The benefits of a nature-based approach to therapy
What is ‘nature’? On one level, you could say everything is nature. Humans are part of nature and not separate from it, and you could view our buildings as extensions of our own human nature - in the same way that a bee’s hive is an extension of its bee nature. And at the same time, the areas which inhabit have changed so drastically from the forms our bodies have adapted to. By clearing trees, pouring concrete and erecting buildings, we have constructed environments which serve certain interests, but which often just don’t feel right. So when I talk about ‘nature’, I’m talking about being in places where human development is not the primary feature.
Have you ever been camping, and noticed that you’re naturally tired and ready for sleep after the sun goes down, and naturally wake up in the morning with the sun and birds? This is no coincidence - the biological systems within our body have co-evolved with our natural environment since the beginning of time. And while our environment has evolved rapidly with technology and industrialisation, our human biology has not kept up.
This doesn’t mean we have to get rid of our houses and technology to live a good life, but if we can align our habits with our bodies’ natural biological systems, we’ll likely feel a whole lot better.
And clinical evidence agrees, research supporting the mental health benefits of time in nature and nature-guided therapy is robust and rapidly expanding:
- The Two-Hour Threshold: A landmark study established that spending at least 120 minutes in nature per week is significantly associated with high psychological well-being and a stronger sense of personal flourishing (White et al., 2019).
- Rapid Cortisol Reduction: Clinical research indicates that a "nature dose" of as little as 10 to 20 minutes of mindful presence in a green space significantly lowers perceived stress and circulating cortisol levels (Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, 2026).
- Sustained Emotional Resilience: Australian research published in PMC Mental Health highlights that nature-based interventions foster deep psychological insights, self-worth, and a sense of belonging that outlasts the sessions themselves, with benefits measured 6 to 12 months post-therapy.
My Approach to Outdoor Sessions
If you book an outdoor session, I’ll contact you and we can decide which location will suit you best. I generally do outdoor sessions in the Brisbane West region (near Bardon or Anstead). Depending on your preferences, the session could involve walking, sitting in a quiet spot, or a bit of both.
In walking-based sessions, I use a more talk-therapy oriented approach. For those who want to explore more deeply with somatic processes, Internal Family Systems informed therapy and breathwork practices, we can find a nice comfortable spot and fold out a blanket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if it rains?
If the weather is not looking favourable, we can still meet outdoors under cover, or by mutual agreement we can reschedule or switch to a different appointment type.
Do I need to be physically fit?
No - we can select gentle, flat paths, or sit outside. We can also go for a more challenging option if you like, ‘choose your adventure’.
Is this covered by Medicare?
Yes. If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, you are eligible for Medicare rebates for our outdoor sessions, just as you would be in the clinic or online.
- 50-minute outdoor session: Fee without rebate: $220 | MHTP Rebate: $ 115.35 | Out of pocket: $104.65
