Nature-based Therapy
Based
Therapy
Nature
Why nature-based therapy is recommended?
Nature-based therapy includes engaging with nature as a therapeutic co-facilitator in sessions. Practicing therapy outside can amplify and recenter to your wholest self. With present day accessibility, our daily activities can be consumed with social media, computer screens, TV, etc. and the stress of the fast-paced world is exhausting.
Some examples of nature based therapy include co-regulation and healing through practicing presence, nature based metaphors, self and nature reflections, and pausing to reconnect. Additional nature based examples include finding (appropriate) nature objects that can signify meaning, growing plants in your home, gardening, listening to nature sounds, nature images, etc. ​
In nature, we practice disconnecting and co-regulating in shared spaces to exist, grow, and learn. By taking these moments to disconnect from overwhelm and re-connect to self and others, we can slow down, notice, and identify what is important to us.
We can address challenges by collaborating with nature and finding new connections you may not have noticed before. Through respect for the land, we can emphasize a sense of purpose by witnessing and processing change.
How has nature helped Carmen?
Growing up, spending time outdoors was always a safe haven when I didn’t feel comfortable anywhere else. I grew up in IL and WI, and spent my childhood hiking, camping, and spending time on my grandparent’s farm. Finding quiet spaces, participating with natural objects, gardening, sharing spaces, and connecting with animals created a safe space for me to self explore. I really believe that spending time outdoors saved me and modeled how to remain connected to my authentic self when society was influencing me in unhelpful ways.
What does an in-person nature-based therapy session look like?
Nature-based in-person 50 minute sessions take place in the Long Beach area with a mindfulness of privacy and confidentiality. Some common practices are at a local park trail, we can walk-and-talk with breaks and in green spaces, or we can sit beneath a tree or on a bench to process.
An area to note is that the nature-based modalities and techniques will be practiced in sessions and accessible to you as a tool between sessions - nature is always with you. A phrase I like to say is that “our breath is always with us” to ground us and feel safe, and so can be our connection with nature. For example, sit next to a window, spend time with your plants, take a walk in the sunshine, spend quality time with your pet.
At this time, I only accept some insurances, Out Of Network superbill, or self pay for Nature Based Therapy. If you would like to be put on a waitlist for insurance-based services in outdoor settings, please reach out to me and provide your contact information.