About the Training
Overview
In an age where digital screens are often more familiar to children than dirt paths and tree barks, the disconnect between young minds and the natural world has never been more pronounced. Yet, amidst this digital landscape, an ancient healing tradition is re-emerging, offering a beacon of hope and transformation. Nurtured in Nature: A Nature-Based Child Therapy Training bridges this gap, reintroducing the therapeutic power of the natural world into the lives of children who need it most.
This innovative training program is designed for mental health professionals, educators, and anyone dedicated to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of children and adolescents. Through a blend of theoretical foundations, practical applications, and a deep commitment to ethical and culturally sensitive practices, "Nurtured in Nature" offers a comprehensive approach to integrating nature into therapeutic practices.
Whether you're looking to enrich your existing therapy practice or explore new, nature-based methods of fostering resilience and healing in children, this program will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration you need to make a profound difference. Join us on a journey back to nature, back to the roots of holistic healing, and forward into a future where every child's mental health journey is nurtured in nature.
Key Learning Objectives
Through participating in the "Nurtured in Nature" program, you will:
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Discover the Foundations: Uncover at least three theoretical bases that underpin nature-based child therapy, enhancing your understanding of its principles.
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Master Nature-Informed Approaches: Learn to describe and apply at least three nature-informed therapeutic interventions and approaches for individual, group, and family therapy settings with child clients.
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Navigate Ethical Landscapes: Identify and understand three or more ethical considerations specific to nature-informed therapy, ensuring responsible practice in natural settings.
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Respect Indigenous Knowledge: Gain insights into traditional knowledge by exploring perspectives from Indigenous communities and other historically marginalized voices, honoring their contributions to the field.
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Foster Connections: Understand the importance of cultivating a respectful and reciprocal relationship with nature, rooted in attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology, to benefit therapeutic outcomes.
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Guide Outdoor Transitions: Learn strategies to support clients in transitioning to outdoor settings for therapy, fostering a seamless integration of nature into therapeutic practices.
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Integrate Body-Based Approaches: Discover the connection between nature-based play, expressive arts therapy, and body-based therapeutic methods, enhancing your toolkit for child therapy.
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Understand Sensory Integration: Define and explore how sensory integration in nature-based child therapy contributes to therapeutic goals, enriching your practice.
Program Schedule
Embark on a transformative journey through nature-based child therapy, guided by our expertly crafted schedule:
🌿 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Insights
Dive into the essence of nature-based child therapy, discussing its significance and integrating it into our practices.
☕ 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
A moment to refresh and reflect.
📚 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Foundational Theories
Explore the scholarly foundations from a play and expressive therapy perspective.
🎨 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Experiential Activity: Expressive Nature
Engage in nature-based expressive activities to deepen your understanding and experience.
🍴 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Lunch Break
Nourish your body and connect with fellow participants.
🌱 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Ethics and Adaptation
Delve into decolonizing practices, ethical considerations, and adapting therapy for groups or families in non-traditional settings.
☕ 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Break
Another pause to breathe and reflect.
🎨 3:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Experiential Activity: Immersive Nature
Partake in another round of nature-based activities, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
🌀 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Conclusion and Engagement
Wrap up with a summary, closing exercises, and an open Q&A session.
Upcoming Course
Course Date | Duration | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
09/30/2024 | 8 Hours | Live Online | Good |
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Instructor Highlights
Courtney Glickman
Ph.D., LCPC
Courtney brings a wealth of experience in therapeutic interventions for individuals across the lifespan, focusing on play therapy, trauma, and issues related to sexuality and gender identity. Her diverse background in various clinical settings has honed her skills in offering evidence-informed treatments for a range of psychological challenges. With academic credentials from The George Washington University, Courtney also contributes to the field through teaching, research, and presentations, shedding light on crucial topics like attachment, mental health postpartum, and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ communities.
Logistics & Registration
Prepare to engage with nature and deepen your therapeutic skills on this one-day live online training. Here's what participants need to know:
When: Monday, Sep 30, From 9 am - 4 pm
Where: Live Online
Cost: $180 per person
Scholarship Available: Limited need-based scholarship available. Apply here.
More About the Training
Theoretical Foundations:
Nurtured in Nature" is grounded in significant research and theories that advocate for the integral role of nature in child development and mental health. This training explores the innate human connection to nature, disrupted by modern lifestyle, emphasizing the necessity of reintegrating natural elements into therapeutic practices. It draws upon the biophilia hypothesis, demonstrating an inherent desire to connect with nature, and integrates findings on how nature exposure enhances children's creativity, attention, and overall well-being. By delving into these theoretical bases and leveraging case studies, the program equips therapists to incorporate nature-based interventions in their practice, fostering children's connections to themselves, their communities, and the environment.
References:
Dodd, H. F., Nesbit, R. J., & FitzGibbon, L. (2023). Child’s play: examining the association between time spent playing and child mental health. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 54(6), 1678-1686.
Fisher, C. Y. (2019). Mindfulness & nature-based therapeutic techniques for children: Creative activities for emotion regulation, resilience and connectedness. PESI Publishing & Media.
Hanscom, A. J. (2016). Balanced and barefoot: How unrestricted outdoor play makes for strong, confident, and capable children. New Harbinger Publications.
Harper, N., Rose, K., & Segal, D. (2019). Nature-based therapy: A practitioner's guide to working outdoors with children, youth, and families. New Society Publishers.
Louv, R. (2008). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Algonquin books.
Mygind, L., Kjeldsted, E., Hartmeyer, R., Mygind, E., Bølling, M., & Bentsen, P. (2019). Mental, physical and social health benefits of immersive nature-experience for children and adolescents: A systematic review and quality assessment of the evidence. Health & place, 58, 102136.
Peterson, D., & Boswell, J. N. (2015). Play therapy in a natural setting: A case example. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 10(1), 62-76.
Piccininni, C., Michaelson, V., Janssen, I., & Pickett, W. (2018). Outdoor play and nature connectedness as potential correlates of internalized mental health symptoms among Canadian adolescents. Preventive Medicine, 112, 168-175.
Swank, J. M., & Shin, S. M. (2015). Nature-based child-centered play therapy: An innovative counseling approach. International Journal of Play Therapy, 24(3), 151.
Tillmann, S., Tobin, D., Avison, W., & Gilliland, J. (2018). Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: A systematic review. J Epidemiol Community Health.
Wohlleben, P. (2016). The hidden life of trees: What they feel, how they communicate—Discoveries from a secret world (Vol. 1). Greystone Books
Benefits of Attending
Attending the "Nurtured in Nature" training offers comprehensive benefits for professionals seeking to integrate nature into therapeutic practices for children. Participants will gain a solid understanding of nature-based child therapy, backed by research and theory. They'll explore innovative therapeutic approaches and interventions that foster children's connection to nature, enhancing their overall well-being. The training also delves into ethical considerations and challenges unique to this field, providing attendees with the tools to confidently and effectively incorporate nature into their work with children and families.
Who Should Attend
The "Nurtured in Nature: A Nature-Based Child Therapy Approach" training is designed for professionals across various sectors who are interested in integrating nature-based interventions into their work with children and adolescents. This includes:
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Mental health professionals such as therapists, counselors, and psychologists looking to enhance their therapeutic toolbox with nature-informed practices.
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Educators, school counselors, and childcare providers can benefit by incorporating natural elements into their educational and care practices to support child development and well-being.
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Additionally, outdoor professionals, environmental educators, and park rangers will find value in understanding the therapeutic aspects of nature to enrich their programs and services.
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This training is also relevant for healthcare providers, including pediatricians and occupational therapists, aiming to integrate holistic approaches into their practice.