Why Nature?

Many of us have an intuitive sense that it is important to spend time in and connect with the natural world. We notice the benefits for ourselves, even if we are not able to get out as much as we would like to. This feeling is important, but it is also important to look to the science. Exposure to nature has been shown to enhance wellbeing in a wide variety of studies, and can have positive effect on mental health, emotion regulation, physical health, attention and interpersonal relationships (and a lot more). Many books and articles have been published in the last few years bringing these studies together to establish the conclusion that being in and interacting with nature helps us.

We may realize nature is helpful, but there are things in modern life that get in the way of engaging with it. Again, many of us have an intuitive sense that screen-time, social media and spending too much time indoors (in "built" environments) has a negative effect on our wellbeing. When we look to the science, we see an emerging picture that aligns with this, that increased social media and technology use, along with reduced exercise and exposure to nature, negatively impacts our stress levels, social skills and overall wellbeing.

For these reasons, taking therapy outside may allow us not only to get the benefits of talking to someone for therapuetic support but at the same time to benefit from being in nature. As well, if we are able to establish a connection with nature, it may allow us to return to these places outside of therapy and continue to reap those benefits.