Kurt Youngberg, PhD, LCSW
Founder, Psychotherapist, Ecopsychologist and Adventure Therapy guide
Dr. Kurt Youngberg is an ardent believer in the power of the therapeutic process. Through over a decade of clinical experience, across various therapeutic settings that include private practice, wilderness/adventure therapy, therapeutic boarding schools and professorship of psychology/therapy, Dr. Youngberg has witnessed the human capacity for resilience, courage, compassion and love that has allowed individuals to overcome barriers to live a life full of meaning, purpose. He knows each of us carry within us the seed of great potential.
Dr. Youngberg’s clinical expertise reflects both a breadth of knowledge and depth of wisdom in the theories and applications of therapy. He draws upon the overlapping fields of psychology, philosophy and psychotherapy that is primarily concerned with the betterment and well-being of humans, society and nature. Teaching and researching within the field of psychology on topics of developmental psychology, ecopsychology and psychotherapy principles has given him the pillars that support his approach to therapy. Formal training and personal research into depth psychology like Jungian (analytic) psychology, psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theories, ecotherapies, mindfulness practices, existential psychotherapy, and practical theories such as DBT and CBT ground his applications by bringing “theory-into-action.” Lastly, his study and love of philosophy is what he sees as the foundation below the pillars and actions of his clinical care. Philosophy for Dr. Youngberg is what all other sciences, medicines, and psychologies are built upon. The pursuit and love of wisdom and the centrality of reflecting deeply on the human experience is essential to all.
Therapy is a collaborative human endeavor – meaning that the project of therapy is done in a collaborative way. Both therapist and client come together to strive towards healing, growth, transformation. From this view, therapy is highly relational, as it should be. Dr. Youngberg embodies this attitude in all he does. He sees the inherent interconnection between humans, their environments (nature & culture) and that the well-being of each is dependent on each other. Because of this understanding, he is always concerned with the relational, in the therapeutic relationship, in the client’s relationships to their own self, others, and culture/nature. For when we foster the relationship, we are also fostering the growth of that seed of potential within.
Dr. Youngberg provides individual therapy, family therapy and supervision / consultation for other therapy practitioners. Dr. Youngberg leads our Adventure-based therapeutic excursions and retreats.
Specialities
Anxiety
Depression
Developmental and Life Transitions
Interpersonal Issues
Codependent Relationships
Narcissism
Grief/Loss
Trainings, Theories + Modalities
Psychodynamic and Attachment Theories
Ecopsychology
Existential/Phenomenology Psychotherapy
Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy
Depth Psychology,
Jungian Psychology
Mindfulness
Compassion Focused Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Education
Ph.D. Psychology: Consciousness & Society - University of West Georgia
Master of Social Work (MSW) - University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Licensed in
Georgia
Utah
Research Interests
Dr. Youngberg’s research interests include examining the benefits of cross-cultural immersion for emerging adulthood and how these experiences yield powerful changes to how one identifies with themselves, how they develop greater skills associated with resilience and problem solving capabilities and how cross-cultural immersion can reinforce or create life purpose or life goals that allow emerging adults to feel they are living more meaningfully and fully with a clearer vision for the future.
Additional research includes his utilization of a critical lens to examine society to understand how our modern culture has struggled to provide adequate support for our children, teenagers and emerging adults in helping them cultivate more embodied, authentic and genuine relationships with one another and with nature. His research has brought him to the conclusion that our disconnection from these parts of our environment, leds to fundamental feelings of loneliness and isolation and is a major cause of our suffering.
His research aims to propose that we need to help encourage the growth of what's known as the “ecological self” who is an individual that knows they are inherently connected to others and nature, and that in this process of identifying with others, they grow a greater sense of self, which yields greater confidence through the embodiment of love, empathy and connection of others. Additionally, through an ecological sense of self, Dr. Youngberg proposes that we will then become more conscious of our behaviors, attitudes and motivations that affect the earth we inhabit, and that we need this level of consciousness in order to correct our climate / eco crises.
Experiential Therapy
The use of nature, cross-cultural encounters, and adventure activities are the three pillars of the eco-integrative theory of therapy that Dr. Youngberg has developed. This unique approach to experiential therapy was born through a combination of Dr. Youngberg’s personal and professional experiences and endeavors. Both reinforce his hypothesis that each of these pillars are the foundations of support for true holistic growth of individuals and communities.
Dr. Youngberg’s career path began almost two decades ago with his training to become a Wilderness Therapy guide. His experience guiding clients through Utah’s remote desert and mountain backcountry gave him first hand accounts of the power of nature and wild spaces in its ability to heal and transform individuals. It was also the catalyst to affirm his values and trajectory of pursuing a life of helping others learn to better themselves - to live a life worthy living
From wilderness therapy, Dr. Youngberg provided recreational therapy for adolescents and young adults in therapeutic boarding schools. Through co-participation in activities like skateboarding, climbing, mountain biking and skiing with clients, Dr. Youngberg learned invaluable insights into how these types of activities can facilitate positive and prosocial growth opportunities. Flow states, growth mindset, emotional regulation, creative problem solving and relational building are just a few of the traits and experiences that are accessed through adventure activities.
While all of these experiences were highly impactful for Dr. Youngberg and his career and own personal growth, he knew he needed to answer the inner call to strengthen his mind and refine his clinical skills through pursuing both a Masters in Social Work and then a PhD in Psychology. In this space, he would deepen his knowledge in the fields of depth psychology, as well as ecopsychology - the study of human nature relationality. In addition to this, he would research and publish on the psychosocial-spiritual impacts of cross-cultural immersion for young adults. These years of academic and clinical concentration were an alchemical transformation of sorts - and a preparation for building his eco-integrative theory.
Almost 20 years since his initiation into wilderness therapy, his implementation of experiential and adventure based activities are an homage to the wild places and green spaces that were the grounds for so much growth for himself and others. It’s a return “home” liken to what the Greeks called “oikos” or home what’s now commonly known as “eco”
Outside of his career, Dr. Youngberg actively and passionately pursues being in the world, both in nature and through his travels. He has a wife and three kids who also adventure with him and it’s a joy to him to be able to share his passions with them too. On the weekends he is also busy supporting his kids sports and hobbies like football, soccer, mountain biking, climbing and cheer.
