We are uninvited settlers occupying the stolen, territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Qayqayt, and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) peoples. Our relationship with these lands dictates our commitment to understanding the ongoing impacts of colonization and decolonizing our practices in and out of the counselling room.
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In-Person, Nature-Based Therapy is an enriching alternative to online sessions and office based sessions, especially if your home is not necessarily secure enough for fully immersive online sessions or if office-based sessions feel too restricted or intimidating.
Besides being an alternative setting to deepen your inner work, it has been shown that movement with nature-based therapy helps to quiet the part of our brain responsible for producing ruminative and negative thoughts while promoting quantifiable health indicators. The beneficial effects include reducing depression, anxiety, and stress while enhancing mood and focus. It also sparks the areas of the brain associated with empathy and compassion and works with your body to get unstuck when confronting difficult issues while reconnecting with the vast, beyond human support network of the ecosystem around you. When we integrate the mind, body, and nature into the work while engaging in a multi-sensory experience, our nervous system is calmed and we are able to come to more creative, connected, and deeper ways of being.
Simply put, movement propels us forward - literally and figuratively! It is a similar process to the science behind why EMDR works so well. It allows us to process our emotions and inner narratives through our body, our mind, and our spirit.
Nature as a healing practice is not a new idea - science has just caught up with the knowledge that Indigenous folks have been fighting for, for centuries. To honor the knowledge of and in response to the ongoing and attempted genocide of Indigenous folks, all of Venturous' proceeds from Walk & Talk sessions are redistributed to Indigenous organizing efforts.
In a typical Walk & Talk session, you'll meet your therapist at a predetermined outdoor location. The session usually begins with a brief check-in and setting intentions for the walk. As you stroll together, you'll engage in therapeutic conversation, much like in a traditional office setting. The natural environment may be incorporated into discussions, providing metaphors or prompts for reflection. Your therapist might suggest mindfulness exercises or moments of quiet observation. The session concludes with a brief wrap-up, allowing time to process the experience and plan for future sessions.
As with all therapies, there are potential impacts to be aware of. General considerations specific to Walk & Talk / Nature-Based therapies include exposure to weather conditions, uneven terrain, and allergens. Privacy concerns may also arise in public spaces and physical exertion during walks could be challenging for some individuals. Before you begin your Walk & Talk and/or Nature-Based sessions, your therapist will discuss these potential impacts with you and work with you to develop strategies to mitigate them.
In Person, Nature-Based Therapy can be a standalone practice or engaged in conjunction with virtual services. Our Nature-Based practitioners have specialized training in the modality and all In-Person, Nature-Based sessions are located in Vancouver + Burnaby. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to book a free consult with one of our therapists!
