1-1 ECOTHERAPY
Healing With Nature
As humans we have co-evolved with the natural world, breathing with flora & fauna, bound to the rhythms of the more-the-human world, co-existing within our mutual living & dying. To be in relationship with the natural world is an inherent part of our human experience. Today we find ourselves re-discovering that our healing and flourishing cannot take place in isolation. Developing a closer, more loving relationship with the natural world is not only healing for ourselves, but vital for collective and ecological restoration. The practice of ecotherapy is a practice of reciprocity, opening possibilities for us to widen and deepen our sense of who we are to include all living things.
Exploring Ecotherapy
Together with nature, ecotherapy can offer a meaningful pathway for you in tending to your physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being, supporting you in understanding how you connect and attune to yourself, others and the wider world. Perhaps you already experience a sense of deep belonging and connection with the natural world and would like to cultivate more of this relationship in your day to day life. It might be that you are just sensing into the possibilities of how working therapeutically with nature could be supportive for you at this time.
1-1 sessions can offer a supportive path if you are experiencing any of the following (but not limited to):
Overwhelm
Burnout
A sense of isolation
Feeling fragmented from self/others/the world
Anxiety (including climate anxiety)
Grief and loss (including ecological grief)
Navigating change & life transitions
What Is Already Here
By spending time outside we will begin by noticing nature's capacity to heal and restore as we orientate towards what already resources you. By gently exploring the possibilities of becoming more familiar and at ease with your emotional and bodily connection with the natural world, we can begin to turn our attention to what might be mirrored in the landscape around you. Being guided towards this quality of attention invites a way of discovering what holds meaning for you, offering new narratives for meeting some of the difficulties, thoughts and feelings you might be with. Ecotherapy sessions are an opportunity for co-creation and can offer rich terrain in which to explore more deeply the unique story of 'you' and all that you bring to the world, taking steps towards your own wholeness, healing and growth.
My Approach
At the heart of my ecotherapeutic practice dwells an organic, creative process. During our sessions together I will draw on various integrative approaches that we will explore together, ensuring that whatever emerges during our time is held with confidentiality, care and respect. My approach is to walk alongside you, to listen and support you in creating a compassionate space to be with the many qualities of thoughts, feelings and emotions that might be present for you, and reflect back in a way that will guide you more fully into your own process of self-discovery. In this way, I would describe my approach as person-centred. As our work will take place outside in conversation with the natural world, I would also describe my approach as systemic, meaning that I hold an appreciation that as humans we are shaped and affected by an intricate web of life much larger than ourselves, and recognising a sense of our own interconnectedness can open possibilities for the deeper, more expansive inquires.
A TYPICAL SESSION:
*Nature-based groundings & practices for resourcing
* Space to nurture your curiosity to 'be with' the unfolding of all that is present for you
* Experiential, embodied nature-connection practices
* Invitations to integrate the session, including tools, skills and practices to bring into your own life
WHAT WE CAN EXPLORE:
* Grounding and presencing with nature
* Nervous system regulation and eco-regulation with nature
* Exploring nature as mirror & guide
* Creative self-expression through: ecological movement, land-art, sound & voice
* Deeper, immersive experiences in nature
* Ritual & ceremomy
Working Together
As a trainee ecotherapist in my final year of study with Natural Academy, between September - January 2024, I am offering ecotherapy sessions at a reduced cost. If you'd like to chat further before deciding if we are good fit, please feel free to get in touch. I offer a free 30 minute 'exploring ecotherapy' phone call, or zoom as you prefer, offering you the chance to talk about what you hope to gain from your ecotherapy experience.
Location:
I work in ancient woodland close to Hay-on-Wye and in a private garden setting near Brecon. I can also offer a blend of in-person and online sessions via Zoom.
Time Commitment:
I offer 60 minute sessions on a weekly basis and 90 minute sessions on a fortnightly basis. To begin with, I recommend that we work together over six weekly sessions and then decide together what would be most supportive for you on your current journey.
During our time together we will create intervals to reflect on how our sessions are going, witness what is naturally unfolding, as well as remain humble to any limitations that may arise from working together. Working in this way can support our sessions to become fertile and generative spaces for you to sense into the parts of yourself that are longing to be met within the healing embrace of nature.
My Own Practice
I am committed to my own learning and growth as a nature-based practitioner. To support me in my work I receive regular 1-1 supervision as well as attend regular peer group sessions. I am a member of the Nature and Health Practice Network, the UK body for nature-based practitioners, and follow their key standards and practitioner guidelines.
Qualifications:
Level 4 - Advanced Pathway Applied Ecopsychology and Nature-Based Practice - In Progress
Level 3 - Ecopsychology and Nature Connection Facilitator (1 year foundation training)
Further information on my background & training can be found here