Take your therapy session outside.
Walking or Nature-Based Therapy
Nature-based therapy is a unique practice that weaves traditional talk therapy with movement or nature. Therapy sessions are held outside at a local park or trail, where we can walk and talk or sit on a bench and soak up our surroundings.
Connecting with nature and movement can significantly help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Benefits
Hello Endorphines!
Movement and sunshine release ‘feel good’ endorphins in your body.
Out-of-the-Box Thinking!
Nature can spur more creative and free thinking. It supports imagination and liberation from traditional ways of connecting.
Building New Habits!
Nature-Based Therapy is a great way to get the therapy you want while building a habit of movement into your healing journey.
Nature-based therapy is especially great for those intimidated or anxious about traditional therapy settings - in an office face-to-face.
It just feels more natural.
It feels easier to open up and engage in a conversation when you are doing a familiar activity.
Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
FAQs
How does it work?
Our first intake session is held virtually. This is the longer first session where I get a clearer picture about where you are now, where you want to go and where you feel stuck. This first session is where we co-design a healing plan, which can include walking or nature-based therapy for those willing to meet within 25 miles of downtown Greensboro, NC. We will spend some time talking about best-practices to maintain confidentiality on our outdoor excursions, locate an outdoor spot that works for you, and set up a backup plan for inclement weather.
What if walking isn’t an option for me?
I carry two portable (and comfortable) chairs with me for those that want to enjoy nature-therapy with minimal walking. We can locate an area with the appropriate accommodations for you - the law requires state parks to be ADA compliant. If walking is a concern for you, call me. We can discuss outdoor possibilities. Nature-based therapy is not limited to walkers only.
How will we keep things private and confidential?
When we go for a walk or choose an outdoor location, I do my best to select a path and area that is mostly private or that has low pedestrian traffic. If we see someone we know (a real possibility), we will simply smile and continue or say, "I am with a friend." You can do the same or say whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Your privacy is a top priority. I will commit to doing my utmost to keeping our conversations private and uninterrupted.
What equipment or gear do I need?
Nothing fancy! I keep extra supplies on hand for my clients, like sunscreen, bug spray, and water. If we are walking, I recommend clients wear closed-toed comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. The same goes for clothing, which is weather-dependent; you might need a rain jacket, sweater, hat, or gloves. If you don’t own a pair of comfy walking shoes - let me know. We can figure that out. Sometimes movement can make us hungry - if you need to - please bring a snack. Before our sessions, I send out a little checklist to help clients think through what they'll need.
Where do we meet? How long are the sessions?
I meet with clients at local parks - we can locate a park that works best for you within the 25-mile radius from downtown Greensboro. A favorite is the park by the Spencer Love Tennis Courts. There are accessible bathrooms and great parking available, which always makes outdoor excursions more enjoyable. Our sessions are still the 50-minute length. We will spend the first 5 minutes orienting ourselves to the space before setting off. If we are walking, we will go out for about 20 minutes before turning back around. I encourage frequent breaks along the way. If we are minimizing walking or movement - we will locate a spot close to a parking lot.
What about the weather?
This is something I talk about upfront with my clients. We decide together. I am open to continuing sessions in light rain and cold weather. For very hot days, we will make sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. I will ask that we reschedule or go virtual if there is severe weather like icy roads or thunderstorms. Otherwise, as long as we have the right gear we should be good to forge on.
I have a cute dog. Can they come along?
I love furry family members. I ask, at least for the first few sessions, that we go without pets until we establish our groove. Then, I am open to leashed and well-behaved pups joining us. A good point of reference is to think about when you are walking your dog. Are you able to keep up a conversation with someone? Or does your lovely furry friend distract you?
What about safety precautions?
I take your safety very seriously. Your sense of safety may be different from my sense of safety. Part of my process is familiarizing myself with our selected location ahead of our session - so that in the case of an emergency I can give clear directions to emergency professionals. I talk openly with my clients in our intake session about factors that may be a real or perceived threat to their safety during outdoor excursions and we develop a safety plan together.
What about COVID-19?
During these difficult times, we follow CDC recommendations to ensure we remain safe and do our part to reduce the spread of this virus. I will wear my mask securely over my nose and mouth, I will have hand sanitizer with us for quick use if need be, and I will keep a 6-feet distance as we stroll or sit. I ask all my nature-based clients to do the same.