Nature-Based Weekly Walking Group:
Overcoming Social Anxiety and Deepening Connections
Weekly Walking Group Overview
It can feel lonely wanting to connect but feeling afraid or overwhelmed to do so. In this weekly walking group, we will come together to help you feel more comfortable engaging with others. Each week we will cover a new topic related to social anxiety and deepening connections. We will use an evidence-based approach to help reduce your fears and improve your confidence in social settings. This will be a small supportive and educational group where your participation is based on your comfort level. We will meet for one hour each week in gentle movement in nature, strategies that have been shown to reduce stress hormones and anxiety.
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Program Schedule and Locations
Specific day, time, and location to be announced. We will meet for one hour each week at a local park or natural area within Frederick County, Maryland. Walking group will begin in early April 2024. Please check back for more details.
Is this group right for me?
Has fear held you back from meeting new people, attending social activities, or going into crowded spaces? Or do you endure so much discomfort when you are in social situations and wish it could feel more comfortable? Do you worry what others are thinking of you or become embarrassed easily? If you said yes to any of the above, then this group may be right for you.
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Eligibility & Requirements
You are eligible to apply for this group if you:
* Meet criteria for social anxiety and are above the age of 18.
* Have the ability and desire to be outside, moving at a moderate pace along a path with minimal incline.
* Are open to creating a non-judgmental, accepting and supportive environment for all group members.
* Pass a free 30-minute clinical screening with the facilitator of the group.
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Your Facilitator
Kerri Easterbrook, LGPC, NCC, is a mental health counselor with experience and passion in helping individuals reduce their anxiety in order to live their desired lives. Kerri is trained in nature-based and trauma-informed approaches to therapy, along with an education based in CBT, person-centered therapy, and somatic therapies. Click here to learn more about Kerri: https://www.outdoortherapeutics.com/kerri-easterbrook
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Walking Group Costs
Group participation is an out-of-pocket cost not covered by insurance. Participants will pay $35 for their first group and $20 for every group they attend thereafter. Participants are encouraged to attend consistently for at least 6 weeks to maximize the benefits of the group.
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Apply for Group Participation
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Questions before applying? Please contact kerri@outdoortherapeutics.com if you have questions.