EcoTherapy

Ecopsychology permeates my practice even when we are meeting in-office. I pay close attention to your relationship to the natural world and your own natural rhythms. I also have training and experience in supporting folks with ecological/climate anxiety and grief.

Ecotherapy is the practice of using nature as a co-therapist. Nature has much to teach us about healing and growth. I offer outdoor sessions on a "as needed" basis.

I'm experienced in working with climate anxiety and climate grief, as well as with ecological anxiety and grief in general. I also help people reduce stress through increasing their connection with nature. In person, I offer nature-based therapy and hiking therapy for established clients.

I have been practicing ecopsychology for over 10 years. This may include using plants and pictures of plants or a nature scene, or it may include meeting in person (when possible) on the beach or in the woods. The use of nature provides for a deeper level of healing that may increase empathy for oneself, others and the planet.

Nature Therapy & Eco-Therapy use connecting with nature as a way to support mental health. I respect nature as an ally in healing. How we interact with nature depends on your interests. It could be as simple as taking a hike, cooling our feet in a stream on a hot day, or building a campfire while we talk. If you’d like to go deeper, we could explore cultivating relationships with specific plants, animals, or streams, or consider how the changing seasons may reflect internal changes within you.

I studied with Wilderness Reflections in San Francisco, and can no longer imagine a journey of healing that doesn't include collaboration with nature. Need a quick intervention before you speak to a therapist? Find a safe place to walk in nature and focus on what you experience with your five senses. Breathe it in. Nature is one of the best therapists you can find.

Ecotherapy draws upon the theory of ecopsychology, which posits that as humans evolved in the natural world, nature nurtured us mind, body, and soul. Ecotherapy takes this theory a step further by working with the idea that our well-being is linked our connectedness to the rest of the nature.

Ecotherapy combines the healing power of nature with traditional therapeutic techniques. Exposure to nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase concentration. We can help you develop a plan to increase your contact with nature – including increasing outdoor activities, engaging in nature-based grounding exercises, or adding natural elements to your home and work environments.

As an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, I support clients in nature connection practices, for the purpose of embodiment thru the senses, and to experience wholeness with nature. This is typically a two and a half to a three hour slow walk in a nature setting, in which invitations are offered to experience the more-than-human world, for physical and mental health benefits. With all of modern life's distractions, being in nature opens the senses and deepens our relationships and wellbeing.

Ecotherapy draws upon the theory of ecopsychology, which posits that as we evolved with the natural world it nurtured us mind, body, and soul. Ecotherapy takes this theory a step further by bringing other aspects of nature (because you are part of nature, too!) into session. It can be a powerful intervention for individuals living with ecogrief and ecoanxiety, as well as those living with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, PTSD, and ADHD.

Ecotherapy aims to connect individuals therapeutically with nature. Walk + Talk sessions are available in order to bring about the mind/body connection in your therapy process, as well as, getting you grounded back with nature.

We’ve long understood the benefits of “talk therapy” for the treatment of emotional distress. Science also proves that nature is a powerful medicine. Getting outside the traditional setting of an office may help you feel more comfortable while discussing painful issues. Ecotherapy has been linked to lower levels of stress hormones, increased attentiveness, decreased rumination, and improvements in mood. ​

Ecotherapy recognizes that our dis-ease as humans stems from living a life that is disconnected and out of harmony with the natural rhythms of the earth. To place mental illness solely in personal reality is a delusional repression of actual experience. Our lived experiences - on freeways, in food deserts, and concrete jungles - has separated us from our own rhythms. Our goal then, is simply to welcome you back to the rhythms of your body and the earth.

Incorporating Nature into counseling does not necessarily mean that we have to go on a long hike together (although we could!). In fact, many of the ways in which I incorporate Nature into counseling can be done over Telehealth. We might explore your attachments towards geographical locations, discover activities that you find to be rejuvenating, or incorporate Nature into our mindfulness work. Therapy can be a dynamic space where we get creative together about your treatment.