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Reclaiming Our Deepest Roots:

Pathways Magazine

Mar 11, 2025

An Introduction to Nature Informed Therapy

Reclaiming Our Deepest Roots: An Introduction to Nature Informed Therapy

By Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan


I’ll never forget trekking through the Dolomites in the Italian Alps one August. My family and I started early in the morning, the valley below basked in warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. We were confident, invigorated by the bright day. Yet, as soon as we began our ascent, the weather shifted rapidly—clouds gathered, rain turned to hail, and eventually it started snowing heavily. By the time we reached the mountain hut near the top, we could barely see the person walking right in front of us, let alone the breathtaking vista we knew was out there somewhere, lost in the swirling mist.


The next day, the skies cleared. After a short hike further up the trail, the panorama exploded into view—peak after jagged peak, shimmering in the early sun. Standing there, I felt the most intense sense of awe and transcendence, a moment of deep interconnectedness. This was more than just a pretty sight; it was a profound realization of nature’s capacity to move us—body, mind, and spirit—through challenge into renewal. That journey, braving the storm to be met by the mountain’s unwavering beauty, is became the seed that blossomed into the work we now call Nature Informed Therapy (NIT)


What Is Nature Informed Therapy?

Nature Informed Therapy is grounded in the idea that we humans and the natural environment are deeply interwoven. When we experience disconnection from nature, we also experience distress, anxiety, or a generalized sense of unease. Conversely, as we mend our bond with the living world, we often see psychological and emotional healing unfold in a way that feels authentic and life-affirming.

Unlike purely indoor therapy models, Nature Informed Therapy integrates the therapeutic benefits of natural settings—forests, gardens, mountains, even simple urban green spaces—into the healing process. Rather than confining ourselves to an office chair, we might walk side by side with clients along a wooded trail, encourage mindful observation of a tree’s bark, or guide gentle movement in a calming meadow. Nature itself becomes a partner in therapy, providing grounding sensory cues and a tangible sense of belonging.


Beyond Adventure and Wilderness Therapy

People often ask if Nature Informed Therapy is the same as adventure therapy or wilderness therapy. Although these modalities share similarities, they are not interchangeable. Adventure therapy tends to emphasize physical challenge and adrenaline-fueled activities—like rock climbing, white-water rafting, or high-ropes courses—whereas wilderness therapy might involve extensive backcountry expeditions with an immersion in remote outdoor settings. Both offer wonderful benefits for fostering confidence, teamwork, and experiential growth.


Nature Informed Therapy, however, focuses primarily on restoring a relational bond with nature. It can incorporate certain elements from adventure or wilderness therapy—indeed, our programs sometimes use rock climbing to help clients work through fear or hold backpacking retreats that tap into the somatic power of movement for processing trauma and grief. But one does not need to scale a cliff or trek into the backcountry to experience Nature Informed Therapy. We teach practitioners and participants to draw nature into the counseling process in myriad ways: from bringing plants, natural sounds, or small outdoor rituals into a traditional office setting, to gentle “walk-and-talk” sessions along a local trail. The key is fostering a deep, authentic relationship with the earth, so clients not only heal but also rediscover their own resilience within the greater ecosystem we all share.

 


Grief Training through Backpacking by CNIT
Grief Training through Backpacking by CNIT

Moving Beyond Talk and Into the Body

One of the core principles of Nature Informed Therapy is embodied experience—healing that transcends intellectual analysis and roots itself in the wisdom of the body. Conventional talk therapy can, at times, remain in the realm of the mind, focusing on cognitive reframing or verbal exploration of emotions. While these approaches have enormous value, many individuals find themselves still feeling stuck or disconnected.


In an NIT session, the environment becomes an active co-therapist. For instance, you might sit with a client in a quiet clearing, encouraging them to notice the rustle of leaves overhead or the softness of moss underfoot. This multisensory engagement helps reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and supports a calmer nervous system. By inviting the body’s sensory awareness into the healing process, we open the door to new insights and more profound emotional release.

 

Reciprocity: Healing Ourselves, Healing Our Planet

When we talk about the power of nature to heal, we also underscore our responsibility to care for the environment that sustains us. In Nature Informed Therapy, we emphasize reciprocity—the mutual exchange of support between humans and the more-than-human world. As nature helps us heal, we in turn commit to nurturing and protecting the planet that provides these transformative moments.


This sense of mutual care often emerges spontaneously. When someone experiences solace under a centuries-old oak or finds renewed hope while gazing at a mountain sunrise, they frequently develop a deeper respect for the natural world. We see this in clients who come to us grappling with eco-anxiety, overwhelmed by the realities of climate change. Through guided time outdoors and reflective practices, they not only find personal grounding but also discover renewed motivation to take environmentally responsible actions in their daily lives.

Reciprocity in NIT is not a mere afterthought or side benefit—it’s a foundational principle. Our planet’s well-being is intricately tied to our own, and as that awareness blossoms, it fuels both individual healing and broader environmental stewardship.

 

Evidence-Based Practices

Although our ancestors understood the healing value of nature intuitively, modern science has only recently begun to catch up. Today, a strong and growing body of research supports the efficacy of nature-based therapy:


  • Stress Reduction: Studies show even brief exposures to natural settings can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and calm the body’s stress response.

  • Enhanced Mood and Focus: Interacting with green spaces contributes to elevated mood, reduced symptoms of depression, and increased attention span—particularly in children.

  • Trauma Recovery: Nature’s gentle presence can help individuals process traumatic experiences in a contained, soothing environment. Research suggests that combining talk-based modalities with physical experiences in nature often yields better outcomes than either method alone.


At the Center for Nature Informed Therapy, we stay on the cutting edge of this research, integrating new findings into our training programs and clinical services. This approach ensures that NIT remains both evidence-based and flexible, able to adapt to the unique challenges each client or community faces.

 

Introducing the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT)

With the growing realization that humanity needs to restore its bond with the natural world, we established the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT). Our overarching goal is to promote healing—both for individuals and for the planet.

“The Center for Nature Informed Therapy Inc. (CNIT) is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being through the innovative approach of Nature Informed Therapy. Our mission is to train and certify professionals, educate the public and policymakers, and provide accessible nature-based therapeutic services. We strive to foster resilience, connection, and holistic healing while restoring the bond between humans and the natural world, making these therapies accessible to diverse communities and promoting environmental stewardship.”


Key Services and Programs


  1. Training and Certification


    We equip not only mental health professionals but also other front-line service providers, educators, and community leaders with the knowledge and skills to integrate NIT into their work. From licensed therapists to park rangers and botanical garden staff, we believe anyone dedicated to facilitating well-being can harness nature’s healing power. For example, we’re currently training staff in Ukraine’s National Parks and Botanic Gardens to help individuals cope with war-related trauma using nature-based techniques.

Our training programs fill quickly, and we offer scholarships for those who need financial support. These scholarships are funded by donations and a share of our program fees. We aim to grow our scholarship fund so that every eligible professional or community leader can access this specialized training.


  1. Educational Programs for the Public and Policymakers


    Through community workshops, public seminars, and advocacy efforts, we raise awareness of how nature can serve as a buffer against stress, a tool for emotional healing, and a catalyst for community resilience. These programs often target policymakers to highlight how legislation and resource allocation can nurture healthy human–nature relationships.


  2. Providing Accessible Therapy to Underserved Populations


    We believe that the transformative power of nature should be available to everyone, regardless of income. CNIT receives grants to provide free or low-cost Nature Informed Therapy sessions to uninsured or under-insured individuals. We offer these sessions in a variety of formats—outdoor group walks, one-on-one sessions in local parks, even telehealth with guided nature-based practices—ensuring that even those with limited mobility or in remote areas can benefit.


  3. Research and Evidence-Based Practices


    Our commitment to rigorous research is what sets us apart. In partnership with universities and research institutions, CNIT investigates how and why nature-informed interventions work. We gather data on topics ranging from the reduction of PTSD symptoms in veterans to the impact of green spaces on children’s behavioral health. These insights inform our programs, helping us refine best practices and maintain a science-backed approach to healing.


  4. Community Nature Programs


    Initiatives like our “Peace in the Wild” retreat invite individuals to embark on guided outdoor experiences where they can process emotional challenges in a supportive environment. Using practices that tap into the somatic power of movement, these programs help participants navigate fear, grief, or trauma in the presence of the natural world. While these offerings typically have a fee, scholarships are available so that financial constraints do not stand in the way of someone’s path to healing.

 

Why We Do This Work

On my Dolomites trek, witnessing nature’s unpredictable fury one day and its profound beauty the next awakened a powerful truth: our inner journeys mirror the landscapes we traverse. The storms of life—depression, anxiety, trauma—can feel overwhelming and isolating. Yet, when we remain open to the natural world’s lessons, we discover resilience and hope waiting to greet us, as constant as the mountains themselves.


As more people seek alternatives to tech-saturated, fragmented lifestyles, Nature Informed Therapy offers an accessible path back to wholeness. We embrace a holistic view that not only considers the individual’s mental health but also underscores our shared responsibility to care for the earth. By engaging in NIT, clients often develop a renewed sense of environmental stewardship, recognizing that their personal well-being is intertwined with the health of our planet.

 

Looking Ahead

Humanity stands at a critical juncture. Our mental health crisis continues to deepen alongside escalating ecological challenges. It’s clear that we need solutions that honor our psychological needs and foster a sustainable relationship with nature. By weaving evidence-based therapy with the profound power of the living world, Nature Informed Therapy contributes to both individual healing and environmental well-being.


At the Center for Nature Informed Therapy, we continue to push the boundaries of research, outreach, and training. From local community garden projects to international collaborations—such as our Ukraine initiatives—we’re committed to making NIT accessible to a diverse array of practitioners and communities. This broad scope ensures that we not only meet current mental health needs but also cultivate future generations who understand the reciprocity of healing: that as nature helps us, we, in turn, must help nature.

 

An Invitation

The next time you feel stress or disconnection, I invite you to step outside. Notice the smallest details—a dewdrop on a leaf, a bird perched on a fence, the distinct texture of a tree’s bark. Pause for a moment, breathe deeply, and see if you can sense the natural world returning your attention, offering its grounding presence. This act of intentional noticing is the seed of Nature Informed Therapy.


If this resonates with you—whether you’re a mental health professional looking to expand your toolkit, a policymaker rethinking public spaces, or someone simply yearning for a deeper sense of belonging—know that the Center for Nature Informed Therapy is here to support your journey. Together, we can foster a world where humanity and the earth heal and flourish as one.


 

About the Author

Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan is the founder of The Center for Nature Informed Therapy, a clinician, author, and advocate for integrating the healing power of the natural world into mental health care. She passionately believes in rekindling the age-old relationship between humans and nature to foster well-being, resilience, and reciprocal care for our planet.

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