WHAT IS ECOTHERAPY?

Ecotherapy is a mental health practice that involves engagement with the natural environment to work through mental health challenges and increase wellness . There are many forms of ecotherapy such as horticulture therapy, animal-assisted therapy, walking meditation, forest bathing, and more.

At The Centre we focus on walking and talking as the name describes though the clients talk with me while walking outdoors rather than sitting in a therapy office or talking via online therapy. Walking side by side rather than sitting face to face enables some clients to feel more comfortable when sharing in the therapy process.

*Ecotherapy requires an initial intake counseling session conducted in office or online.

HOW CAN ECOTHERAPY HELP ME?

Ecotherapy offers an opportunity to reduce stress, relieve body tension, improve circulation, breathe deep and clear the body-mind of intrusive, negative and ruminative thoughts and sensations. These sessions can help you decrease anxiety, regulate mood, enjoy more restful sleep and more. Additionally, you can receive the feel-good brain chemical benefits of exercise, mindfulness practice and eco-psychology. In session, you can enhance insight, release body trauma and alter behavior patterns while verbally processing your authentic truth.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN AN ECOTHERAPY SESSION?

We will meet at an outdoor space - perhaps in the park, along a scenic path or an urban walking trail near your next meeting. You can choose whether we take a walk side by side, sit at a park bench and talk or a combination. At times we might take a few moments to sit in guided visualization, take some deep breaths practicing this skill.

I AM NOT OUTDOORSY WILL I LIKE THIS?

We will meet at one of the locations offered by The Centre that works for you (see maps below). The duration of an Ecotherapy session is scheduled for 50 minutes but you are not required to walk the entire time or any time - this is your session so you set the pace. Paths have been chosen because they offer benches or other places to sit down as needed.

Like in all forms of psychotherapy, the verbal processing of thoughts, emotions and memories can induce uncomfortable feelings and intense emotions. If this is your experience, I'll be there.

I’M WORRIED I’LL GET TIRED OR CAN’T KEEP UP.

The movement in these sessions is easygoing. Your experiences are created just for you, reflecting your goals, interests, and state of being at the time we meet. Remember: you set the pace.

DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN ECOTHERAPY AND ONLINE THERAPY?

Not at all. Ecotherapy requires an initial assessment session conducted via online therapy or in office. As client of The Centre, you are welcome to take advantage of any therapy offering that can help you move forward with your goals. When we schedule our appointments, we will discuss the type(s) of session(s) you would prefer. 

CAN I BRING MY DOG TO OUR ECOTHERAPY SESSION?

Yes, in most cases. When and where we will meet, the length of our session and your dog's personality and temperament will be considered in determining which if any sessions are appropriate for your dog to attend.