Outdoor Nature-Based Therapy

Outdoor Therapy works in a similar way to indoor counselling in that we would meet at the same place and time every week, however, being outdoors offers us a new dimension; we have the opportunity to include all that we may see, hear, touch and smell in the natural world as we move or sit together. You are offered the freedom of movement and choosing whether you'd like to walk, sit or even climb a tree! Moving through changing external landscapes can change our internal state. Encounters with the animal and plant world can mirror back to us what we may be feeling or needing: the firm honk and upright posture of a goose can show us how we, too, may need to become more assertive; the rootedness and solidity of a tree can offer physical support as we meet a challenge in our lives; the networks of mycelium beneath our feet may remind us of our need for connection. It may be freeing to feel that you can be louder or throw something in the open space. You may experience developing relationships with trees or animals that feel safer or less complicated than the ones you have with humans and which you can continue through the weeks and months. It can be a literal practice ground. 

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As women, we may feel that deep need to connect back to the rhythms and cycles of the natural world that remind us of our own cyclical nature. Being in nature can be an immediate way to tap back into what we may have forgotten. Our ancestors knew of the grounding, healing medicine, sense of belonging and spiritual connection that being in nature offers us. We are part of nature and so coming back into connection with the natural world can remind us of parts of ourselves we may have forgotten or disconnected from. 

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We would meet online initially so I can assess whether Outdoor Therapy is suitable for us.  We usually embrace all weathers and seasons to meet weekly through the year, allowing the changing weather and light to be part of the work and remind us of our own shifting, spiralling seasons and cycles. However, we will talk about a contingency plan for storms, high winds or if the weather is just feeling too much. Session times are normally 50 minutes but can be longer if agreed beforehand.