There’s something inherently soothing about stepping outside and breathing in fresh air. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, sitting beside a river, or simply feeling the warmth of the sun on your face, nature has a way of helping us slow down and reconnect. But beyond the calm it provides, time in nature can also play a powerful role in mental health healing, especially when guided by a skilled therapist through Nature-Informed Therapy.
The Connection Between Nature and Mental Health
Modern life often pulls us away from the natural world. Hours spent indoors, surrounded by screens and artificial light, can increase stress, anxiety, and feelings of disconnection. Research has shown that spending time outdoors reduces cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood and focus.
Nature offers a grounding effect. It helps us feel more present, calm, and connected to something larger than ourselves. For those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic stress, the natural world can serve as a partner in healing, reminding us of our innate resilience and ability to adapt.
What Is Nature-Informed Therapy?
Nature-Informed Therapy integrates the healing power of the natural environment into the therapeutic process. Rather than sitting in a traditional office, sessions often take place outdoors, on a walking trail, in a park, or another natural setting. The sensory experiences of being outside (birdsong, sunlight, fresh air) enhance emotional awareness and grounding in the present moment.
Unlike “ecotherapy” or general outdoor activities, Nature-Informed Therapy is a structured, evidence-informed approach led by a trained mental health professional. It blends traditional psychotherapy with mindfulness, movement, and nature-based exercises designed to foster growth and connection.
How Nature-Informed Therapy Helps
Nature-Informed Therapy supports mental health in ways that extend beyond the mind. Some of its key benefits are listed below.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Natural settings help activate the body’s relaxation response, easing the nervous system.
- Improved mood and emotional regulation: Time outdoors increases serotonin and endorphin levels, helping lift depression and promote emotional balance.
- Increased mindfulness and presence: Nature invites us to slow down, pay attention, and engage the senses, key components of mindfulness practice.
- Enhanced self-awareness and insight: The rhythms and patterns found in nature often mirror our own emotional processes, helping clients gain deeper understanding of themselves.
- Reconnection and grounding: Many people feel spiritually or emotionally renewed after time outdoors, which can strengthen their sense of belonging and hope.
When paired with evidence-based techniques such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), or CBT, Nature-Informed Therapy can help clients process trauma, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with their inner calm.
Jennifer Bearden’s Approach to Nature-Informed Therapy
As a Certified Nature-Informed Therapist, trained by the Center for Nature-Informed Therapy (CNIT), Jennifer Bearden, LCSW, integrates years of clinical experience with a deep appreciation for the natural world’s healing potential.
Jennifer offers Nature-Informed Therapy as part of her practice at Reclaim Balance in Bend, Oregon. Depending on a client’s needs and comfort level, sessions may include gentle movement, mindfulness exercises, or reflective conversation surrounded by the calming beauty of the outdoors.
Her approach blends the structure and insight of psychotherapy with the organic, restorative power of nature, helping clients discover balance, resilience, and a renewed connection to themselves and the world around them.
Is Nature-Informed Therapy Right for You?
Nature-Informed Therapy can benefit anyone seeking emotional healing or greater self-awareness. It’s especially helpful for individuals who:
- Feel stuck or disconnected in traditional talk therapy settings
- Experience stress, anxiety, or depression
- Are recovering from trauma or navigating major life changes
- Crave a deeper sense of connection and inner peace
- Feel most at ease or inspired in outdoor environments
You don’t have to be an avid hiker or outdoors expert. Nature-Informed Therapy is about presence, not performance. Even small, mindful experiences in nature can create powerful shifts in perspective and well-being.
Reconnect, Heal, and Grow in Nature
When life feels overwhelming, nature reminds us that healing is possible. Growth happens slowly, patiently, and with care.
If you’re ready to explore how Nature-Informed Therapy can support your emotional well-being, Jennifer Bearden, LCSW, offers sessions for individuals in Bend, OR, and throughout the states of Oregon, California, and New York via telehealth.
Visit Reclaim Balance to learn more about Jennifer’s approach or schedule a consultation. You deserve to feel grounded, connected, and whole, inside and out.