How I helped train forest school staff using nature-informed psychology

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 I recently had this crazy opportunity to lead a workshop called “Nature-Informed Psychology for Neurodiverse Children” at a forest school in Nova Scotia. The session was a key part of their staff training day, aimed at equipping educators with effective strategies for supporting neurodiverse children through nature. Despite a minor setback with the projector (yes, technical glitches happen!), the didactic part of the workshop remained engaging. I seized the moment to take the team on a nature mindfulness walk, immersing ourselves in the serene surroundings that perfectly complemented our topic. One of the highlights was the insightful questions from the staff, particularly…

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Exciting News: NURTURING YOUR INTUITIVE SOUL Course is Live!

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It’s here, friends. 🚀 If you’re feeling ready for a new self-care strategy and want to connect with your creative, right-brain holistic parts, but you hold off because you’re too busy or feel depleted this course is DESIGNED for you. Discover NURTURING YOUR INTUITIVE SOUL, my new course that offers effective strategies for self-care and creative exploration. Combining evidence-based practices like nature connection and values work with heart-centred activities like tarot and ritual, this course is designed to help you restore and deepen your intuitive side. “This course is for YOU if you struggle with taking on everyone else’s feelings.…

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What are the Benefits of Nature Informed Therapy?

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This post was originally posted on my sister site, https://lauracohen.org/ Don’t you love the feeling you get when you drive out of the city, the skyscrapers and traffic sounds fade away and you find yourself surrounded by crisp air, lush trees, and chirping birds? Ahh…the peace, the quiet, the release. If you’ve had this type of experience, you’re not alone: increasing research demonstrates the many mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Ecotherapy, applied ecopsychology or nature-informed therapy involves connecting with nature for healing and growth.  Increasing numbers of therapists are incorporating it into their practice. For example, Registered…

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The Power of the Highly Sensitive Person

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As we navigate the crisp embrace of Fall, I find myself reflecting on the profound strength that lies within empathic souls. Fall & Winter have a magical way of inviting us to turn inward, embracing the introspective and psychospiritual aspects of the darker months. It’s a time when our empathic abilities can truly shine, connecting with the subtle energies that dance in air. In the cocoon of these colder days, I’ve crafted something special to help you harness the power of your empathic nature. My online course, The Power of Empaths: Nurturing Your Intuitive Soul, is more than just a journey—it’s a…

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Gathering “Place of Spirits”

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A natural gem with rich indigenous history.

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The Age of Embodied Living

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The concept of “embodiment” is gaining momentum these days, and you’ve probably come across it in the web of wellness information. But let’s dive into what it means. Embodied living is where authenticity and heart-centred relating take the spotlight. We often walk around like talking heads, forgetting we have a body – like in talk therapy or when we’re conversing with a friend or client from an intellectual place. It’s funny because we need these experiences to survive in the world but knowledge-based industries still dominate the economy and success is defined as non-stop productivity and intellectual prowess. But what if…

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Forest Bathing: Superfood of the 21st Century

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This post was originally posted on my sister site, https://lauracohen.org/ What is Forest Bathing? Forest bathing is defined as “immersing oneself in nature by mindfully using all five senses.” Also known as Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese, forest bathing surfaced as a prevention and treatment technique in the 80’s when stress-related diseases started sky-rocketing in Japan (ie. hypertension, heart disease, depression & anxiety). The Japanese government became aware of the epidemic and introduced Shinrin-Yoku  as an antidote. There are now countless organizations that offer accredited certification programs in Forest Bathing and even more healthcare programs that implement it as an official medical intervention.  What are the…

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On Being Human: What Nature Can Teach Us

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This post was originally posted on my sister site, https://lauracohen.org/ Let’s face it: being human can be hard. Especially in the throes of fear, shame or anger. Most people are not taught how to navigate psychological challenges in healthy ways, and even if we do know, sometimes we are pushed to our limits and exhaust our own inner resources. How do we learn to deal with difficult human experiences? It’s an age-old question. Maybe nature can teach us. As “woo-woo” as it may sound, seeing nature as a teacher can put certain aspects of our human existence into perspective. This…

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The Power of Ritual on Human Psychology

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This post was originally posted on my sister site, https://lauracohen.org/ Rituals are an important part of life regardless of one’s beliefs. Psychology research has shown that we need rituals to regulate emotions and foster social connections. Whether it’s moving into a new home, losing a friend or welcoming the winter solstice, we feel good when we can externalise the shift that we are grappling with by practising a ritual to honour these life changes. Unlike ordinary actions, rituals don’t have a clear goal, they’re arbitrary. Brushing your teeth can be done by using soap and water but a cleansing ritual using fire…

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How Nature Improves Interpersonal Connection

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This post was originally posted on my sister site, https://lauracohen.org/ When approaching a difficult conversation with a family member, partner or boss, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a tool to help you step outside your comfort zone and go to the next level to enrich your relationships. But these situations can also be stressful (and sometimes risky) so you need to also take care of yourself before doing it. As a Nature-Informed Therapist, I know that nature can help take the edge off and soothe my nervous system when coping with tricky situations. It’s like a “reset” button. But don’t fret,…

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