Nature-Informed Therapy

Outdoor Sessions: Nature-informed therapy takes place in outdoor settings, such as parks, forests, or gardens. The therapist may guide you on walks, use nature as a metaphor for your challenges, or have you participate in specific activities that engage you with the environment.

Mindfulness and Grounding: Nature-informed therapy naturally fosters mindfulness by immersing us in an environment that invites presence and awareness. The rhythmic sounds of rustling leaves, flowing water, or birdsong effortlessly anchor us to the present moment, making it easier to step out of racing thoughts and into direct experience. Unlike structured mindfulness exercises that may feel forced, nature organically slows us down, encouraging gentle observation, deep breathing, and sensory engagement. Whether it’s noticing the texture of tree bark, feeling the ground beneath your feet, or attuning to the ebb and flow of the wind, nature provides a built-in mindfulness practice — one that feels intuitive, grounding, and deeply restorative.

Connection to Nature: Nature-informed therapy incorporates activities that help clients connect their bodies to nature in ways that promote grounding, regulation, and a deeper sense of presence. You will be guided to engage in activities like walking barefoot, sitting under a tree, running your hand through the creek, or simply observing the natural surroundings to foster a deeper connection to the earth and your surroundings. As you connect with nature, you could experience profound awe and even spiritual transcendence.

Nature as Metaphor: Nature-informed therapy harnesses the power of metaphor, symbolism, and meaning-making to help clients gain deeper insight into their emotions, challenges, and personal growth. The natural world offers rich, intuitive symbols — the changing seasons reflecting life transitions, the resilience of trees symbolizing inner strength, or flowing water representing emotional release and adaptability. Clients may be guided to explore how their experiences align with nature’s rhythms, using imagery like “weathering the storm” or “planting new seeds” to process emotions and foster personal transformation. By engaging with nature’s wisdom, clients can find meaning, perspective, and a sense of connection to something larger than themselves.

Creative Activities: In some cases, the therapist may encourage creative expression, such as journaling, drawing, or nature art, to process emotions and insights gained from the outdoor experience.

Reciprocity: Nature-informed therapy emphasizes a relationship of reciprocity, a mutual exchange of care between ourselves and the environment. Just as nature offers grounding, renewal, and reflection, we, in turn, practice respect and stewardship. This can look like mindful engagement with nature — expressing gratitude for the space it holds for us, leaving environments better than we found them, and drawing wisdom from natural cycles of growth, rest, and resilience. By fostering this reciprocal relationship, nature-informed therapy encourages deeper connection, presence, and healing, reminding us that well-being is not just about receiving but also about giving back.