Therapy for Nature Lovers
Specialized, Nature Informed therapy
When you see water
Alice Walker
When you see water in a stream you say: oh, this is stream water;
When you see water in the river you say: oh, this is water of the river;
When you see ocean water
you say: This is the ocean’s water!
But actually water is always only itself
and does not belong to any of these containers though it creates them. And so it is with you.
Nature-informed therapy combines the healing benefits of nature with effective therapeutic methods. It encourages strong connections with the natural world, providing a way to heal and promoting well-being, health, and awareness of the environment.
Nature Informed Therapy helps manage anxiety, PTSD, stress, burnout, grief, ADHD, and overall wellness. It builds a strong connection with nature for a complete approach to mental health and happiness.
NIT offers various nature activities like backpacking, hiking, 'walk and talk' therapy, mindfulness practices, gardening, arts and crafts, and nature retreats. These activities are designed to help with mental health issues such as anxiety, PTSD, stress, burnout, grief, and ADHD.
What is Nature Informed Therapy (NIT)?
This specialized approach is an evidence-based, data-driven therapeutic approach that integrates the restorative power of the natural environment with established psychological treatments.
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Rooted in Ecotherapy, Attachment Theory, reciprocity, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), NIT aims to restore harmonious relationships with nature, oneself, and others, addressing various mental health concerns.
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NIT integrates nature's healing properties into established therapeutic practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This integration is backed by empirical research, ensuring that the interventions are both innovative and scientifically substantiated.
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By reconnecting you with the natural world, NIT can reduce stress, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and foster a sense of well-being. The holistic approach addresses various mental health concerns and promotes ecological consciousness, leading to a balanced and healthy life.
Nature Informed Therapy
“Where Nature meets Nurture. A new approach to mental health”
Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, founder of the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT)
Online NIT
Nature is for everybody and everywhere
NIT is integrated into online sessions in a variety of ways.
Mindful moments are recreated and used as way to refocus by remembering or creating a moment in nature in the mind.
Other ways of practicing NIT through online services is by conducting sessions outdoors or with natural elements around, such as in your backyard or green space, or next to indoor plants or by a window. Nature is everywhere.
Walk & Talk using NIT
Let’s go for a walk
First session is conducted online to discuss if Walk & Talk or meeting outdoors could work for you.
Together we choose an appropriate location and have the option to walk and talk or meeting/sitting under a tree or at picnic tables.
Physical Movement helps our minds get “unstuck” when discussing challenging issues (Wright, 2008)
Healing is possible.
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I have designated locations in the Clear Lake Area, such as parks and trails. There are usually clean facilities as well.
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Water and appropriate clothing/shoes for weather is recommended. Bring any medications you may need, such as, epi pens, insulin or allergy meds, etc. I often also carry many outdoor items such as bug repellent and sunblock.
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During our first online sessions we discuss confidentiality and how it is addressed in public settings such as in parks and trails. It is also outlined in the consent forms prior to beginning therapy.