Therapeutic Services

Nature Based Therapy

 

I assist clients of all ages in connecting with nature to heal and express their true selves. My customized sessions enhance both mental and physical health, drawing on my extensive background in social work and nature-based therapies to deliver a comprehensive therapeutic experience.

 

The Therapeutic Use of Nature in Boulder

  • What is Nature Based Therapy?

    Nature Therapy, also known as ecotherapy or green therapy, utilizes the natural environment to promote healing and wellness. 


    This therapeutic approach helps individuals reconnect with their evolutionary roots and engage with the natural world, which is crucial for both mental and physical health.

  • What is My Approach to Nature-Based Therapy?

    As an EMDR and nature-based therapist, I specialize in using mindfulness, movement, and a playful connection to nature to help both children and adults express their most authentic, empowered selves. Through these methods, my clients find ease and familiarity within their bodies and heal from trauma by rewriting their old narratives.

  • What is the Science Behind Nature-Based Therapy?

    Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or mindful walking has been consistently shown to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. 


    Nature therapy acts as a preventive medicine that tackles mental health issues exacerbated by modern, urbanized lifestyles.

  • What are the Benefits of Nature-Based Therapy?

    Reconnecting with nature offers profound benefits for both emotional and physical well-being. Clients often experience improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, and a renewed sense of peace and calm. Additionally, regular exposure to nature and outdoor physical activity supports overall health by enhancing cardiovascular function, increasing energy levels, and promoting better sleep quality.

  • How Does Nature-Based Therapy Work?

    Sessions may involve guided walks, mindfulness exercises outdoors, or structured activities. Each session is tailored to fit the individual needs of my clients, helping them to explore and reclaim their natural connection with the outdoors.

  • How Do I Integrate EMDR with Nature-Based Therapy?

    For clients dealing with trauma, I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with nature-based techniques to enhance the healing process, allowing for a holistic therapeutic experience that addresses both mind and body.

  • What Qualifies You to Offer Nature-Based Therapy?

    With a Master's in Social Work and specialized training in both EMDR and nature-based therapies, I bring a comprehensive and empathetic approach to therapy. 


    My personal and professional experiences have equipped me with unique insights into how natural environments can foster healing.

  • Who Can Benefit from Nature-Based Therapy

    Nature-based therapy is suitable for anyone, especially those who feel disconnected from their natural environment or those who have not benefited from traditional indoor therapy settings.

  • What Should I Expect in a Natured-Based Therapy Session?

    In a nature-based therapy session, you can expect a relaxed, supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings through gentle physical activities and interactions with nature.

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Additional Modalities Offered

Equine-Assisted Therapy

This therapy uses guided interactions with horses to support emotional growth and healing, providing a therapeutic space to address personal challenges.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy aimed at helping individuals recover from trauma and distressing life events.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

This therapy integrates interactions with animals to enhance emotional and physical healing in therapeutic settings.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

Relational Therapy

Enhances interpersonal relationships by exploring and addressing patterns in how individuals interact with others.

Mind-Body Therapy

Combines tailored yoga practices and mindfulness to improve physical and mental health.

Other Modalities

Additional therapeutic techniques that support diverse healing and personal growth needs.

About me

I help individuals in the Denver and Boulder areas rediscover their authentic selves through mindfulness, movement, and interactions with animals and nature. I offer Equus coaching and both individual and group therapy sessions, available online or in-person at various Front Range locations in Colorado. Whether you choose virtual sessions or in-person experiences, I am here to guide your journey toward personal empowerment and healing.

Related Nature-Based Therapy Content

By Lexie Glisson February 20, 2025
How Does Nature Help Regulate the Nervous System? Spending time in nature has been shown to regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a state of stress (sympathetic activation) to relaxation (parasympathetic activation). Research suggests that exposure to natural environments lowers cortisol levels, reduces heart rate, and promotes a sense of calm, making it a powerful tool for managing anxiety and trauma. A study published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found that individuals who spent 15 minutes walking in a forest had a 16% decrease in cortisol levels compared to those in urban settings. Additionally, their blood pressure dropped by an average of 1.9%, and heart rate decreased by 3.9%, demonstrating nature's measurable impact on the body's stress response. Can Nature Reduce Stress and Anxiety? (Science-Backed Benefits) Nature exposure triggers physiological responses that counteract stress. Studies show that spending at least 20 minutes outside can lower cortisol levels and improve mood. Activities such as walking in a forest, listening to running water, or simply sitting in a green space can decrease overactivity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, leading to reduced anxiety and stress-related symptoms . How Does Sunlight and Fresh Air Improve Mental Health? Sunlight exposure increases serotonin levels, which can enhance mood and combat depression. Fresh air and outdoor movement also boost oxygen intake, supporting brain function and mental clarity. These natural elements work together to improve sleep quality, energy levels, and overall emotional balance. Does Being in Nature Improve Focus and Cognitive Function? Being in nature has been linked to improved cognitive function, attention, and creativity. Research on Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests that natural environments allow the brain to recover from mental fatigue, enhancing focus and problem-solving skills. This is especially beneficial for individuals with ADHD or those experiencing burnout. How Does Spending Time Outdoors Strengthen Emotional Resilience? Spending time outdoors fosters social interactions, reduces feelings of loneliness, and strengthens emotional resilience. Group activities in nature, such as hiking or gardening, provide a sense of community and belonging, which are essential for mental health. Additionally, observing nature’s cycles can offer perspective and emotional grounding, helping individuals navigate personal challenges with greater ease. What Are Easy Ways to Spend More Time in Nature for Mental Well-Being? Take a 20-minute walk in a park or green space. Practice mindfulness by noticing the sights, sounds, and textures in nature. Engage in outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, or kayaking. Open windows for fresh air and natural light during the day. Spend time barefoot on grass or soil to enhance grounding and relaxation. Why Is Nature-Based Therapy a Powerful Tool for Mental Health? The science behind nature’s healing effects is clear time outdoors supports nervous system regulation, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. Whether through mindful walks, outdoor adventures, or simply pausing to observe nature’s beauty, integrating
By Lexie Glisson February 20, 2025
What Is Nature-Based Therapy and How Can It Help? Nature-based therapy , also known as ecotherapy or outdoor therapy, is a therapeutic approach that incorporates nature and outdoor experiences into the healing process. It leverages the natural world to promote emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which typically takes place indoors, nature-based therapy happens in natural settings like forests, meadows, or near bodies of water. How Does Nature-Based Therapy Work? (Techniques & Approaches) Nature-based therapy can take many forms, depending on the therapist’s approach and the client’s needs. Common techniques include: Mindful Nature Walks – Guided walks that incorporate mindfulness practices to reduce stress and increase awareness. Orientation to the Natural World – Engaging the senses to attune to the surrounding environment, helping with nervous system regulation and grounding techniques. Building Nature Sculptures & Concentric Circles – Creating patterns in nature to explore themes of balance, resilience, and polyvagal theory, helping individuals understand their fight/flight/freeze responses when under stress just like other mammals. Grounding Exercises – Engaging in sensory experiences like touching the earth, feeling tree bark, or listening to nature sounds to calm the nervous system. Adventure Therapy – Activities like hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing that build resilience and self-efficacy. Letting Nature Interrupt the Mind – Observing animals, the wind, or shifting light patterns to break mental loops and invite therapeutic insights. Curiosity in Nature – Encouraging exploration of small details in nature to foster a sense of wonder, adaptability, and mindfulness. Contemplating how one fits in the natural world and is reflective of nature. What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Nature-Based Therapy? Nature-based therapy is effective in supporting mental health in several ways: Reduces Anxiety and Depression – Studies show that time in nature lowers stress hormones and boosts mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. Enhances Trauma Healing – Being in nature helps regulate the nervous system and supports somatic-based trauma recovery. Improves Emotional Regulation – Engaging with nature fosters mindfulness, helping individuals manage overwhelming emotions. Encourages Mind-Body Connection – Physical movement in outdoor settings helps people reconnect with their bodies, reducing dissociation and increasing self-awareness. Boosts Creativity and Problem-Solving – Time in nature enhances cognitive flexibility, making it easier to process emotions and find solutions to challenges. How Is Nature-Based Therapy Different from Traditional Talk Therapy? While traditional talk therapy takes place in an office setting, nature-based therapy removes the walls, integrating movement, sensory experiences, and environmental connection into the healing process. Key differences include: More Embodied Approach – Clients engage their whole body in therapy rather than sitting and talking. Less Pressure to Maintain Eye Contact – Some people find it easier to open up while walking or interacting with nature instead of sitting face-to-face. Natural Regulation of Nervous System – Exposure to nature naturally shifts the body into a calmer, more regulated state, making deep emotional work more accessible. Who Can Benefit from Nature-Based Therapy? Nature-based therapy is beneficial for people of all ages dealing with: Trauma and PTSD Anxiety and stress-related disorders Depression and mood disorders ADHD and difficulty focusing Grief and life transitions Burnout and chronic fatigue Relationship issues How to Get Started with Nature-Based Therapy? If you're interested in nature-based therapy, here’s how to begin: Find a Qualified Therapist – Reach out to me through my email . Explore Different Approaches – Decide if you’d like structured activities (e.g., building nature sculptures) or a more open-ended nature experience. Incorporate Nature into Daily Life – Even small changes, like daily walks in a park, can help boost mental well-being. Why Nature-Based Therapy Works? Nature has an incredible ability to heal, regulate, and restore balance. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, connecting with the natural world can provide the grounding and clarity you need. If you’re ready to explore the healing power of nature-based therapy or have any more questions, please reach out!
By Lexie Glisson February 19, 2025
What Is Nature-Based Therapy and How Does It Help Mental Health? Nature-based therapy , also known as ecotherapy or green therapy, integrates outdoor experiences with therapeutic techniques to support emotional regulation, healing, and personal growth. By engaging with nature, individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma can find relief through movement, sensory awareness, and connection to the natural world. How Does Nature-Based Therapy Support Emotional Regulation? Spending time in natural environments has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift from a state of fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest. Activities such as mindful walking, grounding exercises, and deep breathing in outdoor settings can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and promote relaxation. Why Is Nature Effective for Anxiety Relief? Research shows that being in nature reduces activity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, leading to decreased feelings of worry and stress. Practices such as listening to birds, feeling the wind, or walking barefoot on grass can help individuals with anxiety reconnect with their bodies and regulate their emotions more effectively. Can Nature-Based Therapy Help with Depression? Nature exposure increases serotonin and dopamine production, neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation. Sunlight also boosts vitamin D levels, which have been linked to improved mental health. Engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, gardening, or simply sitting in a peaceful natural setting, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and increase overall well-being. How Does Nature Aid in Trauma Recovery? Trauma affects the nervous system, often leaving individuals in a chronic state of hyperarousal or dissociation. Nature provides a safe, non-judgmental space for trauma survivors to process emotions at their own pace. Techniques like nature-based mindfulness, guided walks, and creating nature sculptures can help individuals regain a sense of safety and presence in their bodies. What Are Some Simple Ways to Incorporate Nature into Healing? Take a daily walk in a park or wooded area. Practice grounding techniques by touching trees, feeling soil, or walking barefoot. Engage in nature observation by watching wildlife, clouds, or flowing water. Meditate or journal in an outdoor setting. Participate in nature-based group therapy or guided outdoor sessions. How to Get Started with Nature-Based Therapy? If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma and are interested in nature-based therapy, consider working with a therapist trained in this approach. Reach out to me today to learn more about how nature can support your healing journey. Visit my contact page or email me to get started. .