We have a passion to train everyone who will need to support our youth and young adults who are entering this modern world and finding that they are challenged by that process.
All Experiential Healing Institute trainers and guides have a history and background in Therapeutic Programs/Schools as well as experience in other treatment centers, Interventions processes and modalities.
For years we were the ones who were helping kids and young adults to traverse their journeys for personal growth and change in Therapeutic programs and schools across the country.
Now we are bringing to their families the skills and methods of working with them in the therapeutic treatment programs to support them with their journey wither to stay home or home from treatment. The goal is to reunite them with a family that has learned new ways to engage and support them while working towards healing, balance and understanding of each other.
We work to guide and train the whole family to utilize all of the skills at their disposal to help foster lasting change and hope long after their loved ones return from the wild.
The Experiential Healing Team
Robert Trout, Director
Robert Trout, MA
Director of The Experiential Healing Institute
With a Masters in Counseling and extensive experiences as Master Field Guide, Field Director and Treatment Therapist for many programs over his career Robert has one of the most extensive backgrounds to better understand and work with families in crisis or just in need of a plan and skills to implement.
With over 17 years of experience in group facilitation, ceremony, rites of passage, wilderness and traditional therapy and experiential practices, Robert uses his depth of knowledge in these areas to guide experiences that challenge individuals to see beyond their own limitations of belief and to foster new ideas in their lives and within their families and communities. He utilizes his study of ancient and modern ceremony, metaphor, experiential practices, life and survival skills to influence and work with people’s belief systems to create a supportive environment so they can choose to grow and change.
Robert’s unique perspective was formed through a lifetime where he has spent over 1000 days in the wilderness seeking direction for his own life as well as guiding others through their self-discovery. He truly understands this process as his personal life experience includes being a wilderness therapy teen, working as a wilderness guide and wilderness therapist, being a father and of placing a loved one in a wilderness program for their own needed experience. His background and life experiences make for a unique understanding of people and what motivates individuals and families towards chaos or strength.
Robert’s hope is to serve individuals and families that are struggling and to teach the skills he has gathered over a long career to anyone who is ready to learn. He also has a passion to care for other professionals and to bring ceremony, rites of passage and experiential learning to anyone who wants to go on a journey of self discovery and growth.
Paul M. Arredondo, Parent Trainer
Paul M. Arredondo, MSW, CPC
Parent Trainer & Coach
Paul brings a wealth of experience to each family having worked in therapeutic treatment settings for over eleven years. As a Professional Life Coach in private practice, Family Wellness Counselor and Master Wilderness Field Guide in Wilderness Therapy, a Counselor with a Home Transitions program, Mentor and Clinical Staff in Aftercare Settings; Paul continues to work passionately to support individuals and families on their path of healing and personal growth.
Having worked extensively in various treatment settings, Paul offers as a trainer the teachings and skills that he has gathered throughout his career. He supports families in finding the balance within relationships, responsibilities, and a settled home environment through collaboration with clients. This includes developing individualized plans and supporting structure that honors each family member.
Paul brings a unique perspective to this work having gone through his own journey of growth and self-discovery. Having had the experience of placing a family member in therapeutic treatment and then integrating her into his home to provide post treatment stabilization and structure, Paul understands and can also relate to the family perspective in his work.
Mary Zaunbrecher, Parent Trainer
Mary Zaunbrecher
Parent Trainer & Coach
With a desire to help others find their path of health and belonging, Mary pursued a career in counseling and coaching, where she has supported adolescents, young adults, and their families in a variety of settings. She earned a Master’s of Science in Counselor Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has since traveled west, where she has supported others in both wilderness settings and residential programs. She passionately integrates alternative and creative training approaches unique to the needs of the individual or family.
Throughout her career, Mary has worked as a primary therapist, family therapist, and parent coach. Her work with young adults and adolescents covers issues ranging from substance use, attachment issues, depression and anxiety, troubled relationships, and grief and loss. She values working with the family system, providing support and guidance so that families can experience more effective and healthy communication and connection.
Her straightforward training approach focuses on authenticity, accountability, and action. With compassion and support, Mary creates space for deep reflection and meaningful growth.
Mary believes that everyone is capable of growth and success in life, and her hope is for others to experience that belief in themselves. Her work empowers families to explore meaningful alternatives to past patterns, thoughts, and behaviors. Through this work, they cultivate healthy relationships, communication, and life skills for the future.
Monica Robbins, Parent Trainer & Coach
Monica Robbins, MSW, Integrative Health Coach
Parent Trainer & Coach
Monica began her career in mental health as a Master Wilderness Therapy Field Guide in Utah and Colorado. Monica spent 7 years in the field working with teenagers guiding them through the therapeutic process of self-discovery and learning new skills to manage mental health issues and family stressors. She then spent an additional 2years working in residential programs for adults with PTSD.
Monica graduated from New Mexico Highland University with a MSW in Clinical Concentration, and received her Integrative Health Coaching certification from Duke University.
Monica’s passion is bringing her life experience, Wilderness Therapy skills, clinical knowledge, and mindfulness together to support people connecting to their wholeness, self-compassion, and authenticity. She coaches with this gift by supporting parents in finding new ways to engage in parenting in a compassionate and authentic way while being honest about areas of growth.
Monica has been practicing mindfulness for 15 years and is currently receiving training on teaching mindfulness to others. Experience has shown her that as people become more self-aware of their own states of mind and being, the more capable they are for showing up and being centered when holding space for loved ones who are struggling with anxiety, depression, autism, substance abuse, and life stressors.