You may have heard of EcoTherapy before. EcoTherapy is an umbrella term that refers to an innovative therapeutic methodology that takes traditional counseling sessions to the outdoors, allowing you to engage with nature. EcoTherapy recognizes that we are part of a larger ecosystem and that connecting with the natural world offers a positive impact on psychological and physical well-being.  To name a few examples, EcoTherapy can take many forms, such as Green Therapy/Nature Therapy, Walk and Talk Therapy, and Adventure Therapy.

Green Therapy and Nature Therapy

Green Therapy and Nature Therapy are often used interchangeably. Both refer to therapy that takes place in natural surroundings such as greenspace, parks, forests, beaches, lakeshores, and other nature-based settings. Activities can include walking, sitting, resting, biking, kayaking, hiking, and many more outdoor related activities. Even hammocking!

Walk and Talk Therapy

Walk and Talk Therapy is a specific form of Green Therapy where the therapist and client have their session while walking outdoors, instead of in a traditional office setting. It can be a great way to incorporate physical movement and nature into therapy, and can also provide a more relaxed and informal setting for some clients.

Adventure Therapy

Adventure therapy is another type of Green Therapy.  It often involves being active and can be more intense than other Green Therapies, though the pacing is typically based around the client. Activities for Adventure Therapy may include rock climbing, hiking, rafting, paddle boarding, canoeing, roller blading, and other physically involved and stimulating tasks.

Services I Offer

In the local Clarkston area, I can provide sessions where we can sit, rest, walk, bike, roller blade, kayak, and even paddle board. Physical movement is not required to participate in EcoTherapy, with the exception of getting from your home to the destination in which we meet. Depending on the activity you would like to do, you may need to obtain and bring your own equipment. You set the pace and I will follow your lead. When incorporating EcoTherapy, it is important to listen to your body. Know that at any time we can stop, sit, and rest.

If you are not local to the Clarkston area, but are still interested in EcoTherapy, it is possible to hold phone sessions while you are outside in nature at a greenspace of your choosing, even if it is your own backyard.