Arielle Oppenheimer, MPH’s Post

This interesting NYT article sheds light on a growing trend: therapists integrating the great outdoors into their practice. The idea of conducting therapy sessions amidst nature's embrace isn't just about a change in scenery; it's about tapping into the profound connection between our well-being and the natural world around us.  I enjoyed Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan's perspectives in this piece. As a Director of a private therapy practice, I find this evolution both inspiring and thought-provoking - leaving me with the following questions: How can we further leverage the therapeutic potential of nature? How can we incorporate outdoor elements into counseling sessions? https://lnkd.in/eQcegrve

Innovation isn't just flying cars and robots. It's systematically breaking through with a new, valuable idea. Is viewing nature as a space for healing and reflection new? To some, yes. After all, the most accepted approach to therapy today happens with two people talking in a room. Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan and others are trying to change that. If you care about wellbeing - yours or others - you must read this article from the New York Times about the tremendous potential value of nature-informed therapy.

5 Benefits of Online Therapy Is this your first time considering therapy? Or have you never done it online? Here’s five ways that online therapy can help: ✨ 1. It fits your schedule You can do therapy from anywhere - on your phone, on your laptop, in your home, in your parked car... Wherever you are, you can attend your appointment. For some clients, this is super helpful - if you have a busy work life, children, or travel commitments, you can connect with your therapist and yourself without a break in your process. 🌙 2. You don’t have to leave the house Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or socially anxious? Or perhaps you have access needs which make it tricky to travel. Online therapy means you don’t have to deal with taking transport across town, finding an office, or speaking to other people. You simply click the link, and you’ll be talking directly to your therapist. ☀️ 3. You can make the space your own You might like to set up a little therapy space for yourself. This could involve lighting a candle, wrapping up in a blanket, making a cup of tea, or playing music. Clients find this helpful, to bring about feelings of healing, safety and growth. 🌟 4. You may feel less vulnerable You might feel more secure and in control, when you are working from your space and on your own device. For clients who are anxious about starting, they can gain confidence from the fact that they are using a video link and are in their own home. 🌈 5. You can do the same work in online therapy, as you can do in person Many clients find online therapy to be equally effective to in-person therapy. This is backed up by studies such as this one about CBT (1). You’re processing what’s happened, connecting with another person, building habits and moving forward - this can be done online, in a safe space that feels good to you. Looking for therapy? I work exclusively online, and I currently have appointments available. If you’re interested in working together, check out cosytherapy.com Warmth and wishes, April ✨ (1) Catarino, A., Harper, S., Malcolm, R. et al. Economic evaluation of 27,540 patients with mood and anxiety disorders and the importance of waiting time and clinical effectiveness in mental healthcare. Nat. Mental Health 1, 667–678 (2023) Posted from my blog: https://lnkd.in/d9RA3-tj

At Ellenhorn, we understand the profound impact of environment on clinical work. That's why our PACT teams prioritize wraparound care within clients' homes and communities. In a recent NYT article, therapist Heidi Schreiber-Pan exemplified this approach by integrating nature into therapy sessions, offering clients the chance to connect with the outside world while exploring their emotions. From setting up makeshift offices under open skies to embracing the therapeutic potential of natural elements, our commitment to holistic care is unwavering. As Dr. Schreiber-Pan aptly put it, "It's a sense of belonging to something bigger." We believe that by embracing the healing power of nature, we can foster deeper connections, new perspectives, and profound growth for our clients. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d7-7npKK

Just as good research can happen outside of a research facility, therapy and counselling are moving to spaces which feel more natural (pun intended). "a growing number of therapists are taking their therapy sessions outdoors and, in some cases, training other counselors to do the same. They say that combining traditional talk therapy with nature and movement can help clients feel more open, find new perspectives and express their feelings, all while helping them connect with the outside world." In my experience I have found that when interviewing or spending time with someone in their home / car / farm / studio / etc, it usually leads to a much richer and deeper conversation, which is built on trust and reciprocity. #therapy #counselling #research #qualitativeresearch #ethnography #ethnographicresearch #insights #trust

It's easy for new therapists to feel green in the therapy room, but despite their inexperience, there are three things they can offer clients. Read "Gifts of the Emerging Therapist" here: https://bit.ly/40M70Vl

So proud of the work of our CPA-NA members - drawing on models of healing that move beyond the ideological confines of individualism, walls, humans-separate-from-nature. These models aren’t “new,” but like so many other forms of healing, they have been marginalized as “other,” seen as “less than.” With care and real consideration, many are bringing the margin into the center. Bravo, PortlandHikingTherapy! https://lnkd.in/gmBZuXWw

Useful points here for clients & counsellirs alike ✨

🌤️🌱 Reclaim Your Weekends for Wellness 🌱🌤️ Weekends are meant for rest, rejuvenation, and now, for your mental health too. We're thrilled to announce that our online therapy practice now offers weekend appointments! It's time to fit therapy into your life in a way that feels effortless and aligned with your schedule. 🌟 Weekend Wonders: Convenience: Say goodbye to weekday scheduling conflicts. Your therapy session can now be a highlight of your weekend. Relaxed Environment: Engage in therapy at a time when you're less rushed and more open to reflection and growth. Family Flexibility: Manage family obligations with ease by scheduling sessions around your weekend plans. Personal Time: Use the quiet of the weekend to focus on personal development and start the upcoming week on a positive note. Your mental health journey deserves a spot in your weekend routine. Let's make the most of these days for deeper healing and growth. Secure your weekend slot now and transform your weekends into a sanctuary for your mental wellbeing. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ghvitYXx 💙 𝗧𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟲𝟯𝟬-𝟰𝟭𝟬-𝟵𝟱𝟴𝟳 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽.𝗰𝗼𝗺 . . . #connectonline #connectonlinecounseling #illinois #aurora #Naperville #TherapyTips #SelfGrowth #MentalWellness #onlinetherapy #mentalhealth #therapy #anxiety #therapist #OnlineTherapy #mentalhealthmatters #mentalwellness #psychotherapy #teletherapy #onlinecounseling #healing #selfcare #therapistsofinstagram #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellbeing #telehealth #couplestherapy #copingstrategies #mindfulness #WeekendWellness #HealingJourney

How to get ready for therapy - Whatever brings you to a therapist’s office, taking these proactive steps as you begin can help you make the most of it. https://loom.ly/L4M8kUU