Outdoor Therapy & Ecotherapy in South Seattle

Outdoor sessions are still therapy sessions. We'll begin with the same basic process we'd use in traditional psychotherapy: identifying what you'd like to work on, establishing goals, and figuring out what approaches are most useful for you.

Depending on the session and location, we might:

• Walk together

• Sit somewhere outdoors

• Pause to notice our surroundings

• Use mindfulness or grounding exercises

• Explore thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns

• Connect what's happening in nature with what's happening internally

Some sessions may involve more walking, while others may involve more sitting and talking. You don't have to perform, exercise, or fill the entire session with conversation.

I offer outdoor therapy sessions, rain or shine, at Kubota Gardens in Rainier Beach, Jefferson Park in Beacon Hill, or Seward Park in Columbia City.

We'll discuss the location, accessibility, privacy, weather preferences, and other practical considerations before beginning outdoor sessions.

Because outdoor therapy takes place in a public setting, there are some differences from traditional office therapy. We'll talk together about privacy and confidentiality and choose locations and activities that make sense for your circumstances.

Seattle weather is part of the experience. Being prepared for all kinds of weather is part of the fun. There is enjoyment to be found in appreciating Mother Nature’s rainy and sunny moods!

However, we will discuss a plan for heavy rain/storms, extreme temperatures, unsafe conditions, or other circumstances that make an outdoor session impractical.

Depending on the situation, we may reschedule, modify the outdoor session, or meet virtually.

You don't need to know the answer before reaching out.

During a consultation, we can talk about what you're looking for in therapy and whether outdoor therapy seems like a good fit for your goals, preferences, and circumstances.

Outdoor therapy may not be appropriate for every client or every therapeutic situation. In some cases, virtual therapy may provide a better environment for the work we need to do.

The terms overlap. Ecotherapy and nature therapy generally refer to therapeutic approaches that intentionally incorporate the natural environment into the therapeutic process. Outdoor therapy is a broader description of psychotherapy that takes place outdoors.

No. Outdoor therapy doesn't require strenuous exercise or hiking. Sessions can be designed around comfortable walking or stationary outdoor locations.

Yes. I provide virtual therapy throughout Washington State, so outdoor therapy isn't the only option. If you prefer traditional virtual therapy, or if weather or other circumstances make an outdoor session impractical, we can discuss virtual sessions.