Nature Assisted Therapy
NATURE ASSISTED THERAPY in EDMONTON
About Nature Assisted Therapy:
People who routinely spend time in nature know that there is a special “x factor” that makes it particularly rewarding on a physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual level.
Nature-Assisted Therapy is a holistic approach to therapy that harnesses one’s relationship with the natural world into counselling interventions to enhance growth, development, learning, and healing. While the scope of nature-based practices is widely varied, common elements include mindfulness and sensory awareness practices, a focus on bonding and belonging, a somatic focus on the body, cognitive restoration, and emotional regulation. Nature-Assisted Therapy can also involve the use of animals/pets (i.e., Animal-Assisted Interventions) which can aid emotional regulation, boost self-confidence, and instill self-compassion.
Taking the therapy office outdoors can provide immense healing and recovery, as you connect with nature and your own well-being.
Nature Assisted Therapy Team
How does Nature Assisted Therapy work?
The concept behind Nature-Assisted Therapy is that being in natural environments can provide a calming effect. Studies have found that spending time outdoors relieves stress by releasing hormones like serotonin and dopamine which boost our moods. Furthermore, being outside in nature can provide use with a mental and emotional sanctuary from our regular lives, allowing us to feel distracted and relaxed while being immersed in an environment free from any external demands. Additionally, there are various activities that can be incorporated into nature-assisted therapy such as hiking, gardening, time spent with a pet, which often include movement as an opportunity to build strength both physically and mentally. Walking in general can be a simple way to ground and regulate oneself, making it a little bit easier to unpack your experiences and process your emotions.
Being in nature allows one to disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with oneself, including one's core values, sense of purpose, and well-being.
What can Nature Assisted Therapy help with?
Nature-Assisted Therapy continues to grow in popularity among people seeking both an evidence-based and holistic approach to their mental health, research has shown that connecting with nature in various ways can reduce:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma-related symptoms and conditions, such as PTSD
- Dissociative disorders
Additionally, research has shown that there are many benefits associated with just looking at natural environments including improved concentration, enhanced awareness, gratitude, improved concentration levels, increased self-esteem, better memory recall, and improved problem-solving skills.
Nature-Assisted Therapy in Edmonton
Explore nature while you share your story
Walk & Talk Therapy is a service we offer as a confidential therapy session to discuss your struggles and learn how to cope, but rather than sitting inside on a couch, you’re walking outdoors or soaking up the sunshine on a park bench. Our Walk & Talk Therapy sessions are held right behind our clinic near the pond and green space/park (in The Orchards). It is a beautiful, serene area to connect and heal. Nature-Assisted Therapy sessions can also be held outside on our rooftop patio where we can sit down and work through your concerns, while appreciating the striking and healing characteristics of nature.
Animal-Assisted Therapy in Edmonton
Connect with your pet as you heal
Bring your beloved pet to your therapy session. You, your pet and your therapist will spend time in the nature space behind the clinic while connecting with your pet. Having your pet join your session can be grounding and nurturing, helping you feel more comfortable to share your experiences. Natural elements and loving animals offer a calming and integrative aspect to therapy and healing.
NATURE & ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY IN EDMONTON