Wild Wisdom
Nature Therapy
Let’s not just talk about problems, let’s go out and meet it, face it, and move it!
By connecting nature into therapy sessions, words can fall away and tensions in your body can release. Problems don’t have to feel heavy when you can play, create art, and move with them outside.
My Masters degree in Wilderness Therapy gives me the skills to do therapy anywhere. Therapy outside can look many ways, from simply walking and talking, to creating nature art, to throwing rocks into a river, to resting and restoring on the earth. The possibilities are endless, and thus the expression can move quickly.
“If you want evidence that the world is a terrible place, watch the news and surf the web. But if you want to remember how incredible this planet is, go out into nature. Unlike social media and the news, nature has no incentive to keep us agitated, angry, and anxious.”
@AustinPerimutter
Nature
The Effects of Nature
For the most part, nature doesn’t DO drama. So, imagining (or actually feeling) your drama slip off you as you lay on the ground, really does help your nervous system. Nature has a way of taking our worries and converting our struggles into support. Just as trees convert our exhale breath of carbon dioxide into oxygen so that we can breathe, the world rises to meet us no matter our state.
Beings of the Earth
Ultimately, we are animals that belong to the earth.
But most of the time, we don’t feel like we belong to a greater world or are even able to see the magic that subtly surrounds us.. You are more likely to go outside and be with the mountains, trees, rivers, and even blades of grass if you have a therapist to hold the space, to ensure you won’t be interrupted, and to help you feel safe enough to let go. While it’s possible (and encouraged) to be on your own in nature, having a witness to see your process makes it stick. As a nature therapist, I help you remember your healing that happened on the land. We bookmark events together. For example, you may think “Did that eagle really just swoop in front of me?” or “Did the wind really just pick up as I started talking about that issue?” And I am there to see it, be with it, help you interoperate how it might pertain to your life, and encourage you to go forward with the feeling of belonging and freedom.
What Does Nature Therapy Look Like?
- Building a sculpture out of natural elements that represent your challenge and the lessons it taught you, then demolishing it!
- Burying symbols to access grief and to let go
- Creating Past, Present, and Future representations when going through a transition
- Playing in the elements, like mud and snow to release seasonal depressions
- Throwing rocks or running up a mountain to release anger
- Sitting quietly and feeling into what the present moment reveals
- Having natural objects represent different parts of self and see what wisdom they have to offer
- Finding a client’s own sacred spot that they can return to for their own self-care
- Art in nature
Connecting nature into therapy is great for people who…..
Struggle with Emotional Health
- Feel stuck
- Have done therapy but still feel the “ick” in their bodies
- Going through major life transitions
- Want to talk less and move their bodies more
Interpersonal Relationships Issues
- Socially have a hard time with eye contact
- Don’t want to face their challenges alone
- Are lonely and want to feel they belong in this world
Feeling Lost and Adrift
- Are anxious and willing to take in nature’s slower pace
- Are mamas who are feeling adrift
- Love nature and feel better just being outside