Within Wild Spaces
Sessions
Nature has something to tell us about how to be wild. That is, how to live more authentically and less artificially…by meeting wildness outside, and embracing the same wildness inside | Ruth Allen
Outdoor Therapy / Walk & Talk
Stepping out of the traditional therapeutic space, we walk outside and invite nature to become our co-therapist. Moving through wild spaces can allow for reflection on our own inner wildness, our untamed thoughts and feelings. A natural environment can aid stress recovery and provides a wealth of physiological benefits too. Being outdoors offers an opportunity to include some gentle, anxiety reducing practices, should you choose to do so:
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Mindfulness
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Grounding
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Simple breathing
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Reflection
Ecotherapy
My ecotherapy practice revolves around the Biophilia Hypothesis, that humans have a biological affinity with the natural world and how this is integral to our development. These sessions offer an opportunity to deepen or discover your connection with the natural world as we focus on your psychological and ecological wellness. In these sessions, we are weaving person-centred psychotherapy together with the natural environment.
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Reflecting on your relationship with nature
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Noticing how the cycles of nature compare to your own
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Sensory exploration
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Mindfulness
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Exploring ecopsychology philosophies
Van Therapy / Mobile Therapy
Yes that's right, therapy from my campervan! A new way for me to offer more flexibility that will allow sessions to be held a stone's throw from your doorstep or in a quiet space on the forest track as it rains outside, allowing us to be half in and half out of the outdoors. Inside of the camper there will be ample cosy blankets, a chance to pop the kettle on and be seated opposite each other at the dining table. We can include this space if you are having a walk & talk session, for rest or for shelter. My approach with these spaces is fluid and I welcome your direction.
Outdoor Residentials
As humans become increasingly disconnected from the natural world, I felt an emergence around me of others looking for connection and experiencing it through nature; outdoor therapies and wilderness experiences are on the rise. Alongside ecotherapy, I studied this subject in-depth as part of my MSc and evidenced how therapeutic processes are present within these residential settings. As a result of this research, I offer individual packages of support for outdoor residentials, which incorporate any or all of the ways in which I practice. These would be 'single session therapies', offering tasters and information to those who are tentative about personal therapy.
If you are a facilitator of such events and would like to discuss ways in which mental health support can be offered within these environments, I would love to hear from you.
Children & Young People (CYP)
My work with CYP remains person-centred, sometimes incorporating play and art therapy techniques, using creativity to explore feelings. I have worked with CYP in school and college settings, youth club spaces, forest school environments and through video call from home. Therapy sessions with CYP can be personalised to the individual and I'm always happy to discuss this in collaboration with the child and consenting caregiver.
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Enhanced DBS
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Extensive safeguarding training
Therapy via phone or video
Outdoor therapy isn't for everyone. The comfort of your home over video or the anonymity of a phone call, can sometimes feel safer when having therapy. It is entirely possible to carry out your sessions this way if you choose. If would like to start with indoor therapy and move outdoors, this is also something we can discuss.