Nature Informed Therapy | Outdoor Therapeutics

What is Nature-Informed Therapy (NIT)?

What are Nature-Based Therapies?

Nature-based therapies are clinical and wellness interventions that incorporate elements of the natural world to support healing, growth, and emotional well-being. Backed by scientific research, these therapies harness nature’s proven benefits to help individuals reconnect with themselves, others, and the environment. This therapeutic approach includes a wide range of modalities, such as:

Wilderness Therapy
Adventure Therapy
Ecotherapy & Ecopsychology
Horticultural Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Shinroku ("Forest Bathing")
Nature-Informed Therapy (NIT)

Each modality offers unique opportunities for personal transformation by engaging with nature in intentional, healing ways.

The Science and Philosophy of Our Approach

As Western science deepens its understanding of trauma, it has become clear that human physiology plays a central role in mental health. Therapies that reintegrate the mind-body connection—such as EMDR and Somatic Experiencing—have proven highly effective, especially for clients who haven’t found relief through traditional talk therapy. Yet even with these advances, many still struggle in conventional office settings, finding it difficult to feel safe, grounded, or truly connected to their providers.

At Outdoor Therapeutics, we believe that healing is most effective when it includes a relationship with the natural world. Our approach is rooted in Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Human Attachment Theory, and biophilia—the innate human desire to connect with nature—a connection believed to be encoded in our very DNA. Research shows that time in nature can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure and heart rate, improve sleep, enhance focus and creativity, ease depression and anxiety, and even accelerate recovery from illness or injury.

If we consider that mental illness often arises as an adaptation to unhealthy environments, then offering clients access to restorative natural

spaces—open fields, forests, gardens, and even symbolic landscapes of the mind—can be a powerful step toward wellness. That’s why we work in partnership with Nature as a Co-Therapist. Nature offers our clients metaphor, mirroring, mentorship, and secure attachment that may be difficulty to access and receive from human others. It teaches, reflects, inspires, and invites us to slow down, shift perspective, and rediscover a sense of belonging. When we’re willing to listen, nature becomes a wise and compassionate guide on the path to healing. Backed by scientific research and thousands of years of time-tested practices across cultures, these therapies harness nature’s proven benefits to help individuals reconnect with themselves, others, and the environment.

Outdoor Therapeutics Specialties

At Outdoor Therapeutics, we specialize in nature-based therapeutic modalities designed to restore connection—within ourselves, with others, and with the natural world. Our core offerings include:

Nature-Informed Therapy (NIT)

Nature-Informed Therapy is rooted in the understanding that humans have an inherent need to be in meaningful relationship with the natural world. To support clients in deepening their connection with nature, we use interventions that blend human attachment and place attachment theories with evidence-based clinical treatments such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, Transpersonal Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapies. NIT sessions may take place outdoors, in-office, or virtually and are offered to individuals, couples, and groups.

Rites of Passage

A Rite of Passage is a powerful ceremonial journey that honors and supports significant life transitions—such as healing from trauma, stepping into adulthood, or embracing a new identity or chapter. Drawing on ancient wisdom and modern clinical practices, this experience offers sacred space for personal reflection, community witnessing, and embodied transformation. Through guided rituals, meaningful challenges, and integrative support, participants release old narratives, reclaim their inner power, and reconnect with their authentic self. Our Rites of Passage are designed to catalyze deep healing, lasting change, and a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

Horticultural Therapy (HT)

Horticultural Therapy promotes healing through hands-on interaction with plants, soil, and natural cycles. Engaging in gardening activities supports emotional regulation, physical rehabilitation, and the development of life skills. At Outdoor Therapeutics, we offer HT through both vibrant outdoor garden programs and a dedicated indoor horticultural therapy station—providing year-round access to the restorative benefits of plant-based care.

Wilderness Therapy (WT)

Wilderness Therapy offers a transformative, adventure-based healing experience centered on outdoor exploration and survival skills. Designed to cultivate resilience, interpersonal growth, and self-awareness, our wilderness programs are guided by the principles of Nature-Informed Therapy. These immersive, multi-day expeditions—including hiking and backpacking—invite participants to reconnect with their core strengths while navigating the rhythms of the natural world.