Into Fear and Loss: Myra Sack on Losing a Child and Finding Her Way
In this deeply moving episode Zack sits down with Myra Sack, author of 57 Fridays: Losing Our Daughter, Finding Our Way and Executive Director of Emotion, Inc.—a nonprofit that helps people navigate grief through movement, ritual, and community. Myra shares her profound journey of losing her daughter Javi to Tay-Sachs disease, how that loss reshaped her understanding of fear and anxiety, and how the emotional tools she and her husband developed became the foundation for her organization’s healing model. Together, they explore how grief intersects with fear and anxiety, especially the difference between anxiety's imagined threats and fear's real ones—an...
Anxiety, OCD, and Addiction: Andy Benckart’s Journey to Recovery
In this powerful episode of Fear Less, Zack sits down with Andy Benckart, a master's-level social work student and young adult in recovery, to dive deep into the complex intersections of anxiety, OCD, and addiction. Andy shares his lived experience navigating chronic migraines, anxiety, substance use, and an eventual OCD diagnosis, shedding light on how these challenges are often intertwined. His story takes listeners from early struggles in high school and college to the transformative impact of wilderness therapy and transitional living programs. Andy also discusses the vital role that surfing and nature have played in his recovery journey...
Befriending Fear: Why We Have Anxiety and How to Use It
In this powerful solo Zack dives deep into the functional purpose of anxiety and how it can actually serve us rather than sabotage us. Drawing on his clinical experience and personal reflections, Zack reframes anxiety as a messenger, something that, when listened to and understood, can be a powerful motivator and guide. Using real-life examples from his own life and his work at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, Zack explores the physiological, cognitive, and behavioral responses triggered by anxiety and how we can tune into those responses to prepare, adapt, and thrive rather than shut down or avoid. He breaks...
Living with ADHD: Dr. Roberto Olivardia on Managing Anxiety, OCD & Executive Functioning
In this compelling episode Zack sits down with renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Roberto Olivardia to explore the realities of living with ADHD and how it intersects with anxiety, OCD, and executive functioning. A lecturer at Harvard Medical School and clinical associate at McLean Hospital, Dr. Olivardia brings both professional expertise and personal insight as someone who has lived with ADHD his entire life. The conversation dives deep into what ADHD actually is, how it’s often misunderstood, and why people with ADHD often experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to environmental expectations and internal challenges.
Li...
Fear of Letting Go: The Intersection of OCD and Hoarding Disorder with Christin Brown LICSW
In this episode Zack welcomes Christin Brown, a licensed independent clinical social worker and OCD specialist based in Massachusetts. Christin has a subspecialty in Hoarding Disorder, and in this conversation, her and Zack delve into this often-misunderstood diagnosis and its relationship to OCD. Christin shares her professional insights as well as her personal experiences with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, offering a nuanced understanding of hoarding behaviors—ranging from emotional attachment to objects to digital hoarding like excessive photo saving or unopened tabs. This episode is a must-listen for mental health professionals, families, and individuals navigating hoarding-related struggles.
The...
OCD & Addiction: Hidden Connections and Concurrent Paths to Healing with Jayme Valdez LMHC
In this episode Zack welcomes Jayme Valdez, a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Clearview OCD Counseling. Jayme specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, trauma, and addiction, and she shares her unique approach to addressing the overlap between OCD and addictive disorders. She challenges the traditional belief that OCD and addiction must be treated separately, advocating for a concurrent treatment model that acknowledges their shared compulsive patterns. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience, Jayme highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions, harm reduction, and fostering connection as means to support long-term recovery.  Throughout the episode, Jayme provides invaluable ins...
Mountain Valley's History, Culture, and Alumni Support Network with Carl Lovejoy
In this episode Zack welcomes Carl Lovejoy, one of the co-founders of Mountain Valley Treatment Center, to reflect on the center's origins and evolution. Carl shares his journey from working in independent schools to helping establish Mountain Valley in 2011, recognizing the need for specialized support for high-achieving students struggling with anxiety and related disorders. He recounts the center’s humble beginnings in Pike, New Hampshire, with just four families and how it grew into a nationally recognized residential treatment program. Carl and Zack discuss the transition to the Plainfield campus, which offered greater accessibility and a more structured, home-like en...
From Struggle to Strength: Parenting an Anxious Child
In this episode Zack sits down with Nicole Carosi, the mother of a former Mountain Valley Treatment Center resident, Isabella. Nicole shares an intimate look into her family’s journey with Isabella’s anxiety, perfectionism, and depression, detailing the struggles that led them to seek intensive treatment. She reflects on the challenges of parenting an anxious child, the decision to enroll Isabella at Mountain Valley, and the nonlinear path toward healing. Throughout their discussion, Zack, who was Isabella’s therapist during her time at Mountain Valley, offers unique insight into her therapeutic journey, including the pivotal moments that led to bre...
OT’s Role in Mental Health with Mountain Valley’s Executive Director Zack Schafer
In this insightful solo episode, Zack dives  into the vital role of occupational therapy (OT) in mental health treatment, particularly at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Zack shares his personal journey into the OT field, the therapeutic power of meaningful activity, and how Mountain Valley integrates OT principles into their residential program for adolescents and young adults struggling with anxiety and OCD. Through personal stories and professional insights, Zack highlights how occupational therapy fosters healing through engagement, functionality, and community connection.
Listeners will gain a rich understanding of the history of OT and its practical applications within the f...
Occupational Therapy & Mental Health: Camille’s Journey to Helping Teens Overcome Anxiety
 In this episode Zack talks with Camille Wrege, an occupational therapist at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, about her journey into occupational therapy (OT) and how she applies it to mental health treatment for teenagers with anxiety and OCD. Camille shares her personal background, including how early experiences with her grandfather and a passion for holistic care led her to pursue occupational therapy. She highlights the role of OT in supporting young people by improving functional skills like hygiene, social participation, executive functioning, and independent living. Camille also discusses the intersection of OT and exposure therapy, emphasizing the importance of g...
Breaking the Cycle of Fear: A Mother and Son’s Story of Healing
In this episode Zack sits down with Hayden Fleischer and his mother, Amy, to discuss Hayden’s transformative journey through Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Hayden, who once struggled with debilitating anxiety that kept him out of school for months at a time, shares his experience of overcoming fear, rebuilding his confidence, and ultimately returning to Mountain Valley as a residential counselor. Amy, a psychotherapist, reflects on the challenges of recognizing Hayden’s anxiety, the difficult decision to send him to treatment, and the powerful impact of family therapy. Together, they explore the emotional highs and lows of treatment, the impo...
Building Resilient Youth: Russell Shaw on Parenting, Technology, and Education
In this episode Zack interviews Russell Shaw, Head of School at Georgetown Day School in Washington D.C., and a contributing writer for The Atlantic. The conversation explores Russell's journey from politics to education and his profound insights on the intersection of parenting, technology, and education. Russell shares the rationale and impact of implementing a cell phone ban in his high school to foster deeper social connections among students and reduce the mental health challenges exacerbated by excessive screen time. He also introduces the concept of "lighthouse parenting," a metaphor encouraging parents to guide their children from a stable d...
How to Parent Anxious Children Using S.P.A.C.E. with Amy Killy LICSW
In this episode Zack interviews Amy Killy, a licensed clinical social worker from Washington D.C. who specializes in working with anxious children and their parents. Amy provides a deep dive into S.P.A.C.E. (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment, a model designed to empower parents to effectively respond to their child’s anxiety. Through focusing on parent behavior and shifting their responses to their child anxiety, research shows there can be a significant and long lasting reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Amy discusses the common pitfalls parents of anxious children face, such as be...
From Fear to Confidence: How Supportive Immersion Sparks Youth Resilience
In this episode Zack engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Heather Tracy and Dr. Danny Recio, co-founders of New Summit Academy and the Bridge program in Costa Rica. They dive into their unique approach called “Supportive Immersion,” a model that combines cultural integration, experiential learning, and relationship-centered scaffolding to help adolescents and young adults face anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Tracy and Dr. Recio explain how designing intentional, real-world challenges—backed by empathy, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving—empowers students to develop resilience, purpose, and agency.
Throughout the episode, the pair emphasize the role...
Embracing Sensitivity and Strength: Gin Majka’s Journey through Anxiety
In this inspiring episode Zack talks with former Mountain Valley resident, Gin Majka, who candidly shares her journey through anxiety, perfectionism, and the path to self-discovery. As an 18-year-old facing severe panic attacks and academic pressure, Gin’s time at Mountain Valley served as a turning point in her young life. Now, nearly a decade after graduating the program, Gin reflects on how the supportive environment and exposure-based therapies helped her accept discomfort, embrace vulnerability, and set her on a path towards healing and self-discovery.
Today, Gin thrives as a freelance photographer, harmonizing her passions for creativity, en...
The Homing Instinct: Mentoring Teens Through Fear, Vulnerability, and Growth
In this episode Zack talks with Ciara Fanlo, founder of The Homing Instinct, a mentoring program for teens. Drawing on her own experience as a “troubled teen,” Ciara recounts the challenges she faced in adolescence—ranging from crippling anxiety and perfectionism to questioning her sense of belonging. Through wilderness therapy, therapeutic boarding schools, and a series of transformative treatment programs, she forged a deeper understanding of herself. Ciara’s story highlights how facing discomfort and embracing vulnerability can help individuals discover their inner compass, ultimately guiding them toward resilience, clarity, and personal growth.
Today, Ciara pays her journey...
Breaking the Cycle: The Role of Fear in Addiction and Recovery with Chris Leston
In this heartfelt episode Zack sits down with Chris Leston, the Executive Director and founder of Away Recovery, a treatment program dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use challenges located in Pike, N.H. Chris shares his personal journey through addiction and recovery, offering deep insight into the complex world of substance use disorders and the pivotal role the fear and anxiety play in the process. Â
Chris discusses how underlying issues like perfectionism, control, and fear of judgment contributed to his struggles and how confronting these anxieties was crucial for his healing. He emphasizes the importance of vu...
The Power of Growth Mindset for Anxiety: Insights from Therapist Ira Hayes
In this enlightening episode Zack welcomes back Ira Hayes, a licensed clinical social worker from New Jersey, to discuss the transformative power of the growth mindset. Ira has an incredible passion for the transformative power of growth mindset and has extensive experience integrating growth mindset into school systems and therapeutic practices. In this episode, Ira unpacks the essence of what growth mindset, how it differs from a fixed mindset, and its profound impact on anxiety, resilience, and personal development.
Throughout the conversation, Ira discusses the latest research behind growth mindset, highlighting key figures like Dr. Carol Dweck...
Guiding Families Through Anxiety Treatment: An Interview with Admissions Manager Becca Winant
In this episode Zack interviews Becca Winant, the Admissions Manager at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. With nearly eight years of experience at Mountain Valley, Becca shares her journey from starting as a residential counselor to becoming a key figure who guides families through the admissions process. She discusses her passion for working with adolescents struggling with anxiety and related disorders, drawing from her background in health education and yoga instruction.
Becca offers valuable insights into Mountain Valley's unique approach to treating anxiety, including their three-phase treatment model and holistic methods like outdoor activities and mindfulness practices. She...
A Mother's Journey: Helping My Anxious Teen Find His Way
In this heartfelt episode Zack sits down with Emma, a psychotherapist and mother of two, who shares her deeply personal journey of helping her son navigate severe anxiety and OCD during his adolescence. Despite her professional background, Emma found herself grappling with the overwhelming challenges of her son's mental health struggles, which began to surface intensely when he was in sixth grade. From school refusal and debilitating fears to the complexities of co-parenting and the judgment of others, Emma opens up about the myriad obstacles she faced in trying to support her son.
Emma discusses the difficult...
Boosting Mental Health in Kids: The Power of Mattering and Contribution
In this episode Zack sits down with Sarah Bennison, the co-founder and CEO of The Mattering Movement. They explore the profound impact of "mattering"—the feeling of being valued and making meaningful contributions—on mental health, particularly among adolescents struggling with anxiety and related disorders. Drawing from her extensive background in education and service learning, Sarah discusses how integrating mattering into school curricula can combat toxic achievement culture and improve students' mental well-being. She shares insights on how experiential learning and community engagement empower kids to realize their inherent value, thereby reducing stress and anxiety.
The conversation delv...
Overcoming Anxiety Through Interdisciplinary Care: A Presentation by Zack Schafer and Alison LaFollette
In this special episode of the Fear Less podcast, host Zack Schafer and Mountain Valley’s clinical director Alison LaFollette present live from the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) Conference on how the integration of occupational therapy (OT) and counseling psychology can transform mental health treatment.
Their talk explores the shared theoretical foundations of both disciplines—such as humanistic psychology, systems thinking, and a strengths-based perspective. They discuss how combining OT's focus on meaningful, everyday activities with counseling psychology's emphasis on personal development and holistic care, help those struggling with fear, anxiety, and related diso...
The Intersection of Anxiety and Substance Use: A Deep Dive with Patrick Babcock
In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, Zack interviews Patrick Babcock, the founder and CEO of Foundation House, a behavioral health and substance abuse treatment program for young men in Portland, Maine. They explore the deep connections between fear, anxiety, and substance use, discussing how these factors intertwine in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction. Patrick shares his personal journey through fear, anxiety, and substance abuse, detailing how his experiences have shaped the innovative approaches employed at Foundation House.
The conversation delves into the broader definitions of substance use, emphasizing that addictions can extend beyond d...
Empowering Kids with Anxiety: Expert Advice from Dr. Anne Marie Albano
In this episode of the Fear Less Podcast, Zack interviews Dr. Anne Marie Albano, renowned expert in anxiety and founder of the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders. Dr. Albano shares her deep insights on childhood and ado lescent anxiety, the importance of family involvement in treatment, and her developmental approach to helping children overcome anxiety while navigating key milestones. She offers practical advice for parents struggling to support their anxious children and discusses how enabling behaviors can unintentionally maintain anxiety.
Dr. Albano and Zack explore how parents can foster independence by stepping back and...
A Story of Resilience: Danielle's Journey through Anxiety, Self-Harm, and Healing
In this powerful episode of the Fear Less Podcast, host Zack welcomes Danielle, a former resident of Mountain Valley Treatment Center, who courageously shares her personal journey of battling anxiety, self-harm, and other mental health challenges. Danielle opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to seek treatment, including how her anxiety-driven self-harm became a coping mechanism. She offers valuable insights into how exposure therapy and other treatment modalities at Mountain Valley helped her develop healthier coping strategies. Danielle discusses the challenges she faced in transitioning out of treatment, the role of self-acceptance in her healing, and how...
Breaking Free from Fear: How Risk Aversion Impacts Mental Health Care
In this episode of the Fear Less Podcast, host Zack interviews Professor Mary Beth Gallagher from Duke University. With over 25 years of experience in occupational therapy across the U.S. and abroad, Mary Beth shares her insights on how fear shapes and impacts mental health care systems. The conversation highlights the risk-averse nature of mental health care environments and how fear of litigation often leads to conservative treatment decisions, which can hinder patient progress. Mary Beth discusses her perspective on occupational therapy’s role in promoting well-being and how practitioners can balance safety with evidence-based interventions.
The ep...
Navigating Young Adult “Transition Anxiety” with Joanna Lilley
In this episode Zack is joined by Joanna Lilley, a therapeutic consultant and podcaster who specializes in helping young adults and their families navigate the complex transitions of young adulthood.  As a therapeutic consultant, Joanna offers proactive support that helps young adults “launch” into a college, gap year program, vocational opportunity, etc. Joanna also offers reactive support, helping young adults and their families pivot from their current plan to find opportunities best suited to help them launch.Â
In this conversation, Zack and Joanna discuss how anxiety and fear impact this transitional period for young adults. Joanna shares the co...
From Fear to Freedom: Inspiring Stories from Mountain Valley Alumni
In this special episode of the "Fear Less" podcast, Zack sits down with alumni at the annual Mountain Valley Reunion so they can share their stories of fear, anxiety, and triumph. On August 10th, Mountain Valley welcomed back over 35 alumni residents and families to reconnect as a community and celebrate the life changing experience they had during their time in the program. Each year the reunion ends with a fire ceremony, where alumni are given the opportunity to step forward and share their stories as way to continue their own therapeutic healing and inspire those around them to continue...
The Connection Between Sensory Processing and Anxiety: A Deep Dive with Dr. Heather Kuhaneck
In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, host Zack engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Heather Kuhaneck, a seasoned expert in occupational therapy and sensory processing. Dr. Kuhaneck, who has dedicated over 30 years to the field, shares her insights into the complexities of sensory processing and how it intertwines with fear and anxiety. The discussion delves into the eight sensory systems, emphasizing the lesser-known ones—proprioception, vestibular, and interoception—and their critical roles in emotional regulation and daily functioning. Through this dialogue, Dr. Kuhaneck sheds light on how sensory processing challenges can exacerbate anxiety and offers practical strat...
Healing Through Stewardship: The Therapeutic Power of Animals and Agriculture
In this episode of Fear Less, Zack interviews Hann Bernardi, the Animal and Farm Coordinator at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Hann shares their journey from working as a conventional farmer to now using animal husbandry and farm work to help youth heal from their mental health challenges. Hann discusses how the farm at Mountain Valley is used to help residents overcome fears and anxieties, emphasizing the therapeutic impact of fostering a deeper connection between humans, animals, and the land. They dive into the concept and philosophy of “stewardship”, and how working with animals on the farm helps residents develop life...
From Testing to Teamwork: Dr. Alison LaFollette's Journey to Mountain Valley
In this week’s episode of the Fear Less Podcast, Zack sits down with the new clinical director of Mountain Valley, Dr. Alison LaFollette. Alison brings a wide array of expertise and experience to Mountain Valley. With a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas, extensive post-doctoral work at the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute, and a wide range of professional experiences across multiple mental health settings, Alison has fostered a deep and holistic understanding mental health and how to support individuals with a variety of mental health challenges. Her unique approach, which focuses on leveraging clients' st...
Fear, Fatherhood, and Transformation: Zack's Journey to Becoming a Dad
In this heartfelt solo episode of the Fear Less Podcast, host Zack Schafer shares his intimate journey into fatherhood. Zack opens up about the fears and anxieties he experienced through the process of welcoming his first son, Micah James, into the world. Reflecting on his experiences from late pregnancy, through childbirth, and now one month into fatherhood, Zack discusses how fear served as an ally and played a crucial role in helping him transform into becoming the dad he wants to be. This episode takes a raw and insightful look into the realities of parenthood and the powerful role...
Beyond the Classroom: Integrating Mental Health Support in Schools with Dr. Caroline Trustey
In this week's episode of the Fear Less Podcast, Â Zack sits down with Dr. Caroline Trustey, a licensed professional counselor who holds a PhD in counseling from UNC Greensboro and currently works at all-girls private school in Washinton, D.C. In this episode, she shares her innovative perspective on how to support youth mental health within the school system and discusses the initiatives she has undertaken to ensure that social-emotional support is integrated into the everyday curriculum at her school, making it accessible for all students. This conversation delves into the many challenges faced by adolescents today, including the i...
Climbing Mount Moosilauke: Therapy, Adventure, and Personal Triumph
In this week’s episode Zack sits down with Will White, producer of the Fear Less podcast and clinical supervisor at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, to discuss their recent hike up Mount Moosilauke. They recount the challenging hike taken on Memorial Day with ten residents and adventure coordinator TJ Bauman, exploring the profound physical and emotional benefits of outdoor adventures to help people with anxiety. The episode delves into exposure therapy, adventure therapy, and the therapeutic effects of nature, highlighting how these experiences foster personal growth and resilience. Zack also shares a deeply personal story about the significance of th...