Nature-Based Therapy and Animal-Assisted Therapy

In Nature-Based Play Therapy, nature is used at the child’s playroom. The child’s relationship with nature is integrated into the therapeutic process alongside the interaction with the therapist. Animal assisted therapy is also incorporated within the nature setting to further build important skills.

Nature-based play therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes the natural environment as a tool to support children's emotional and developmental growth, where a therapist incorporates outdoor play activities and interactions with nature to facilitate healing and expression of feelings, similar to play therapy while emphasizing a connection to the nature and animals. It allows children to play and explore in nature to process emotions, build confidence, practice social skills, and develop coping skills. Through nature and animal-assisted activities, children naturally build impulse control, empathy, emotional regulation, and more.

Nature-based play therapy allows for more movement , which kids often need. Nature is known to help kids and adults naturally regulate their emotions and feel calm. Spending an hour outside benefits both physical and mental health. Animals also serve as a natural regulator. Children will often open up more in the outdoors and with animals. Skills learned in therapy become more organic in nature and resonate longer with children. Research supports that time in nature increases focus, attention, mindfulness, and concentration. Many other benefits of both nature based and animal-assisted therapy include:

  • Increased confidence

  • Improved Mindfulness and present moment connection

  • Develops Emotional Regulation

  • Builds Compassion

  • Improves Verbalize of Feelings and Social Skill Development

  • Invites Cooperation

  • Builds Curiosity and Desire to Learn

Our therapist, Andrea, offers nature-based and animal assisted play therapy on her 12 acre farm in China Grove, NC. She finds nature and animals bring a unique approach to therapy with kids that “in office” sessions can not provide. Andrea includes her chickens in the therapeutic work with kids. If you are looking for a unique and deep therapeutic experience for your child, therapy on the farm could be a good fit.

Reach out to Andrea if you want to learn more!