Why Outdoor Therapy?
Going out for a walk and taking advantage of the green spaces of Edinburgh, such as the Meadows, Bruntsfield Links, Holyrood Park etc, has always been something I have enjoyed. For a long time, I never really thought too much about the mental/emotional benefits this brought me (alongside the physical benefits), but this changed during the early days of Covid.
Getting out once a day for a walk suddenly became the only real way of escaping the distressing news cycle and claustrophobic feeling of looking at the same four walls each day. To be out in nature with the endless space that it provided gave me a welcome lift, lessening anxiety and improving my mood.​​
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As restrictions eased, soon I was meeting friends for a walk and valuing the further benefit this brought, having someone that was there to listen and walk alongside me. Walking and talking.
Having seen the positive impact being outdoors in nature had on me personally, this led me to train in and now offer outdoor therapy as part of my counselling practice. Outdoor therapy combines the healing benefits of nature alongside talking therapy. Walking (or even just being outside in nature) has been shown to support overall well-being and I have witnessed clients embrace the opportunity of increased mind/body connection and improved health through this therapy option.
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Outdoor therapy can provide all the same benefits of more conventional therapy and may be particularly suitable for clients who have struggled with other forms of therapy in the past, that require sitting for a long period and extended eye contact. Walking side by side with someone can feel more ‘natural’ and calming. It is also suitable for all levels of fitness, as it can often be nice to pause during the walk, or to sit on a bench.
Whatever your therapy needs, I invite you to consider outdoor therapy and the combination of mental, physical and emotional health benefits it can provide.
