outdoor therapy is new to me. What can I expect?

We’ll meet at a nature trail that I’ve hand-picked for convenient location, ease of movement and conversation on the trails, enjoyable natural features, and low-traffic to support confidentiality.

While at the trail, we will:

• Walk along paved paths and natural terrain, while having therapeutic conversation.

• Engage with nature via our senses and sometimes practice mindfulness techniques

• Sometimes pause to sit on a park bench or blanket, to do writing exercises, rest, or have a deeper part of the conversation

Is outdoor therapy a good fit for me?

Outdoor therapy may be a good fit for you if:

• You know movement is emotionally relieving for you

• You know movement helps you think clearly, creatively, and/or process information

• You know you find natural spaces to be peaceful or spiritual

• You imagine it could be easier to talk without direct eye contact

• You don’t have enough time for all the self-care you’d like! This combines outdoor time, movement, and therapy into one hour – a wellness trifecta!

• You’ve tried traditional therapy, and you’re ready for something a little different

• Conditions that can benefit from time outside include ADHD, anxiety, depression, Highly Sensitive trait and…the human condition

Where will we meet?

Options include:

• Pequonnock Rail Trail, entrance at Whitney Ave in Trumbull

• Mondo Ponds, entrance off Naugatuck Ave in Milford

• Randall’s Farm Nature Preserve at 675 Sport Hill Rd in Easton

• Jennings Beach in Fairfield

confidentiality is an important part of therapy. can you guarantee our conversations will be private?

Confidentiality remains a high priority as part of the therapeutic process. I have selected outdoor spaces that are typically low-traffic. Should we come in close proximity to others, our walking route/pace will change to ensure privacy. At times, conversation might briefly pause to ensure privacy. We can utilize any spontaneous pauses in conversation to reflect, process, and/or practice regulation techniques (ie mindful movement, breathing techniques): they do not need to be considered a loss of therapeutic time.

I will wear clothes to fit the setting without any branding.

have i provided outdoor therapy before?

Yes! This is a full circle moment for me, as my first clinical setting was outdoors, both walking in park and ranch settings and working with horses. At a former clinic setting, I moved sessions (in part or whole) to walk or sit outside, and occasionally meet at a park.

what about weather conditions?

We will gauge weather conditions 24 hours in advance. Assume we will meet outdoors, unless I let you know otherwise. If I haven’t reached out, and you have concerns about the weather, feel free to reach out to me. 

In the event of inclement weather, we will meet via telehealth, either video or phone.

what facilities/restrooms can i expect?

We will be meeting at various outdoor locations, and restrooms or water supply are not guaranteed. Please manage your needs ahead of time.