Weaving together evidence-based approaches proven to reduce anxiety with nature-based wisdom to support you to reconnect with yourself
What is Nature Therapy?
Nature therapy, also known as ecotherapy, green therapy or walk and talk therapy, is a therapeutic approach that utilises the natural environment to promote therapeutic growth.
In its most simple form, it is the combination of gentle physical movement with sensory immersion in a natural environment.
Whilst my normal evidence-based therapeutic approaches are focused on in the same way they would be in traditional face to face therapy, nature is also used as a co-therapist; offering a grounding tool to process difficult emotions.
Nature therapy is particularly helpful for processing challenging situations, whether in the past or current, grief, and traumas, all of which can help us better understand ourselves and our anxiety.
Nature therapy is also incredibly helpful for people who feel claustrophobic in the traditional face to face therapy environment by removing the intensify of eye contact.
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson
How is Nature therapeutic?
There are now countless research studies showing the positive impact nature can have on our wellbeing. Research shows time in nature improves happiness in the moment, and afterwards, reduces rumination and increases positive thoughts, improves sleep, and reduces stress.
It can make us feel more trusting, generous, and caring towards ourselves and others. It can make us feel more creative and more able to approach challenging situations through a problem-solving lens. Many people have also spoken about moments in nature that helped them process pain, let go of the past and rediscover a sense of purpose.
Let’s talk about some of the science… moving through natural landscapes provides a rhythmic side-to-side or back-and-forth sensory experience for our eyes. Why is this important? This forms the foundation of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, whereby eye movement is used when recalling a past event or fear induced situation; allowing for processing and healing. Therefore, walking in nature can be so helpful for processing negative events and managing anxiety.
The distance between myself and nature often parallels the distance between myself and how well I am. It’s been a fundamental part of my anxiety recovery; nature allows us to be with ourselves, and our anxiety. To walk with it, and to show it that' it’s not as important as it likes to tell us it is. It allows us to process life and all of its complexities whilst connecting to something bigger.
How does Nature Therapy work?
I offer Nature based Therapy in two forms:
1) At Alderley Edge National Trust
2) Via the phone so you can choose your walking location
Nature Therapy is offered as an alternative to traditional face to face therapy, however, it may be that I suggest working in a more traditional face to face setting when implementing specific anxiety reducing techniques.
