Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy

Being a Good Friend to Yourself

Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy (CCNT) is an exciting therapeutic approach that combines self-compassion techniques—treating oneself with kindness and understanding—with the healing benefits of nature. Self-compassion is a skill that can be developed, and research shows that responding to emotional pain with compassion can reduce stress and improve our ability to cope with daily challenges. CCNT incorporates science-based practices from mindfulness and compassion-focused therapy, along with engaging activities in nature.

How Can Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy Help You?

Feelings of shame and excessive self-criticism are linked to various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. These emotions can also hinder effective treatment. Compassion techniques are designed to help individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, or bullying to address chronic problems with shame and guilt. Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy (CCNT) provides a holistic approach to mental health, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy the outdoors. By integrating self-compassion practices with the beauty of nature, you can start a healing journey that encourages self-kindness and promotes a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Book Now

What is Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy?

When you take part in our Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy program, you'll experience a mix of traditional therapeutic techniques and nature-inspired practices. Here are some examples of what you can expect during your sessions:

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

We recommend a free 15-minute consultation with our psychiatrist to make sure the program is a good fit for you. Your first session will involve a 60-minute evaluation, where our psychiatrist will review your goals and challenges to develop a personalized treatment plan.
In this initial evaluation, we will also review how the program works and address any specific questions or preferences you may have regarding outdoor activities.

Engaging Walks in Nature

Sessions typically take place outdoors in our peaceful meditation garden, nearby parks, or local natural areas that provide a relaxing setting for mindfulness and connecting with nature.
We will engage in gentle activities, like walking in nature, which will help you tune into your surroundings and notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This practice grounds you in the present moment and strengthens your bond with nature.

Self-Compassion and Mindfulness Exercises

You will have the chance to practice mindfulness exercises that incorporate natural elements, including mindful breathing and meditative practices focused on observing plants, animals, or the local environment.
You will learn to apply self-compassion practices to respond to feelings of failure or inadequacy with self-kindness and to manage difficult situations and emotions with encouragement rather than self-criticism.

Lessons Learned from Nature

Each session wraps up with time for personal reflection, allowing you to share your experiences and insights from the day's activities. This reflection helps you integrate the lessons learned from nature into your daily life.
You will discover how to incorporate mindfulness and self-compassion into your daily life by prioritizing time spent outdoors, utilizing self-appreciation to overcome self-criticism, or applying self-encouragement skills to handle stress.

Safety and Support

Our primary goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for your healing journey. All activities will be tailored to your comfort level and adjusted as needed to ensure you feel safe.

If outdoor sessions are not suitable due to weather or personal preference, we can adapt mindfulness techniques and nature-based practices for indoor settings. We also offer virtual sessions when possible, allowing clients to experience mindfulness and nature-based practices from any location.

What You'll Need To Bring to Each Session

For a positive outdoor experience, it's important to wear appropriate clothing and take some basic precautions. Here are a few tips that can improve your experience:

Carry a water bottle for adequate hydration.
Use sunscreen and insect repellant as needed.
Dress in layers that can be adjusted according to the weather.
Bring a waterproof outer layer in case of rain or snow.
Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for unpaved trails.
Bring a journal or paper for writing, sketching, or taking notes.
Don't forget pens or pencils, and consider adding colored pencils or watercolors for optional drawing or painting.
For easy transport, pack your items in a daypack or small backpack.
While most trails are paved or compact dirt, you may encounter loose gravel or rocks, so consider bringing trekking poles if you feel more comfortable using them.

Benefits of Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy

Participants in Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy often experience numerous positive outcomes, including:

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The calming effects of nature, combined with mindfulness practices, can significantly decrease stress levels and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Increased Focus and Attention: Practicing mindfulness regularly in natural settings improves your ability to concentrate and stay engaged.
Enhanced Mood and Positive Outlook: Connecting with nature fosters a sense of calm and self-confidence, which can boost your mood and promote optimism and resilience.
Stronger Connection to Nature: Engaging in outdoor activities can deepen your appreciation for the environment, enhancing your sense of belonging and purpose.
Improved Sleep and Physical Health: Spending time outdoors and engaging in light physical activities, such as walking in nature, can benefit your physical health and enhance your sleep.

Program Topics

Discover 12 key principles of the Compassion-Centered Nature Therapy program designed to enhance mental resilience, foster self-acceptance, and strengthen your connection with nature.

Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness practice allows us to decide how we react to challenging situations and feelings. It fosters compassion by encouraging us to reflect on our own needs with the question, "What do I need at this moment?"

Practicing Loving-Kindness

Practicing loving-kindness involves fostering positive intentions for yourself and others. One key benefit of this practice is a decrease in negative emotions, such as anxiety and depression, while enhancing uplifting emotions like joy.

Finding Your Compassionate Voice

Shifting our harsh and critical inner dialogue to a gentler and more compassionate voice enables us to motivate ourselves with appreciation and encouragement instead of fear and shame.

Living Deeply

When we move away from our core values, we experience suffering. Practicing self-compassion helps us recognize our values and discover ways to align our lives with them, helping to reduce suffering and improve our mental health.

Meeting Difficult Emotions

Mindfulness and self-compassion techniques allow us to face difficult emotions gradually, rather than avoiding or resisting them. This method promotes healing while keeping us from becoming overwhelmed.

Challenging Relationships

Taking care of ourselves during tough times provides the emotional strength to support others. Practicing self-compassion helps us develop the resilience needed to nurture and maintain happy, healthy relationships in our lives.

Practicing Forgiveness

Forgiveness involves letting go of the anger we hold towards those who have hurt us. To forgive others, we must first acknowledge the pain we have suffered, and to forgive ourselves, we need to face our own sadness and regret.

Nature Stories

We all create stories about the meaning of our lives and where we're headed. Nature tells its own tales, which we can interpret, enhancing our understanding of our personal journeys and empowering us to reshape our own narratives.

Nature Wisdom

By exploring nature, we can gain valuable insights that enhance our self-awareness and deepen our appreciation for the environment. Nature offers important lessons about resilience, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Relating to Nature

Seeking comfort, relaxation, and renewal in nature not only improves our mental and physical health but also enhances our appreciation for the environment and strengthens our bond with the natural world.

Nature Healing

Spending time in nature offers many benefits, including reduced stress, enhanced emotional stability, and improved mental fitness. The incredible healing powers of nature make it an important ally in the pursuit of holistic wellbeing.

Embracing Your Life

Embracing life means appreciating the small moments when you feel your best and recognizing the things that fill you with gratitude. By practicing self-compassion, you can learn to identify your strengths without taking them for granted.