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Nature Informed Therapy

Where Nature Meets Nurture: A New Approach to Mental Health

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?

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. 

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