What is Nature Informed Therapy?
Nature Informed Therapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates the healing elements of nature into established, evidence-based treatment modalities. In many ways, Nature Informed Therapy is very similar to Ecotherapy. It seeks to improve awareness of the impact the disconnect from nature has on the mental health of human beings and improves mental health and well-being by restoring the healthy relationship with nature, self, and others.
Nature Informed Therapy looks for ways to integrate multiple healing properties of Nature into existing evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, and others. It tries to restore the healthy relationship between individuals and the natural world through multiple ways of interaction with nature including backpacking, hiking, walking and talking, nature-based mindfulness, horticulture, Nature arts and crafts, and nature retreats. The targeted application includes anxiety management, PTSD, stress reduction, burn-out, grief, ADHD, individual well-being, and life satisfaction.
Compare Nature-Based Therapies
Nature Informed Therapy | Ecotherapy | Wilderness Therapy | Forest Therapy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Anxiety, PTSD, stress,
Burn-out, grief, ADHD, individual wellbeing, and life satisfaction | Pain management, PTSD, Stress, ADHD, and general wellbeing | Adolescent behaviors issues, juvenile delinquency, stress, PTSD, and substance abuse | Individual wellbeing, physical health benefit, anxiety, and stress | Common Applications |
Wilderness, parks, green spaces, or indoor settings with nature elements | Wildness or semi-natural areas of nature | Wilderness or remote environemtn | Forests | Practice Location |
People of all ages and
all physical capabilities | People of all ages, minimum physical capability required | Youth, young adults, physically capable | People of all ages and
all physical capabilities | Targeted People |
Board-certified
mental health professionals | Board-certified
mental health professionals | Board-certified
mental health professionals | No mental health training required | Facilitator |
Helps professionals integrate the healing elements of nature into established, evidence-based treatment modalities | Ecological Aspect of Self. Process is Enhanced through Sensory Contact and Mindfulness | Outdoor activities that often include adventure, survival skills, and group bonding | Immerse self in a forest in a mindful way | Focus |
Nature Informed Therapy FAQs
Is Nature Informed Therapy right for me?
Nature has many properties and Nature Informed Therapy integrates those healing elements into established, evidence-based treatment modalities. Nature Informed Therapy works great for people who are experiencing chronic stress, work-related burnout, anxiety, grief, relational difficulties, PTSD, ADHD, or even want to improve their individual wellbeing and life satisfaction.
What's the process look like?
Your therapist will guide you through both a talk-based process as well as experiential practices to improve your mental health. Your sessions will look different depending upon your needs and goals. This can look like a "walk-and-talk" appointment where you and your therapist will have a traditional session while walking at a gentle pace in a natural setting. Your session may also be conducted in a canoe on a body of calm water. Aspects of NIT can be integrated into a traditional office visit as well.
Where will the therapy sessions be conducted?
The outdoor sessions can be conducted in various nature settings in Towson, Owings Mills, Monkton, and Manchester. Some sessions (like the intake session) will be conducted indoors or online via telehealth. Some of our outdoor office locations include Irvine Nature Center, Talmar at Cromwell Valley Park, Camp Puh'tok, Ladew Garden, Kysing Croft Nature Center.
More questions?
Email us info@natureinformedtherapy.com
Schedule Your First
Nature Informed Therapy
Appointment
To schedule a first-time appointment with a certified Nature Informed therapist please click the button below to complete our HIPAA-compliant online intake form. Our intake coordinator will contact you within 48 hours after the form's completion
Please contact our office at 410-567-1117 ext 1 or
email us at intakes@natureinformedtherapy.com
if you are unable to complete your registration.
Our intake coordinator will take your information over the phone.