With modern society so focused on tech-based experiences, today’s children lose their connection with the great outdoors. Yet time spent in nature boosts positive hormones and overall mood. Nature-based therapy attempts to reclaim this by combining traditional therapeutic treatment with a natural environment.
Tapping Into the Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
Nature-based therapy (NBT) builds on the benefits and healing powers of being outside. Studies have shown that being in nature can:
- Increase feelings of happiness
- Decrease anxiety and depression symptoms
- Improve focus and other cognitive factors
- Increase self-confidence
These benefits alone are helpful to someone who is struggling with mental health or behavioral disorders. Nature therapy programs combine time outside with proven therapy methods to increase these positive benefits.
What to Expect from Nature Therapy
If you enroll your child in a nature-based therapy program, you can expect several components. At Trails Carolina, these components include:
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma creates unique challenges for many teens, and nature therapy fits perfectly as a preferred therapy method due to its gentle approach. Each student has the support of trauma-informed counselors and spends time in individual and group therapy sessions. This process introduces natural experiences slowly, allowing a child to build resilience while finding success in small steps.
Wilderness Adventure Activities
Wilderness Adventures take teens into the woods or other outdoor activities to practice team-building exercises and individual skills. These activities slowly expand the teen’s emotional tolerance, building confidence as they achieve challenging tasks. It also brings a natural connection that has proven emotional and mental benefits.
Connections with Animals
Many nature therapy programs have an animal component. This may be horseback riding on wilderness trails, equine-assisted therapy, or spending time with and learning to care for animals such as dogs. Building these connections with animals can help teach troubled teens to regulate their own emotions while creating healthy emotional attachments with the animals. It also helps teach them responsibility and gives them the strength to become self-sufficient individuals.
Group Experiences in Nature
A final component of nature therapy is having positive group experiences in nature. Many teens struggle to build healthy relationships due to trauma or behavioral concerns. When these teens interact with others in a natural setting under the watchful eye of a therapy team, they’re better able to build and sustain those connections.
Who Does Nature Therapy Help?
According to research, nature therapy can help with a wide range of concerns. Trails Carolina’s outcomes demonstrate that “98.9% of participants reported continued improved mental health 12 months post-graduation”. Here are some interesting studies:
- A 2017 study published in the Journal of Public Mental Health indicated a reduction in PTSD symptoms for participants in a nature-based therapy program
- Time spent in nature can reduce symptoms of ADHD
- Nature-based therapy can improve concentration and attention
Other mental health concerns that can improve with nature-based therapy include depression, anxiety, general mood disorders, addiction, and self-esteem issues.
Nature therapy can help teens and young adults heal from trauma and mental health issues. Removing the distractions of modern life and creating positive connections in nature are critical components of these programs. If you think your child could benefit, contact the Trails Carolina team today to learn about our admissions process.
