What is Eco-Psychotherapy?
Eco =The relation of living things to their environments.
(e.g. Humans within the ecological system of nature)
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Psychotherapy = The practice of being with another person
in a skilled manner that benefits one's well-being.
Is Eco-Psychotherapy just an expensive bushwalk?
Eco-psychotherapy is far more than an expensive bushwalk; it's a scientifically informed clinical approach with profound systemic efficacy, offering a distinctive path for client progress compared to traditional indoor therapy methods.
This evidence-based practice combines clinical psychology with nature-integrated intervention, recognising the fundamental connection between human mental health and the natural world. Unlike Western psychology, which has largely separated mental well-being from environmental connection, eco-psychotherapy draws on ancient wisdom found in cultures worldwide that have always integrated nature into restorative practices.
Through structured outdoor clinical sessions, clients engage with natural environments as active participants in their restorative pathway. This approach supports emotional regulation, trauma processing, anxiety symptom reduction, and personal growth by utilising the inherent systemic benefits of nature alongside traditional counselling techniques.
Emerging research suggests that eco-psychotherapy can address limitations of conventional therapy settings, providing a distinctive avenue for client progress in stress management, depression treatment, and overall psychological well-being through meaningful nature connection and outdoor clinical experiences.
Our eco-psychotherapy sessions incorporate evidence-based nature therapy practices designed to enhance your mental health and emotional wellbeing:
Vision Walk - Inspired by traditional Vision Quests for deep self-discovery and life direction
Mindful Bird Watching - Developing present-moment awareness and connection with wildlife
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) - Japanese practice of immersive nature therapy for stress reduction
Nature-Based Meditation and Mindfulness - Grounding techniques using natural environments
Soul-Craft Practices - Nature-based psychology approaches from Bill Plotkin's work
Nervous System Regulation - Trauma-informed therapy techniques from Stephen Porges & Deb Dana & Peter Levine
Nature Spirit Communication - Intuitive connection practices from the teachings of Sharon Bolt, creator of The Temple of Shamanic Magick®
Sit-Spot Practices - Contemplative nature observation from the methodologies of Sean O'Carroll creator of The Wild MInd Institute
Nature Based Therapeutic Techniques
Our Sessions
August to May - Weather Permitting
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A 2hr exploration of why you have come and to further focus on establishing an understanding of what you hope to gain from your journey into Eco-Psychotherapy. We will collaboratively establish an agreed upon protocol for managing variables that don’t normally occur within the indoor setting, such as:
• What do we do if we happen upon someone we know whilst outdoors?
• What do we do if it rains, or if it’s too hot or too cold?
• How do we protect your privacy whilst in a public space?
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A 2hr session and it is where the real magic begins. We will attend to your personal concerns as we engage Mother Earth in all her wisdom, as your teacher. I will support and guide you to experience a deepening of your connection to yourself, nature, the community in which you live and to Great Spirit, through a multi-modal mix of therapies and Ancient Shamanic Practices.
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a 1.5 hour integration session where we review your experiences and explore your journey which will guide us towards a natural direction and then together we will create a ‘Where To From Here?’ plan that is just right for you.
FAQs
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Not necessarily. Sessions can be held indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both, depending on your needs, weather, and therapeutic goals. When outdoors, we might walk, sit in a garden, or simply be present in nature while we talk.
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You don't need to be outdoorsy or physically active. Eco-psychotherapy can be as simple as sitting under a tree or noticing the sounds of birds. The approach is tailored to your comfort level and physical abilities.
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Research shows that combining nature with therapy can enhance traditional therapeutic outcomes. Many people find that being in nature helps them feel more relaxed, open, and able to process emotions more effectively than in a clinical setting alone.
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Dress comfortably for the weather and wear suitable footwear. I'll provide any necessary equipment. Just bring yourself and an open mind—nature provides the rest.
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We have flexibility to work around wet weather conditions. I'll contact you beforehand to let you know whether we'll adapt the session format or reschedule for a better day.
Book your session.
Experience the healing power of therapy in nature, where the outdoors becomes your therapeutic ally for deeper self-reflection and emotional wellbeing. There is no time better than now to start your journey.