Creative Therapy

I'm Sophia, and my qualifications include a Master of Counselling, a Bachelor of Psychological Science, along with certifications in trauma-informed practice, fitness, personal training, and veterinary nursing. I also bring the personal perspective of lived experience in mental and physical health challenges and possess a deep passion for creative arts. My diverse background allows me to provide a holistic and client-centred approach to nature-based therapy, emphasising the transformative potential of nature, exercise, nutrition, and creativity in facilitating personal development and growth.

What Is client-centred nature-based therapy? 

Nature-based client-centred therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that combines the principles of client-centred therapy with the healing and transformative power of nature. This therapeutic approach focuses on fostering a deep connection between the client, the therapist, and the natural environment. It is often used as a form of ecotherapy, which emphasizes the interrelationship between human well-being and the natural world.

Nature-based therapy is a tool for connecting with our environment and, more importantly, with our own bodies. It helps us to become grounded, self-aware, self-regulated; to create internal and external safe zones so that we may experience the now and be present and comfortable to express our true self. It is when we feel safe that we can begin to learn and grow.

Here are some key components of nature-based client-centred therapy: 

1. Client-Centred Therapy: At its core, this approach emphasises unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness in the therapist-client relationship. The therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental space for the client to explore their thoughts and feelings.

2. Nature Integration: Involves conducting therapy sessions in outdoor settings, such as parks, forests, gardens (green zones), rivers and water ways (blue zones), animals and wildlife (pink zones), or incorporating nature-based themes to indoor environments. This integration of nature helps clients connect with the world around them and encourages a sense of oneness with nature.

3. Mindfulness and Presence: Being in a natural environment often encourages mindfulness and a focus on the present moment. Clients are encouraged to pay attention to their sensory experiences, such as the feel of the wind, the sound of birds, or the scent of the earth. This heightened presence can help clients become more in tune with their emotions and inner experiences.

4. Symbolism and Metaphor: Nature provides a rich source of symbolism and metaphors that can be used to explore clients' inner worlds. For example, a therapist might use the changing seasons as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation or the flow of a river to represent the client's life journey.

5. Connection to the Earth: This approach often includes activities that foster a sense of connection to the earth, such as gardening, hiking, or sitting by a river. These activities can help clients feel more grounded and connected to the natural world.

6. Environmental Awareness: This therapy may also include discussions about the importance of environmental stewardship and the impact of human actions on the planet, animals, and people. Clients may explore their ecological footprint and ways to live more in harmony with nature and themselves.

7. Animal Assisted Therapy: Animals possess a heightened level of perception, enabling them to swiftly detect and react to our nonverbal cues, emotions, and mental states. They have the capacity to respond and offer insights, allowing us to delve into our connections with ourselves, the natural world, and those around us. These interactions harness learning and personal growth, mirroring real-life scenarios.

8. Creative Therapy: Art therapy and play therapy are two forms of creative and expressive therapies used to help individuals, often children, express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a non-verbal and imaginative way.

The primary goal of nature-based client-centred therapy is to facilitate personal growth, self-discovery, and healing while nurturing a deeper connection to the natural world. It acknowledges the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature and the potential for nature to serve as a healing partner in the therapeutic process. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who feel disconnected from the environment or those who find solace, inspiration, and healing in natural settings.

Shared learning may include:

• Confidence building

• Focus

• Awareness

• Problem-solving

• Decision-making

• Trust

• Emotional awareness & regulation

• Physical development

• Coping strategies

• Independence

• A sense of belonging

• Relationship building

• Communication skills

• Mindfulness

Nature-based therapy offers a fulfilling and hands-on alternative experience, differing from conventional counselling methods. It caters to individuals of all ages and skill levels, helping them reconnect with the present moment and life itself, whilst igniting a renewed sense of confidence and self-esteem. This method holds a special allure for individuals who become disenchanted with conventional counselling techniques because it can flexibly adjust and use various forms of expression that connect with the natural inner child within all of us.