Nature-Based Therapy
Psychotherapy or coaching intentionally conducted in, or incorporating, the natural environment, also called ecotherapy.
Nature-based therapy, also called ecotherapy, intentionally incorporates the natural environment into the therapeutic process itself, rather than simply relocating a standard talk-therapy session outside. This can range from walk-and-talk sessions in a park, to more structured wilderness-based work, to therapy that explicitly uses metaphors and direct experience from the natural world (seasons, growth cycles, weather) as material. It's grounded in research on nature's effects on stress and mood, and can be practiced by licensed therapists incorporating it into clinical work, or by coaches and practitioners offering it as a wellness-oriented, non-clinical practice, so it's worth clarifying which you're looking for.
Therapy or coaching that intentionally uses the outdoors as part of the process, not just the setting.
What to expect: Sessions might happen on a walking path, in a park, or in a more structured outdoor setting, depending on the practitioner and format. Expect the outdoor environment to be used actively, noticing a change of season as a metaphor for a life transition, for example, rather than simply being incidental to the conversation. Confidentiality and privacy in public outdoor spaces is worth discussing upfront with your practitioner.
Good fit for: You feel more settled, open, or reflective outdoors than in a typical office setting, You want movement incorporated into your sessions, You're drawn to nature-based metaphor and imagery as part of the process
Explore for: Chronic stress or burnout that feels hard to shift in an indoor, seated setting, A preference for movement and outdoor space as part of processing, Wanting therapy or coaching to draw explicitly on nature as a source of insight and metaphor, Difficulty feeling grounded or settled indoors
Not the right fit if: You need a fully private, indoor, confidential setting, Physical mobility or weather sensitivity makes outdoor sessions impractical for you
How to choose a practitioner: Clarify whether the practitioner is a licensed clinician offering nature-based clinical therapy, or a coach offering a non-clinical wellness practice Ask what a typical session looks like and how much time is spent outdoors versus indoors Discuss privacy and confidentiality logistics for outdoor sessions upfront
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