Ecotherapy
1:1 Nature-Based Therapy in the Chew Valley
Is this for you? Everyone feels disconnected, disempowered, disheartened, numb, worried, or tired at times.
We all need support occasionally.
If you are experiencing dissonance in your daily life or are feeling overwhelmed, do get in touch for a free half an hour call with Sarah to see if this could help.
We all need support occasionally.
If you are experiencing dissonance in your daily life or are feeling overwhelmed, do get in touch for a free half an hour call with Sarah to see if this could help.
My sessions with Sarah Poppy was my first exploration into Ecotherapy. She helped me to reimagine ways of living positively with helpful, achievable, practices. Including acknowledging my feelings and suggesting effective anchor techniques to help overcome my blocks.
Her kind and generous approach to therapy made me feel safe and understood. The idea of involving the environment in a therapeutic practice has been a game-changer for me, and it's a journey I'll be on for life, hopefully.
Philippa
Ecotherapy - what does it involve?
Ecotherapy typically fuses nature connection practice, mindfulness and psychotherapy outside in nature to restore emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. I provide a warm, compassionate and confidential space for you to be safe and curious. Each session is emergent, person-centred and can offer healing, belonging, becoming and being.
Ecotherapy can be delightfully spontaneous and take many forms guided by you: it could include walking and talking outdoors, coming into your senses, being creative (eco-art therapy), bringing in awareness of our bodies as part of nature, being with feelings, noticing our parts (inner psyche), cold water therapy, attention restoration, practising mindfulness, guided meditations, a sense of place and celebrating being in the “here and now”. I use the Natural Self model from my training with Natural Academy which has elements integrated from the University of Derby's research in Nature Connectedness, Internal Family Systems (IFS) from Richard C. Schwartz , Carl Rogers Person Centred Therapy, Bill Plotkin's Wild Mind framework, Carl Jung and Theodore Rozsak.
I can hold a space for you to explore different aspects of your life and personality in order to better understand your internal world, and to ultimately, welcome all parts of yourself. This can bring a lot of clarity, freedom and joy to life, and especially to interpersonal relationships.
I believe that humans, have the capacity to self-regulate and heal if they feel connected, safe and in harmony with their environment. My primary role as an Ecotherapist is to help you reconnect to the essence of who you are, naturally with the support of the rest of nature.
Ecotherapy promotes a profound sense of belonging - particularly important in this modern technological world where people spend so much time indoors on screens that they can forget what it feels like to be authentically, naturally human. It fosters more compassion for oneself and others and can allow more trust in the unknown nature of reality.
If this sounds like something you'd be interested in trying, do get in touch to arrange a free half hour call.
Ecotherapy typically fuses nature connection practice, mindfulness and psychotherapy outside in nature to restore emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. I provide a warm, compassionate and confidential space for you to be safe and curious. Each session is emergent, person-centred and can offer healing, belonging, becoming and being.
Ecotherapy can be delightfully spontaneous and take many forms guided by you: it could include walking and talking outdoors, coming into your senses, being creative (eco-art therapy), bringing in awareness of our bodies as part of nature, being with feelings, noticing our parts (inner psyche), cold water therapy, attention restoration, practising mindfulness, guided meditations, a sense of place and celebrating being in the “here and now”. I use the Natural Self model from my training with Natural Academy which has elements integrated from the University of Derby's research in Nature Connectedness, Internal Family Systems (IFS) from Richard C. Schwartz , Carl Rogers Person Centred Therapy, Bill Plotkin's Wild Mind framework, Carl Jung and Theodore Rozsak.
I can hold a space for you to explore different aspects of your life and personality in order to better understand your internal world, and to ultimately, welcome all parts of yourself. This can bring a lot of clarity, freedom and joy to life, and especially to interpersonal relationships.
I believe that humans, have the capacity to self-regulate and heal if they feel connected, safe and in harmony with their environment. My primary role as an Ecotherapist is to help you reconnect to the essence of who you are, naturally with the support of the rest of nature.
Ecotherapy promotes a profound sense of belonging - particularly important in this modern technological world where people spend so much time indoors on screens that they can forget what it feels like to be authentically, naturally human. It fosters more compassion for oneself and others and can allow more trust in the unknown nature of reality.
If this sounds like something you'd be interested in trying, do get in touch to arrange a free half hour call.
Sarah’s grounding support and presence helped me slow down and move past my usual relentless busyness. With her guidance, I was able to create the space to connect with myself in a deeper way, which led to a profound breakthrough I couldn’t have reached on my own. I’ll always be grateful for the difference she made.
Alice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy involves therapeutic practices that connect individuals with nature to improve mental health and wellbeing.
How does Ecotherapy benefit mental health?
Spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It fosters mindfulness, improves mood, and promotes emotional regulation by reconnecting individuals with the natural environment.
Do I need to be outdoors?
While being outdoors enhances the benefits, some ecotherapy practices, like nature visualisations can offer therapeutic effects even when you can’t be outside and we meet online.
Is Ecotherapy suitable for everyone?
Yes, Ecotherapy is generally considered safe and effective for most people. It can be adapted to meet the physical and emotional needs of individuals, whether they are active or have mobility restrictions.
What happens in an Ecotherapy session?
A session will involve talking and sharing what is on one's mind. It may involve guided walks in nature, meditation, creative expression, or activities that encourage mindfulness and reflection, all aimed at deepening the connection to self and the wider world. There is space to explore parts work when one is ready. It is a space for healing and coming into your wholeness: to belong and remember.
Do I need a therapist to practice Ecotherapy?
While professional guidance can enhance the experience, you can practice many ecotherapy techniques on your own, such as walking in the park, gardening, or simply observing nature from a bed. This is why online sessions can be an option for those with physical restraints. The growth is in the reflection and noticing.
What qualifications do you have?
I trained with The Natural Academy in Level 3 and Level 4 Ecopsychology and Nature-Based Practice - three years of training in total. The training is trauma-informed and focused on nervous system regulation.
How much does it cost?
I want to make my work accessible, yet sustainable for my family. If you're coming to me, the sliding scale is £50-£70 for an hour. I support a pay-it-forward option for those able to afford it and assist those who are less privileged. I use the Green Bottle model to help people consider their contribution, please read the descriptions on the image below to help you get perspective on where you are.
Being self-employed means the cost has to include my time, the value of my years of training and qualifications, tax and National Insurance, regular supervision, marketing, general administration, contingency for when unwell, plus one doesn't get paid every hour like someone who's employed, so when you consider all of those things, the session is actually very reasonable. I am open to discussion for those that have financial restrictions.
Where is it?
I work from Waterfall Farm - a haven in the Chew Valley, but it's possible to arrange meeting in the Somer Valley, Ham Green in Pill - Bristol or online.
How long are sessions?
60 to 90 minutes although they can be longer if required/agreed. It depends on the participant, but it can be helpful having a block of 6-10 sessions weekly to start, with a possibility to move to fortnightly when needed.
I am having a severe mental health crisis. What do I do?
You can contact BANES Crisis team on this number 365 days of the year and 24 hours a day: 01225 362814
Out of normal office hours (Mon-Fri 9am- 5pm), your phone call will be answered by trained switchboard message takers. Please say you would like to speak to the BANES Intensive Team. They will ask you to leave your name and phone number. They will then call you back as quickly as possible.
In case of medical emergencies dial 999
Check here for crisis teams in Bristol:
https://www.awp.nhs.uk/our-services/community-services/adult-intensive-bristol-bristol-crisis
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy involves therapeutic practices that connect individuals with nature to improve mental health and wellbeing.
How does Ecotherapy benefit mental health?
Spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It fosters mindfulness, improves mood, and promotes emotional regulation by reconnecting individuals with the natural environment.
Do I need to be outdoors?
While being outdoors enhances the benefits, some ecotherapy practices, like nature visualisations can offer therapeutic effects even when you can’t be outside and we meet online.
Is Ecotherapy suitable for everyone?
Yes, Ecotherapy is generally considered safe and effective for most people. It can be adapted to meet the physical and emotional needs of individuals, whether they are active or have mobility restrictions.
What happens in an Ecotherapy session?
A session will involve talking and sharing what is on one's mind. It may involve guided walks in nature, meditation, creative expression, or activities that encourage mindfulness and reflection, all aimed at deepening the connection to self and the wider world. There is space to explore parts work when one is ready. It is a space for healing and coming into your wholeness: to belong and remember.
Do I need a therapist to practice Ecotherapy?
While professional guidance can enhance the experience, you can practice many ecotherapy techniques on your own, such as walking in the park, gardening, or simply observing nature from a bed. This is why online sessions can be an option for those with physical restraints. The growth is in the reflection and noticing.
What qualifications do you have?
I trained with The Natural Academy in Level 3 and Level 4 Ecopsychology and Nature-Based Practice - three years of training in total. The training is trauma-informed and focused on nervous system regulation.
How much does it cost?
I want to make my work accessible, yet sustainable for my family. If you're coming to me, the sliding scale is £50-£70 for an hour. I support a pay-it-forward option for those able to afford it and assist those who are less privileged. I use the Green Bottle model to help people consider their contribution, please read the descriptions on the image below to help you get perspective on where you are.
Being self-employed means the cost has to include my time, the value of my years of training and qualifications, tax and National Insurance, regular supervision, marketing, general administration, contingency for when unwell, plus one doesn't get paid every hour like someone who's employed, so when you consider all of those things, the session is actually very reasonable. I am open to discussion for those that have financial restrictions.
Where is it?
I work from Waterfall Farm - a haven in the Chew Valley, but it's possible to arrange meeting in the Somer Valley, Ham Green in Pill - Bristol or online.
How long are sessions?
60 to 90 minutes although they can be longer if required/agreed. It depends on the participant, but it can be helpful having a block of 6-10 sessions weekly to start, with a possibility to move to fortnightly when needed.
I am having a severe mental health crisis. What do I do?
You can contact BANES Crisis team on this number 365 days of the year and 24 hours a day: 01225 362814
Out of normal office hours (Mon-Fri 9am- 5pm), your phone call will be answered by trained switchboard message takers. Please say you would like to speak to the BANES Intensive Team. They will ask you to leave your name and phone number. They will then call you back as quickly as possible.
In case of medical emergencies dial 999
Check here for crisis teams in Bristol:
https://www.awp.nhs.uk/our-services/community-services/adult-intensive-bristol-bristol-crisis
Further reading on the benefits of this work:
Rook G. (2013) Regulation of the immune system.
Frumkin H et al (2019) Nature and mental health: an ecosystem service perspective.
Pritchard, A et al. (2020) The Relationship between nature connectedness and eudaimonic well-being: a meta-analysis.
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/health-projects-save-nhs-time-and-money
Seers H et al (2022) Connection to Nature: Natural England Evidence Information Note EIN068
University of Derby: Miles Richardson https://findingnature.org.uk
Rook G. (2013) Regulation of the immune system.
Frumkin H et al (2019) Nature and mental health: an ecosystem service perspective.
Pritchard, A et al. (2020) The Relationship between nature connectedness and eudaimonic well-being: a meta-analysis.
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/health-projects-save-nhs-time-and-money
Seers H et al (2022) Connection to Nature: Natural England Evidence Information Note EIN068
University of Derby: Miles Richardson https://findingnature.org.uk
Trained in Level 3 and 4 Ecopsychology and Nature-Connection Practice accredited by the Natural Academy
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I am a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance - offering free sessions to those between 18-25 who are involved in front-line activism. Do get in touch if this is you and you need support.
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I am member of the Nature and Health Practice network, which has emerged with the support of the West of England Nature Partnership.
I adhere to their Professional Practice Outline. This ensures commitment to best practice and that participants can fully benefit from sessions.
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In the 1960s, psychologist Carl Jung wrote: “Man feels himself isolated in the cosmos, because he is no longer involved in nature and has lost his emotional ‘unconscious identity’ with natural phenomena… His contact with nature has gone, and with it..the profound emotional energy that this symbolic connection supplied.”