Rock Climbing Therapy for Teens & Young Adults in Fairfax, VA
What Is Rock Climbing Therapy? How Does It Help Teens & Young Adults in Northern VA?
Rock climbing therapy is a form of experiential therapy that combines the physical challenge of climbing with emotional growth and self-awareness. For teens and young adults, it’s a hands-on way to build confidence, trust, and resilience—especially for boys who may struggle to open up in traditional talk therapy settings. Climbing naturally mirrors many of life’s challenges: fear, problem-solving, and the need to trust yourself and others.
Here’s how it helps:
- Builds confidence: Reaching the top of a climb reinforces persistence and self-belief.
- Improves focus and emotional regulation: Climbing requires being fully present—helping quiet anxious or racing thoughts.
- Encourages trust and connection: Working with a partner or therapist on the rope builds communication and teamwork.
- Transforms fear into growth: Teens learn to manage discomfort and channel it into courage.
- Supports mental health: It’s a powerful outlet for stress, anger, or self-doubt.
How We Use Rock Climbing Therapy for Teens & Young Adults
At Cabush, Paul & Associates, our therapists use rock climbing to connect to clients in a less traditional setting.
For many teens and young adults, rock climbing therapy feels less like therapy and more like adventure. It helps them connect mind and body while developing the confidence to face challenges—on the wall and in everyday life.
Rock climbing therapy can help with managing:
- Anxiety: Climbing teaches presence and self-regulation; facing fear on the wall builds coping skills and confidence.
- Loneliness/Isolation: Partner belaying and teamwork foster connection and trust in a safe, structured way.
- ADHD: The dynamic, hands-on nature of climbing engages focus and helps regulate energy while reinforcing persistence.
- Academic & Athletic Stress: Builds resilience and reframes “failure” as part of growth—boosting confidence and balance.
- Depression: Physical activity and accomplishment release endorphins and help reconnect mind and body through mastery and engagement.
- Social/Emotional Skills: Encourages communication, emotional awareness, and problem-solving under pressure.
“I enjoyed pushing myself to what I previously thought I was unable to do. I have a fear of heights, and climbing is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. It has been a really fun experience.” "I learned a lot about how to enjoy the company of others and start better conversations". "I learned that I’m more resilient than I thought I was"
Rock Climbing Therapy Details
Who is the Rock Climbing Therapist at Cabush, Paul, and Associates?
Jacob Stein
When is the next Rock Climbing group?
- Session One for High School youth – July 20 -31, 2026. Session dates located at the offices of CP&A will be an hour on July 20th and 27th. Session dates located at Movement Crystal City will be two hours on July 21, 23, 25, 29 and 31st.
- Session Two for High School Youth – August 3 – 14, 2026. Session dates located at the offices of CP&A will be an hour on August 3rd and 10th. Session dates located at Movement Crystal City will be two hours on August 4, 6, 8, 12, and 14th.
- Young Adults – please contact us if you are interested in participating. We would love to also run a young adult climbing group this summer.
What is the cost?
We will have information about final costs and dates closer to summer of 2026.
How do people register?
Please contact us to learn more and register.
Contact Us for a Free Phone Consultation About Rock Climbing Therapy
Call us at (703) 691-0036 or fill in our easy contact form.