What is nature-informed therapy?

Nature-informed therapy, or NIT for short, draws from well-researched and evidenced based principles such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MB-CT), psycho-evolutionary concepts, attention restoration theory, attachment theory, and psycho-spiritual concepts.

Why:

Nature spaces have functioned a source of wonder, restoration, and healing since the beginning of our species. We have evolved in concert with our natural world rather than coincidentally existing amongst it. As a result, our physiology is primed to thrive in connection with nature. However, In an age of digital hyperconnectivity, telework, and incessant social media engagement, it is the default for us to grow increasingly distant from this environment. This disconnect can contribute to chronic stress, fatigue, imbalanced circadian rhythms, feeling unbalanced in our bodies, and otherwise disconnected.

Fortunately, with support and a reminder of these gifts, we can recultivate this relationship with our natural world and with our own sense of gentle balance. Rather than letting that relationship fade, we can lean in and embrace intentional engagement.

What we do:

We are passionate about using experiential practices such as ecotherapy, mindfulness, and moment-by-moment experiences to facilitate healing within the therapeutic process. Furthermore, we place significant emphasis on psychoeducation, discussing psychosocial circumstances, and creating consistent wellness habits to further improve long-term treatment outcomes.

We also draw inspiration from an eclectic blend of gestalt, solution-focused, reality therapy, and client-centered approaches. Our process creates an opportunity for us to tailor our approach to your needs.

Your therapist will guide you through both a talk-based process as well as experiential practices to improve your mental health. Your session will look different depending upon your needs and goals. This can look like a “walk-and-talk” appointment where you and your therapist will have a traditional session while walking at a gentle pace in a natural setting. Your session may also involve sitting in camping chairs at a local park, farm, natural area, or a combination of the two. Aspects of NIT can be integrated into a traditional office visits as well as virtual telehealth sessions.

Nature-informed therapy (NIT) practices are an excellent resource for you if you are experiencing chronic stress, work-related burnout, anxiety, grief, relational difficulties, or even want to improve your relationship with the outdoors!