Nature Therapy

Therapy in nature provides the opportunity for all our senses to come alive. This grounding & calming activity supports the healing process by allowing chance to process and understand what we are going through and experiencing. It helps unlock the blocks that prevent moving forward and opens the way ahead for a happier life.

Nature therapy works by utilizing nature’s settings to supporting healing.

Nature-based activities can also be set for exploration in your own time, followed by a therapy session to reflect and discuss the experience you encountered from the activity. For this way of working we meet remotely for our sessions where I can guide you through a nature therapy activity and then explore with you the thoughts, feelings and emotions you have within this experience in a following session. These activities will be tailored to suit a level that you are comfortable working with.

It is also possible to take part in the activity together remotely with use of mobile phone if this is preferred.

It engages all of the senses which support:
• Elevated mood
• Reduction in anxiety & depression
• Reduced levels of chronic stress
• Helps combat emotional fatigue
• Reduces work related stress
• An improvement in concentration levels are also seen in children and young people with ADHD when time is spent in nature.

Science has proven that being in nature or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings.

Research has shown the positive impact of nature on general wellbeing and one study carried out by ‘Mind’ showed that 95% of those interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside, changing from depressed, stressed, and anxious to more calm and balanced.
Other studies show that time in nature or scenes of nature are associated with a positive mood, and psychological wellbeing, meaningfulness, and vitality.

Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.

The added bonus is the physical exercise involved in moving through nature which improves physical health too!

Alternative Approaches provides Nature therapy through walk and talk therapy; walks in nature; forest bathing (for one to one or small groups); outdoor workshops.