Outdoors
In outdoor counselling or ecopsychotherapy, nature plays a more active role and acts as a co-therapist. The simple fact of being outdoors has many positive benefits on our body and mind. For example, clients often comment on how it brings a sense of calm or increases their vitality. Evolving in the elements enables you to have a more embodied experience of your surroundings, by connecting you to your body and all your senses. The landscape or certain natural elements will facilitate the exploration of your feelings and memories, through holding metaphors and insights about your life, or moments of synchronicity. Nature might also stimulate the expression of your imagination and creativity and give you a stronger sense of place. Being with nature and experiencing its support is also a wonderful way to retrieve a forgotten relationship, and remember our place in relation to all of life.
We might walk slowly, sit by a tree or do some nature-based activity, but overall the traditional structure of a counselling session will apply. I adapt the work to your needs and preferences, and I don't impose a way of being with nature. Things to consider before any outdoor work: At times, we might have to negotiate around elements like weather, types of terrain, animals and people. All this will be considered and discussed together at the start of our work together, particularly in regard to confidentiality and safety. Sessions will take place rain or shine, so here's an indicative list of what you might want to bring/wear: - Warm, waterproof or sun protective clothes. - Comfortable shoes with tread, and that can go in the mud. - Water. - Tissues. Who is it for? Outdoor counselling can be of particular benefit if you are: - Feeling intimidated by the confines of the therapy room - Suffering of stress and anxiety - Experiencing low mood - Going through a life transition - Healing from loss or grief - Looking for personal growth - Desiring to develop a deeper connection to the natural world Where does it take place? In parks and woods in North London. |