What is Outdoor Therapy?

Outdoor therapy, sometimes referred to as outside therapy or outdoor mental health therapy, is a unique approach to mental health support that takes place in natural settings rather than traditional office spaces. This form of therapy integrates the natural environment as a therapeutic partner, utilizing the calming effects of nature to facilitate mental and emotional healing. But what exactly is outdoor therapy, and how does it work?

Outdoor therapy combines elements of ecotherapy, walk-and-talk therapy, and horticultural therapy, encouraging clients to reconnect with the natural world to address mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Unlike typical therapy settings, where clients might feel constrained or uncomfortable, outdoor therapy allows for a freer, more grounding experience that supports relaxation and self-reflection.

How Outdoor Therapy Benefits Mental Health

Outdoor therapy has a profound effect on mental health, helping clients reconnect with nature and experience therapeutic benefits from simply being outside. Here are some of the key benefits of this approach:

Stress Reduction: Studies show that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promotes calmness. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), green spaces like parks and forests can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity. In fact, being in natural surroundings can even lower the risk of mental health disorders by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Research highlights how outdoor therapy can reduce symptoms of depression, alleviate feelings of loneliness, and elevate mood. Nature offers a sense of peacefulness and tranquility, which can help clients feel more hopeful and grounded. People who engage in outdoor therapy activities often report feeling a greater sense of well-being, which can make the therapeutic process even more effective.
Improved Focus and Attention: For individuals with ADHD or those struggling with concentration issues, outdoor therapy can be transformative. Natural settings are known to restore cognitive function, improve focus, and even reduce mental fatigue. This is particularly helpful for clients who may find it hard to engage in traditional therapy due to issues with attention and hyperactivity.
Physical Health Benefits: Beyond mental health, outdoor therapy activities such as hiking, walking, or gardening naturally encourage movement, which is known to release endorphins and further support mental health. This connection between physical and mental well-being strengthens the overall benefits of spending time outside in therapy.
Connection and Belonging: Feeling connected to nature reminds us of our place in the world. Many clients report a deeper sense of belonging and interconnectedness with the world around them after engaging in therapy outside. This sense of connection is not only comforting but can foster a healthier self-image and a deeper acceptance of one’s own life experiences.

Types of Outdoor Therapy Activities

Outdoor therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it can be tailored to individual preferences and needs. Here are some common outdoor therapy activities:

Walk & Talk Therapy: A popular choice, where clients walk alongside their therapist, allowing the conversation to flow more naturally and reducing the intensity sometimes felt in face-to-face office sessions. (This is what we do together at Bellflower Therapy!)
Horticultural Therapy: This involves hands-on gardening and plant care, where nurturing plants can symbolize personal growth and healing. This therapeutic practice is particularly beneficial for those who find peace and satisfaction in the act of caring for living things.
Mindfulness Exercises: Practicing mindfulness in nature can heighten awareness and appreciation for the present moment. These exercises can include breathing practices, meditation, or even mindful observation of surroundings.

Why Outdoor Therapy Works

Outdoor therapy works by creating an environment where clients feel safe and supported by nature. The natural surroundings activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing stress responses. Nature’s ability to calm and soothe helps clients access a therapeutic state more easily, making it possible for them to engage in deeper and more effective work.

Furthermore, spending time in natural spaces can counteract the overstimulation many people experience due to constant screen time and urban living. This, in turn, makes it easier for clients to focus on their therapy goals, fostering greater self-awareness and emotional healing.

Common Questions About Outdoor Therapy

How does nature therapy work?
We meet outside and walk or sit in nature, effortlessly experiencing the benefits nature offers us. Because we feel supported by nature and are naturally in a calmer state, we have an increased ability to lean into your therapeutic work.

What is another name for nature therapy?
Eco-therapy, horticultural therapy, walk & talk therapy, and outdoor therapy—all of these have a slightly different scope and many overlap.

Does being outside improve mental health?
Spending time in green spaces outside does improve our mental health! Being in nature can decrease anxiety, depression, stress, and pain and reduce symptoms of ADHD and PTSD. On the other hand, it can increase feelings of connection and improve our mood.

Why am I so much happier outside?

What a great question to get curious about. We have coexisted with and in nature since the beginning of our species. We have never been more removed from natural spaces and less engaged in nature than we are now with indoor work spaces and screens on screens on screens.

Our nervous system is highly intelligent and naturally knows how to self-regulate. Being in nature allows us to experience the calming effects that come with fewer distractions and less overstimulation. This serene setting gives us a break from screens and stressors, promoting a calm and happy state of mind.

Discover the Benefits of Outdoor Therapy for Yourself

Outdoor therapy is a growing field that recognizes the therapeutic potential of reconnecting with nature. By engaging in therapy outside, clients can experience a level of relaxation and openness that’s hard to find indoors. Whether it’s through a peaceful walk, mindful breathing, or nurturing a garden, the benefits of nature for mental health are undeniable. Ready to explore how outdoor therapy could support your journey? If you’re in Portland OR, reach out today to begin your path toward healing in the great outdoors.

What is Outdoor Therapy? Discover Its Benefits for Mental Health