Outdoor therapy is counselling in a natural setting. I am passionate about taking therapy outside and over the past year have been working much more in this way. The majority of clients I see, now prefer to take their sessions outside and we have witnessed how rewarding this can be. Counselling outdoors, working therapeutically in nature, is steadily growing in popularity and can bring a new depth to therapy. Research is highlighting the many benefits that being in a green space can give us, psychologically, emotionally and physically and the mental health charity MIND have put together some information about this which you can read here.
Counselling sessions that take place outdoors can involve simply walking alongside each other whilst talking or finding somewhere to sit outside (I bring mats with me so we can sit comfortably). The pace we walk at is set by you so there is no pressure to be at a high level of fitness and we can pause or stop and sit at any time. Although we won’t be in a room, the same principles of indoor or online therapy apply as seen on the How I Work page. There are a few differences to working indoors, particularly regarding confidentiality as it is a public space, albeit a quiet one. However, I will work with you to discuss how we will manage this together.
I also offer a more nature based practice, which can be deeply rewarding. This involves working with the environment we are in, helping to heighten awareness and bring a different dimension to our work. This is something we can talk through at your first session if you would like to know more.
I currently work outdoors in a beautiful local natural area which has some mixed woodland alongside a more open and exposed space. To give you an idea, the photographs on this page were all taken in the space through the different seasons. If you would like to arrange a time to talk about how working this way might benefit you then please do get in touch.
