Beyond the therapy room -Why outdoor therapy?
Stolen attention
Let’s be honest—we all intuitively know that we feel better after some time outside. But these days, it’s hard to escape the constant buzz of notifications, emails, screens, and all the other noise in the modern world. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel frazzled, stressed out, and worn down. We rush from one thing to the next and rarely stop to catch our breath, with our senses dulled by too much stimulation.
Our Growing Disconnection from Nature
It’s no wonder we’re losing touch with nature. In the UK, it’s clear we’re spending less time outdoors than ever. A 2020 survey from Natural England found that 83% of kids in England don’t get outside as much as their parents did, and one in four adults said they don’t spend any time at all in nature during the average week. You might say that we are experiencing ‘nature deficit disorder’, a phrase coined by Richard Louv in 2005.
Why Does This Matter?
So, why should we care? Science gives us some solid reasons. The ‘biophilia hypothesis’ from biologist E.O. Wilson says humans are naturally drawn to nature because we’ve relied on the outdoors for our wellbeing for thousands of years. There’s a lot of research backs this up. Studies show that even a short break in a natural setting can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and lift your mood. For example, a 2019 study found that just two hours a week in nature can really improve your health and happiness.
The Calming Power of Nature: Stress Reduction Theory
Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) suggests that spending time in nature helps us feel calmer and less stressed. The idea comes from psychologist Roger Ulrich, who found that just looking at trees, plants, or water can help our bodies relax after a tough or stressful experience.
When we’re in natural places, our heart rate and blood pressure can go down, and we start to feel better emotionally. This happens because our brains and bodies are wired to respond positively to nature—it makes us feel safe and comfortable.
In a famous experiment Ulrich studied patients recovering from surgery in a hospital setting. Some patients had a view of trees from the window, while others only saw a brick wall. It was found that the patients with a view of nature recovered faster and needed less pain medication.
Reinvigorating Our Attention
Another idea worth mentioning is the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), from psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan. They say all the demands of modern life—work, screens, city noises—leave our brains tired and unfocused. Nature, on the other hand, lets our minds relax by gently grabbing our attention in a way that’s effortless. Things like birdsong, rustling leaves, or running water create what the Kaplans call ‘soft fascination’, helping us recharge and refocus. This is key for creativity, staying sharp, and keeping our emotions in check, especially with today’s hectic pace.
Moments, not minutes
But it’s not just the amount of time spent outdoors that matters, it’s the quality of time. Research by Miles Richardson and his team at the University of Derby emphasizes that meaningful experiences in nature can be more impactful than longer durations. Simple actions such as taking mindful breaths outside, observing sunlight through trees, or walking on soft ground may help regulate the nervous system, even during a busy day.
Focusing on meaningful engagement with natural surroundings allows individuals to recharge both mentally and physically, making outdoor moments restorative rather than simply routine. Even those with limited free time can benefit from intentional nature interactions, such as eating lunch in a park or pausing to notice the sounds of birds while commuting. Over time, regularly incorporating these small but deliberate practices can foster a deeper connection to nature, potentially boosting mood, reducing stress, and supporting long-term well-being.
The Science Behind Nature’s Healing Power
Neuroscience backs this up too: spending time in nature—no matter how brief—activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you relax and recover. Brain scans show that being in green spaces can quiet the parts of your brain linked to worry and negative thoughts, which pop up with anxiety and depression.
In Our Nature: Bridging Science and Practice
In addition to delivering traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, In Our Nature is all about blending research on how nature helps us with practical, proven therapeutic approaches. The goal is to demonstrate how getting outside can boost your body and mind. I will offer guided walks, outdoor therapeutic group workshops and courses, and bespoke 1:1 therapy in the outdoors—all designed to help you reconnect with yourself and the world around you in a safe and compassionate setting.