Play and Nature Based Therapy
I believe in bringing humor and play into all types of therapeutic work, and not just with kids! A person engaged in play is deeply present in the moment, well regulated, and connecting to an experience of joy and safety that may be difficult to feel when they are...
Nature Based Therapy: Science or woo-woo
So…is this ecotherapy thing for real or is it some hippie dippie nonsense invented so those of us that like to be outdoors can do so and get paid? Totally fair question. A few decades ago, I’m not sure I could have answered it in a way that could convince the...
Counseling Outside of Four Walls
I was talking with a colleague the other day about a comment we (counselors) often hear from people who don’t work in this field. So many times people say some version of, “Why would you want to spend all day listening to really sad stories?” I do understand at least...
Nature as Co-Therapist
Research consistently finds that the single biggest contributor to growth and healing in a therapeutic context is the relationship between therapist and client. This relationship is proven to be more important than anything else–modalities, techniques, skills...
Solitude and Togetherness in the Woods
Last week, a friend sent me a lovely Mary Oliver poem: How I Go to the Woods Ordinarily I go to the woods alone, with not a single friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore unsuitable. I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds or...
About Me
I’ve worked in both the social service and environmental education fields, and have learned that combining the two is a deeply powerful way to support people.