Nature Based Therapy
With the new covid restrictions and limits on group gatherings, I’ve been reflecting on what I could offer to the community, or more importantly, what do we really need right now?
For the last week or so I’ve been suffering with debilitating headaches – the sort that stops you in your tracks. When a wave comes over me, all I can do is lie down on the earth and wait for it pass.
The cause of these headaches is unknown, but my feeling is that it ultimately comes down to what’s happening in our collective – the fear and uncertainty, as well as the anger, bitterness and consequent divide.
If you’re a sensitive, you’re probably feeling it too!
It’s easy to get caught up in the media and online conversations, but before you know it, an hour or more has passed and you turn off your phone feeling even worse than before.
When I ask myself, ‘what do we really need right now?’ the first things that come to mind are avoiding social media, catching up with friends and spending time in nature - being a witness to the beauty that still surrounds us!
I’m sure every nature connection mentor will agree:
The number one thing you can do to reconnect with nature (and ultimately yourself) is to find a sit spot in nature and visit it regularly!
As David Segal (co-author of Nature Based Therapy) shares, ‘we are designed to be in natural environments.’ Just as a wild animal that is held in captivity loses its vibrancy and life energy, so too do we!
The simple act of being in nature, helps us remember our own inner nature.
Nature has an incredible way of reflecting back what we most need to learn, and if we allow it, every plant, animal and stone, can become a teacher and mirror into our own soul.
When I asked the participants from my last workshop if there was anything they would change, many of them answered, ‘more solo time in nature’. Each and every one of them felt the benefits of this solitude on a deep, visceral level.
It’s something that we can all do – but unfortunately if it’s not scheduled in, it just doesn’t take priority.
This is the reason I’ve decided to start offering Nature Based Therapy – for individuals and small groups (up to 5 people).
For those that want to know more, I’ve compiled a list of questions and answers that should cover it all!
What is Nature Based Therapy?
Nature Based Therapy is an umbrella term used to describe a range of practices based in nature. In a nutshell, it draws on ancient wisdom and deep respect, connection and reciprocity with the natural world.
Ultimately it’s about coming home – to our self, our inner nature, but also our place in the world.
Who is it designed for?
When I put this together, I reflected on who would benefit the most from Nature Based Therapy. In our current circumstances, I’d have to say everyone!
We’re all feeling the effects of covid in our own ways - some on a physical level, others on a mental or emotional level. Whether its pain or grief, anger or despair - nature provides potent medicine!
What’s involved during a session?
Nature Based Therapy isn’t designed on a set model - it follows more of a framework which allows for individual differences and levels of comfort.
Sessions are based on experiential learning, drawing on the principles of deep nature connection, embodiment or body-based awareness, energy medicine, plant medicine and ancestral healing.
As an example, a group session may start with a meditation or an awareness based practice, followed by a simple teaching and an invitation (often involving solo time in nature).
While there is the opportunity to share experiences, reflections or writing, this is solely up to each individual.
Where do sessions take place?
We’re situated in the beautiful Thora Valley, NSW (Gumbaynggirr country) – about a 30 minute drive from Bellingen.
‘Patanga’ is an intentional community sitting on about 200 acres, much of which consists of forest, pristine creeks and an abundance of birds and wildlife. We are a wildlife refuge and are deeply committed to preserving our natural habitats.
All sessions are held in nature – in the rainforest, by the creek or river, on top of the hill (where ever we’re called on the day)!
How long are sessions?
This question doesn’t have a clear answer. What tends to happen when we’re in nature, is that time stands still (have you noticed this?) We almost enter this liminal space in which outside influences take a back seat.
In saying this, I understand in today’s world many of us rely on time, so what I can provide is a rough guideline:
Individual sessions are usually around 2-3 hours
Group sessions are up to 4 hours (depending on the group / needs).
When are sessions available?
Individual sessions are available on Tuesdays from 9 - 5pm. If interested, send a message and we’ll organise a time to chat – these sessions are tailored to suit specific needs and circumstances.
Group sessions are available every Friday, 10am - 2pm, and can be booked at any time (see my Facebook Page for the links). These sessions are kept small, with a maximum of 5 people per group.
Depending on time availability and level of interest, I’d also like to offer these occasionally on weekends. Please register your interest for weekends and we’ll look into dates!
What are the costs?
I’d love for these sessions to be available to everyone - particularly those who are doing it hard. For this reason, I’ve decided to start by offering sessions on a sliding scale:
Individual sessions – sliding scale of $75 - $250
Group sessions – sliding scale of $25 - $75
Whatever you are feeling – grief, sadness, despair, anger, disbelief, numb – nature has a profound way of holding space for you.
When we step into the natural world, we instinctively come back into our bodies. We start to tune into our sense of body-based rightness and with so much noise surrounding us today, this is needed more than ever!
I look forward to meeting and connecting with you!