Nature-Based Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide to Working Outdoors with Children, Youth, and Families

Take advantage of nature’s therapeutic benefits with this guide for counselors, therapists, and educators who work with children, youth, and families.

The number of people seeking help for a wide range of mental health concerns is growing at an alarming rate. Unplugging from technology and reconnecting with the web of life is a powerful antidote to the anxiety and stress that tend to exacerbate so many of our mental health struggles.

Nature-Based Therapy addresses the underlying disconnection between humans and their ecological home, exploring theories and therapeutic practices designed for children, youth, and families, including:

• Developing sensory awareness of outer and inner landscapes
• Navigating risk in play
• Case examples with a diverse range of settings, intentions, and interventions

Dr. Nevin J. Harper is a Professor in the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education at the University of Victoria, and a Registered Clinical Counsellor. His career has included stretches as a youth counsellor, outdoor skills instructor, shepherd, wilderness guide, and more recently author, researcher, and consultant. Nevin’s research examines human-environmental interactions, primarily through the practices of outdoor therapies and nature-based approaches to healing and wellbeing. He lives on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Kathryn Rose holds a Master's degree in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology, with a specialization in Wilderness Therapy, from Naropa University in Colorado and is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She has been discovering the joys of experiential and nature-based approaches to working with children, youth, and families for the promotion of healing and growth for over 10 years. Kathryn lives and practices in Victoria, Canada. humannaturecounselling.ca

David Segal holds a Master's degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria and is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. David offers presentations and workshops on cultivating health through contact with nature and has been contributing to the emerging field of eco-therapy through his work as a clinical counsellor serving youth and families. He lives and practices in Victoria, Canada. humannaturecounselling.ca