Healing in Nature
I understand that the traditional way of sitting in a therapy room and talking may not be appealing to many people. Additionally, walking in nature, being surrounded by trees, animals, and the elements can bring a sense of expansion, connection and support, which can help with opening up and exploring difficult subjects. Studies have shown that a view of woods or other natural landscapes, enhance your mental health than looking at human-made landscapes. Research into shinrin-yoku – Japanese “forest bathing” – for instance, suggested that various psychophysiological benefits can be gained from merely sitting passively in natural versus urban settings. (See here)
"Being outside can allow the client and therapist to regulate the intensity of the session in different ways. Rather than two humans sitting opposite one another, which can sometimes be intimidating, we are side by side taking in the same experience of the world. Some clients find that turning their attention to a beautiful view, to the sky, or to the earth, provides a sense of being supported in a way that they don’t experience in the human-ordered world. Think about how many natural processes are at work just for you to take your next breath, for example. Being outside can increase our awareness and gratitude for these things." (See here).
From the end of March till the end of October, in addition to therapy room sessions, I offer optional daytime 'walk and talk' sessions in Highgate Wood, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest and Hackney Marshes. I integrate Mindfulness-based practices, including Mindful walking, movement, and meditation into these sessions, when considered beneficial.
Practical details will be discussed during the first session in my office by Liverpool Street station or over Skype.
I have had extensive professional training and personal experiences in various Mindfulness-based approaches including many years of involvement with various organisations such as London Meditation (MBSR), Triratna, Dharma Ocean and Open Gate Sangha. Additionally, I have recently been receiving training in Ecotherapy (i.e., Wild Therapy).
"Being outside can allow the client and therapist to regulate the intensity of the session in different ways. Rather than two humans sitting opposite one another, which can sometimes be intimidating, we are side by side taking in the same experience of the world. Some clients find that turning their attention to a beautiful view, to the sky, or to the earth, provides a sense of being supported in a way that they don’t experience in the human-ordered world. Think about how many natural processes are at work just for you to take your next breath, for example. Being outside can increase our awareness and gratitude for these things." (See here).
From the end of March till the end of October, in addition to therapy room sessions, I offer optional daytime 'walk and talk' sessions in Highgate Wood, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest and Hackney Marshes. I integrate Mindfulness-based practices, including Mindful walking, movement, and meditation into these sessions, when considered beneficial.
Practical details will be discussed during the first session in my office by Liverpool Street station or over Skype.
I have had extensive professional training and personal experiences in various Mindfulness-based approaches including many years of involvement with various organisations such as London Meditation (MBSR), Triratna, Dharma Ocean and Open Gate Sangha. Additionally, I have recently been receiving training in Ecotherapy (i.e., Wild Therapy).