Working therapeutically in nature

In the Spring of 2022, I secured an interview at Dose of Nature, a unique organisation that looks to support people with mental health difficulties by reconnecting with nature. After two previous Assistant Psychologist interviews that didn't work out, I was feeling anxious… my confidence had taken a hit. As I walked from Kew Gardens station, I began to read over the instructions Dose of Nature had sent to me ahead of time; 'Should you arrive early for your interview, please turn left at the end of the track and take a seat on one of the benches in the nature reserve and we will come and collect you when we are ready to start'. I did just that, and on this sunny April day, something remarkable happened.

As I sat on one of the benches, water droplets sparkled in the shimmering sun, birds were singing in the trees, and I noticed the warmth from my coffee cup as the steam rose into the cold air. Before other job interviews, via Zoom, I had paced around my flat nervously. Now, I was present, calm, and relaxed. I presented the best possible version of myself in that interview and secured the job. 

So, what changed for me as I was sitting in that nature reserve?

Nature Prescriptions

When I began my role as an Assistant Psychologist at Dose of Nature, I realised that those minutes in the nature reserve were more than just a moment of calm – they were a demonstration of the profound impact nature can have on our mental well-being. In the role, I engaged with clients grappling with anxiety and depression, guiding them through immersive nature-based interventions designed to encourage mindfulness, reduce stress, and help them connect with the natural world. 

These interventions, called Nature Prescriptions, are an eight-week programme aimed at inspiring lifestyle changes that positively impact mental well-being. Through a mix of education, hands-on experiences, and practical support, my job was to help these natural elements come alive for clients, showing how they could play a vital role in their well-being. Whether it's focusing on the sound of rustling leaves, the sight of a stream flowing, or the feel of the earth underfoot, these sensory experiences anchor clients in the present moment, reducing the noise of anxiety or depression that dominates their thoughts.

Nature's active ingredients

For centuries, nature has been revered for its ability to inspire awe and promote healing. E.O. Wilson's Biophilia Hypothesis suggests humans have an innate tendency to connect with nature, which reduces stress and enhances well-being. Roger Ulrich's Stress Reduction Theory supports this, showing that exposure to natural environments can lower stress and improve recovery, as demonstrated in his hospital window study where patients with views of trees healed faster than those with views of a wall.

Part of the challenge when working with new clients was not just sharing Wilson and Ulrich's ideas but helping them come to life. I loved demonstrating to people how the 'active ingredients' found in nature could make a difference in their overall wellbeing. I aimed to encourage them to leave Dose of Nature with a fresh outlook, feeling inspired to engage with nature and explore the outdoors with intention. I wanted them to see that spending time outside wasn't just a nice idea, but something that could truly be part of their journey toward feeling better.

One of the most rewarding experiences was helping to develop a programme specifically for young people aged 15-25 who were struggling with their mental health. After a successful pilot, we got more funding to expand the service, and I was keen to take the lead with my supervisor to build new referral streams from schools, colleges, universities, and CAMHS. I managed referrals to the charity and set up both one-on-one and group sessions where we used nature to show young people how it could help their mental health. I loved getting creative with activities like mindful walking, poetry, and even art in nature. Seeing them slow down, connect with their surroundings, and be in the moment was an amazing and rewarding experience.

It felt really good to be part of a team that genuinely believed in nature as a tool for improving mental health. I also got to share these ideas with local GPs and Clinical Commissioning Groups and collaborate with the London School of Economics on a study examining how the Dose of Nature model impacted well-being. 

Nature as a metaphor

One of the most powerful and profound exercises I learned was to use nature as a metaphor. I would ask clients to go out and find something in nature that represents a feeling or experience from a stage in their life. This would allow individuals to externalise their emotions and experiences, making them easier to explore and understand. The natural elements provide tangible symbols for abstract feelings, facilitating deeper emotional insight and dialogue. 

The act of searching for and selecting these natural symbols also encourages mindfulness and presence, grounding clients in the moment and fostering a connection with the environment. This process not only aids their emotional expression but also highlights the healing and reflective qualities of nature. Watching how clients moved through natural spaces and interacted with the world around them showed me things I might have missed in a traditional indoor setting. A powerful reminder that therapy doesn't always have to take place within four walls.

Weathering the storm

As a British man writing about working within natural environments in the United Kingdom, it wouldn't feel right not to talk about the weather. When working in nature I have had to weather the storm literally and metaphorically. Countless times I recall sprinting out with a gazebo in hand, ready to rescue my colleagues conducting assessments outside when the heavens opened unannounced. We might imagine that this experience would be infuriating for clients, but being rained on often creates unique and memorable moments. There's nothing quite like a good British downpour to remind us of nature's unpredictability and our resilience. It's as if nature amplifies the emotional undercurrents, helping us tap into the profound and unfiltered parts of ourselves that might otherwise remain hidden indoors.

Through hands-on experience, I've learned that nature is not merely a backdrop for therapy but an active participant in healing. Working outdoors has allowed me to observe clients in a more authentic and revealing context, offering unique insights into their behaviours and emotions. I've seen firsthand how nature fosters deeper emotional connections and helps clients engage with their inner selves more meaningfully. This experience has also taught me to embrace unpredictability, a quality that has honed my resilience and adaptability – key attributes for effective clinical practice. 

As I continue this journey, I'm excited to keep finding ways to weave nature into my work and make mental health care more creative and inclusive.

Six ways to harness the psychological benefits of nature

1. Mindful walking: Slow down and pay attention to all the things you would normally miss. Leave your headphones behind and put away your mobile phone. Observe the smaller details.
2. Sensory engagement: Take a moment to immerse yourself in nature by looking for fractal patterns, listening to natural sounds, and fully engaging your senses. Observe the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the textures of plants. Feel the bark of a tree or smell the flowers. These sensory experiences can ground you in the present moment.
3. Nature journaling: Bring a journal outdoors and write about your observations and feelings while immersed in nature. This practice can help deepen your connection with your environment and clarify your thoughts.
4. Creative engagement: Bring a sketchpad and pencil to practice drawing what you see around you or try writing poetry inspired by nature. Capture the beauty and complexity of the environment.
5. Use nature as a metaphor: Use nature as a metaphor for your feelings and experiences. Reflect on how different elements of the natural world can represent aspects of your life. For example, think of a sturdy tree as a symbol of resilience or a flowing river as a representation of change. This reflective exercise can provide valuable insights and facilitate emotional expression.
6. Nature meditation: Find a quiet spot in nature, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Allow the sounds of nature to wash over you. This practice can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, connecting you more deeply with your surroundings.