In an outdoor therapy session, client and counsellor or psychotherapist travel through a natural setting together, at the client’s pace. Sessions last an hour beginning and ending in the National Trust carpark in Etherley Copse, which is the therapy gateway or threshold. During this time, the natural surroundings may invite the client to reflect on particular life events or challenges and together we can explore and seek to better understand the impact of these experiences. Changes in the landscape may create different perspectives, whilst seasonal cycles evoke losses and endless regenerations.

Other natural spaces can offer us an opportunity for rest and replenishment, to regulate heightened emotions, or simply to “be with” nature. My role as therapist is to hold the boundaries of the session (confidentiality, ethical practice, time and place) to facilitate the client’s connection with the natural environment, not direct it and to accompany the client on a journey which moves inwards and outwards, traversing the past, present and possible futures, “walking through the story”.

Outdoor Therapy Activity May Include;