We Create Outdoor Therapy Experiences to Empower Individuals, Enhance Support and Build Intrinsic Motivation for Positive Change.
Meet Blair
Occupational Therapist
Blair is an adventure-seeking enthusiast who has a clinical background as an occupational therapist. Having over 10 years’ experience within the mental health inpatient, rehabilitation and community settings, he is an infectiously optimistic person who enjoys hearing people’s stories, and utilising their strengths to make the most out of every session.
He has helped hundreds of clients achieve their goals during his work at public hospitals within South West Sydney, and St George area, as well as community rehab programs within Sydney.
He feels most at home amongst trees and rivers, where he can think or have a conversation without day-to-day distractions. His recreational passions include bushwalking, rock climbing, highlining, rafting, and exploring all corners of our natural world.
He has thousands of hours of outdoor experience to safely guide participants on excellent bush adventures. He has a strong interest in our native flora within our local regions.
Blair enjoys nothing more than helping others to connect with nature, and bring the lessons it can teach us into their daily lives.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) - University of Sydney
Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership - Outdoor Training College
Wilderness First Aid - 5 Star Training, Katoomba
Completion of ‘Foundations of Adventure Therapy’ course – Adventure Works Australia
Blair has current registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency) and The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
FAQs
Where is Stronghold Adventures based?
Stronghold Adventures is based in the south of Sydney. Most of our adventure activities are based in the pristine and diverse natural spaces of the Royal National Park and Heathcote National Park.
We offer programs to residents within range of the south Sydney region, this includes Wollongong!
What type of screening do staff go through?
Police check
Working with children check
First aid training
NDIS worker screening check
Do I have to drive to the location?
Nope! We will come pick up the participant from either their place of residence or meet at an agreed location.
What ages do you cater for?
Adolescent: 16 - 17 years old
Adults: 18+ years old
Older adults: 65 - 80 years young
Do I need to have previous experience with the activities I choose to participate in?
Not at all! We’ll provide a safety briefing with instructions on how to use adventure equipment before each session, so you can feel confident and comfortable trying out new activities.
What if I’m not interested in adventure activities and only want to do some shorter bushwalks?
That’s totally OK! We tailor our programs to suit your specific interests.
Why choose Bush Adventure Therapy?
Bush Adventure Therapy brings participants into nature to create a therapeutic environment that is both challenging and motivating. When accompanied by a qualified therapist, the wilderness becomes a space for self-reflection and personal development.
It offers participants the opportunity to be removed from the daily stress of life and into a calming and neutral therapy environment. The act of adventurous activities in natural surroundings allows individuals to open up in a less formal, and more comfortable setting. It helps build a more meaningful and trusting relationship with their therapist through shared experience.
In the heart of nature, participants are exposed to activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They are also led through traditional therapeutic methods of goal setting and development of coping strategies to transfer these skills into their daily life.
Whether it’s navigating natural terrains, relaxing in a hammock amongst the gum trees, spending time amongst river systems, or talking through complex issues in calming settings, Bush Adventure Therapy provides a unique setting that will help participants grow.
For those seeking a therapeutic adventure that extends the conventional methods of therapy, Bush Adventure Therapy is a path to self-discovery, personal growth, and fun.
Benefits of Bush Adventure Therapy?
Build personal resilience
Strengthen self-esteem
Manage anxiety
Boost everyday mood
Improved ability to self-regulate
Positive behaviour support
Improved socialisation and relationships
Overcome adversity
Learn new outdoor skills
Timeout from everyday stressors
Physical fitness