Overview

Nature is essential to human existence and Ecotherapy draws upon the innate human-nature connection to facilitate personal growth and healing.  Ecotherapy may involve therapeutic work in a natural setting or with natural objects.  The natural world can provide a mirror for personal reflection and exploration.  Often clients benefit from re-discovering connections to their place, the land, and the earth.  Ecotherapy can be an excellent addition to personal or career counseling.  I have experience guiding groups and individuals through personal growth experiences in the natural environment.

I also consider Plant- and Animal-Assisted Therapy forms of Ecotherapy.

Animal-Assisted Therapy:

I have experience providing therapeutic animal-assisted activities for youth.  Animal-assisted counseling relies on the unique relationships that people form with animals.  In this process, the animal is considered a “co-counselor”.  The client learns new aspects about oneself and interactions with others by developing a relationship with the animal counselor.

Plant-Assisted (Horticultural) Therapy:

As an adjunct to my degree in Counseling Psychology, I studied Horticultural Therapy at the New York Botanical Garden.  I have practiced Horticultural Therapy with youth and also with elderly clients.  Horticultural Therapy utilizes plant and gardening activities for therapeutic purposes with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Activities are tailored to the client’s goals.  Horticultural Therapy programs are found in diverse settings; schools, vocational training centers, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and many other institutions have successfully incorporated therapeutic horticulture programs.  Such programs might be focused on group work (social), individual therapy (for emotional or physical healing), or vocational training (in order to practice job skills).  I offer horticultural therapy as an option for personal or career counseling.  Also, I am available to create and implement a Horticultural Therapy program suited to a particular organization or group.

For a sliding-scale quote please contact me at: 208-315-3368 or email me here*
*Please only disclose personal information via phone or in-person contacts.