Nature Therapy
At Evolve in Nature, nature-based or wilderness therapy is individualized therapy in a natural setting. These sessions take place outdoors instead of in the office, using traditional psychotherapy practices, such as: body-centered psychotherapy, mindfulness based therapy, EMDR therapy, psycho-education, gestalt therapy and when appropriate, combine experiences in nature as a catalyst for change and personal growth. We believe nature is a natural healer.
Read Megan Newton’s (Evolve In Nature Co-Founder and Therapist) article in Outside Magazine: How Time in Nature Can Improve Your Relationship.
Although most Westerners spend a majority of their lives indoors and in front of a screen, we believe there is a place in all of us that longs for nature. The connection between human beings and wilderness is deep, natural and significant; we travel across the globe to see it and open our windows to feel it. For many of us just a walk in the park can uplift our mood. Many people find it easier to be consciously in the present moment, open up, and be themselves in natural environments, and research strongly suggests the same. Think of your favorite walk or hike with a friend, it was likely similar to a mini therapy session. Take yourself on a walk on your next lunch break or after work one day this week. Start off noting your mood, stress level, heart rate, and thoughts and compare how you feel after your walk. What feels different? What are the changes in your mood? What are your thoughts now post walk?
Connection to the natural world can be challenging especially in urban areas. Our fast-paced lives are intensely technologically focused, which means as a society we are becoming more and more disconnected from the natural world. Research states we are spending 90 percent of our time indoors. Most people spend the majority of their days inside concrete buildings and in cars commuting, leaving minimal time to step into a natural place, sit by a tree, put feet on the grass, watch clouds pass by, listen to the birds chirping or walking on a dirt path or trail through the trees. Nature based therapy challenges an individual or a couple’s underlying disconnection to the natural world while focusing on other issues presenting in daily life, such as anxiety, depression, anger issues, intimate relationships, body image, and trauma.
The importance of getting outside for even one hour a week is critical. We are seeing anxiety and depression rates consistently increase. We must spend time in nature to help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress and increase our emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Studies show the effectiveness of simply 15 minutes in nature can decrease stress levels, lower heart rate, and uplift mood. Nature is our true antidepressant medication. Why support the billions of dollars in pharmaceuticals when you can spend time in nature? If you want to increase your happiness, sense of self, increase confidence, deepen your relationships, step into your true power, and make the changes in your life you have been longing for, you must spend time in the natural world. We would love to write you a prescription for more time in nature!
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.”
Nature-Based Therapy | Outdoor Therapy | Wilderness Therapy
As with any indoor session, we work alongside our clients to achieve relief in the present moment and reduce suffering overtime. Together we will establish your personal goals for therapy as well as determine outdoor settings where you feel comfortable. Outdoor, nature-based sessions can take place sitting in a quiet outdoor place, walking or hiking a trail, or rock climbing. Many people feel overwhelm at the idea of spending time in nature because of the idea it needs to be hard core, extensive, one needs a lot of gear stuffed into a backpack with miles of trail to trek or sleeping on the ground. Yes, those things are all excellent ways to spend time in nature; however, our nature-based therapy sessions look differently than those notions! Evolve In Nature therapists offer you time and an opportunity to reconnect to your relationship with nature, connect to yourself, and support you in diving deeper into why you want therapeutic support. Think of this nature-based session as a psychotherapy session in an outdoor setting. For those who might want more extensive therapeutic time in nature, we can arrange longer sessions including over night experiences.
In a safe, positive, and supportive environment, a nature-based therapy approach gives you an opportunity to turn your attention to the present moment and current challenges, while delving into past experiences. You will be empowered to make decisions, create change, experience safety and achieve mastery of living with a sense of wonder.
““Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is like going home; that wilderness is a necessity.””
Intensive half day and multi day therapeutic trips are also available for individuals, couples, families and groups. Please use the contact page to get in touch for further information.
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