Nature Informed Therapy

Sunset over the ocean with gentle waves and cloudy sky.

What is Nature Informed Therapy?

Nature-Informed Therapy is an evidence-informed approach that integrates the natural world into the therapeutic process. It can be used alongside established interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It is rooted in Ecotherapy, Attachment Theory, reciprocity, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

Nature-Informed Therapy can be beneficial for people experiencing anxiety, PTSD, stress, burnout, grief, ADHD, and many other concerns. Whether through walking, sitting, or simply connecting with your surroundings, nature becomes an additional resource for supporting reflection, regulation, connection, and healing.

A dirt trail through a lush green forest with tall trees on either side, sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Nature-Informed Therapy blends traditional talk therapy with the opportunity to connect with the natural world. We’ll begin with an intake session, either virtually or in the office, where we’ll discuss your needs, preferences, and goals for therapy. From there, we’ll collaborate on what type of nature-informed sessions feel most comfortable and meaningful for you.

Sessions might include walking together on a trail, sitting outside at a park, or simply noticing and connecting with your surroundings. There’s no need to be especially active or “outdoorsy”—sessions can be adapted to your comfort level and therapeutic needs. Nature simply becomes another space to slow down, reflect, connect, and support your therapeutic process.

What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions about Nature Informed Therapy

Not at all. Nature-Informed Therapy can be adapted to your comfort level and needs. Sessions may include walking, sitting, or simply spending time in a natural setting. There’s no need to hike or be physically active to benefit from this approach.
Throughout the therapeutic process, I’ll check in with you about your comfort and preferences regarding different weather conditions so we can plan sessions accordingly. Since weather can be unpredictable, I’ll also check in the day before each outdoor session. If needed, we can always adjust the plan or meet virtually.
Absolutely! Just because you are interested in Nature-Informed therapy does not mean that you have to commit to all your sessions being outside. You can choose from a mix of meeting outside, meeting at my office, and meeting virtually.
Yes, confidentiality remains a priority during outdoor sessions. However, there is a greater possibility of being seen or overheard by others when meeting outdoors, and we’ll talk about this risk together before and during sessions. We’ll choose settings that support as much privacy as possible, and you can always choose to meet indoors or virtually if you prefer.
Nature-Informed Therapy may be a good fit for you if you enjoy spending time outside, have fond memories of playing outdoors as a child, or would like to incorporate movement into your therapy. You don’t need to love the outdoors or have any previous experience. We can talk together about your needs and preferences during the intake session to determine whether this approach feels right for you.
Although there are some similarities between the two modalities, Nature-Informed therapy and Wilderness therapy are different. Nature-Informed therapy incorporates nature into evidenced based therapy and is closely connected with traditional talk therapy. Wilderness therapy involves more intensive experiences with the goal being adventure, learning life skills, and survival.
To be considered a Nature-Informed therapist with the Center for Nature Informed Therapy, therapist must attend an initial three day training and then participate in a three month mentorship.

Find your thread to nature.

Our thread to nature is our connection to the natural world. Maybe it’s an early memory of going to the ocean as a kid or a recent interest in taking your dogs for a walk.