Outdoor Therapy
Therapy can happen outside. Our outdoor sessions use nature—walking trails or sitting under trees—to help you move, breathe, and find clarity beyond a clinical setting.
Is Outdoor Therapy right for you?
Answer these 5 quick questions to find your ideal session style.
What to Expect
Connect
We’ll start with a brief consultation call to ensure outdoor therapy is the right fit for your needs. Once we’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive an Informed Consent form that clearly outlines how we manage privacy, safety, and weather logistics so there are no surprises.
Coordinate
Together, we’ll select a meeting location that feels right for you—whether that’s a quiet wooded trail, a quiet bench, or a more open path. We’ll also agree on a backup plan (like a virtual session) just in case the weather doesn't cooperate
Commence
On the day of our session, we’ll meet at our designated trailhead. We’ll set our 'pathway goals' for the day and begin our work. Whether we are walking side-by-side or finding a spot to sit, the pace of the session is always entirely led by you
Benefits beyond the couch
Biophilia
The Connection
The Science: We are hardwired to seek nature. It’s not just "nice"—it’s biological.
The Feeling: A drop in cortisol. Your nervous system finally "coming home."
Bilateral Stimulation
The Processing
The Science: Rhythmic walking stimulates both brain hemispheres, similar to EMDR.
The Feeling: "Stuck" thoughts move. Walking side-by-side makes processing feel fluid.
Embodiment
The Presence
The Science: Shifting from "neck-up" thinking to sensory awareness in the body.
The Feeling: Using the wind or the ground to pull you out of an anxiety spiral.
*Based on Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Eco-psychology frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Light rain can be a welcome respite. If the weather seems too severe, we can switch to a virtual appointment or reschedule according to your needs.
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Outdoor therapy can occur on hiking paths, canal-side routes, or pedestrian trails. Specific activities and safety considerations will be tailored to the location and individual needs.
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Nature and exercise can be powerful healers: they encourage creative problem solving and deepen our connection to the natural world. Rhythmic, bilateral movement, such as walking, has been shown to enhance emotional processing and regulation.
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We’ll discuss your specific needs and find a beautiful balance with outdoor therapy and virtual therapy
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While we can’t control the outdoors, we can control our response to it. Before our first session, we will go over a specific Informed Consent together so you know exactly what to expect.
We’ll establish a 'Co-incidental Encounter' plan, which includes choosing less-traveled paths and deciding together how we’ll react if we encounter someone you know—whether that’s pausing our conversation, changing the subject, or briefly stepping aside. Your comfort and the integrity of our space remain my priority, even without walls.
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Comfortable layers, sturdy walking shoes, water, and sun protection is best. The weather is part of the experience, but your comfort is the priority.
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Movement will be dictated by the conversation, not a fitness goal. There will be moments of walking and talking and sitting and processing.
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You are in the driver’s seat. We can pause, sit, or head back to the trailhead at anytime. The session is at your pace- mentally and physically.