Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy for Youth Ages 10-14

Promoting Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Growth

Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy (MBNT) is a multi-sensory approach that actively engages young people's minds and bodies in a therapeutic experience in nature, supporting their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Research demonstrates that spending time outdoors and practicing mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve adolescents' ability to cope with daily challenges. MBNT incorporates evidence-based practices from mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapies with interactive activities in nature.

How Can Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy Help Youth?

Young people face increased stress and distractions from digital devices and social media. Spending time in nature stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calm and alert mental state that improves self-regulation and problem-solving abilities. Interacting with natural elements encourages mindful awareness, providing a counterbalance to the mindless scrolling prevalent in the digital world. Mindfulness-based nature therapy equips youth with skills to cultivate patience, embrace an open mindset, accept what they cannot control, and create strategies for positive change, all while reducing anxiety and boosting optimism and resilience.

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What is Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy?

When you take part in our Mindfulness-Based 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.

Mindfulness Exercises

You will have the chance to practice mindfulness exercises that incorporate natural elements, including mindful breathing, body scans, and meditative practices focused on observing plants, animals, or the local environment.
These exercises aim to help you develop a state of relaxed awareness and enhance your mindfulness practice through engagement with nature.

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 nature connection into your routine by prioritizing time spent outdoors, starting a nature journal, or practicing techniques like walking meditation.

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 Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy

Participants in Mindfulness-Based 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 8 core principles of the Mindfulness-Based Nature Therapy program designed to enhance mental resilience, foster self-awareness, and strengthen your bond with nature.

Mindful Awareness

Mindful awareness requires shifting from a continuous state of activity to a calmer state, allowing you to focus on what is occurring within your body and in your environment at this moment.

Beginner's Mind

A beginner's mind is defined by curiosity and wonder, free from judgment or preconceived notions about how to think and feel. Nature encourages an appreciation for the beauty in every moment, accepting reality as it is.

Patience

Nature fosters patience by helping us connect with the sights, sounds, and experiences in our environment that we often ignore. This enables us to let go of distractions and allow events to unfold naturally at their own pace.

Acceptance

Nature encourages us to accept the situations we face rather than avoiding or denying them. While we may not approve of difficult circumstances, we can learn to acknowledge reality without pretending it isn't happening.

Letting Go

Nature show us the importance of letting go of what holds us back, including the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that trap us in pain and suffering. By letting go of anger and hurt, we create space for greater happiness and well-being.

Grief

Engaging with nature provides young people a peaceful space to reconnect with what they've lost. Additionally, nature offers a chance to observe the predictable rhythms of life, which can be reassuring for adolescents.

Compassion

Interacting with nature provides opportunities to foster compassion which can lead to more caring behavior, strengthening connections with friends, family, pets, and the natural world.

Nature Connection

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 and the interconnectedness of all living beings.