Nature-Based Therapy for Children & Adolescents
Allow nature to enhance your child’s life!
What is Nature-Based Therapy?
Nature-Based Therapy is the applied practice of Ecopsychology, which studies the connection between humans & nature. Nature can be defined as the physical world that is produced by the earth as opposed to human creation. This includes plants, animals, the landscape, etc.
A growing body of research illustrates that connecting with nature can improve physical & emotional wellbeing in many ways including:
Reduces anger
Reduces stress
Reduces anxiety
Reduces disruptive behavior
Enhances critical thinking and problem solving
Improves attention and impulse control
Improves overall mood
Improves relationship skills
Improves health
Improves life satisfaction
See the Strengths offers Nature-Based Therapy for children & adolescents right here in New Jersey!
Whether your child loves playing outside or prefers spending time in front of a computer screen, Nature-Based therapy is a great option with remarkable benefits!
Nature-Based Therapy combines captivating nature walks and best practice psychological services within a local county or state park setting. Evidence-based psychological treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness are incorporated to teach your child how to cope with challenges and regulate emotions. Your child will learn these important strategies while having fun and getting fresh air!
Your child has a unique set of strengths and needs. Nature-Based Therapy will be individualized to meet your child’s specific needs.
To learn more about the benefits of connecting with nature, resources include…
Research Articles
The restorative benefits of nature (Kaplan, 1995)
At home with nature: Effects of “greenness” on children’s cognitive functioning (Wells, 2000)
Coping with ADD: The surprising connection to green play settings (Faber Taylor et al., 2001)
View of nature and self-discipline: Evidence from inner-city children (Faber Taylor et al., 2002)
Using nature and outdoor activity to improve children’s health (McCurdy et al., 2010)
Psychological benefits of walking (Johansson, Hartig & Staats, 2011)
Nature as a moderator of stress in urban children (Corraliza et al., 2012)
Calm, active and focused (Nedovic & Morrissey, 2013)
The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness (Capaldi et al., 2014)
Benefits of nature contact for children (Chawla, 2015)
Environmental determinants of aggression in adolescents (Younan et al., 2016)
Social media, nature, and life satisfaction (Chang et al., 2020)
Books
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with life in a virtual age by Richard Louv
The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier and More Creative by Florence Williams
Videos & Podcasts
