Nature Informed Therapy combines healing elements of nature with evidence-based treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Whereas traditional therapy works “from the neck up” with a focus on thoughts (cognition), a Nature-Informed approach tends to the body and our intrinsic human need to connect with our senses and the natural world for mental health and wellness. In practice, Nature-Informed Therapy can take many forms, for example individual therapy “walk and talk” sessions; group sessions, workshops and retreats (e.g. grief retreat in nature); and virtual Telehealth sessions that intentionally incorporate nature-based mindfulness.

Is Nature-Informed Therapy a good fit for you? If you answer yes to any of the following statements, NIT may be a good option. •Connecting with others through a nature-based group would help get me out of isolation and loneliness. •I always feel better after being in nature, with or without a therapeutic focus. •Traditional talk therapy - sitting face to face across from a clinical professional in a walled room - doesn’t work for me to feel comfortable and safe. I might feel more free and at ease to share, while walking side by side with less eye contact. •I have symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, stress, burn-out, grief, ADHD, or low life satisfaction. Research shows the benefit of Nature-Informed therapy for these concerns, so I’m open to try it. •I know therapy makes a difference for me, but it’s hard for me to sit still anywhere for an hour. I would be more likely to attend consistently if we could mix things up from time to time. •I would like to have meaningful connections with others outdoors, but I just can’t seem to make it happen on my own. I’d love to join a 6-week nature-based wellness program.

Lavina Velasco Counseling, PLLC is based in Central Illinois, the original land of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Piankashaw, Wea, Miami, Mascoutin, Odaa, Sauk, Mesquaki, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and Chicasaw Nations. We respectfully acknowledge that the land on which we work and live is the traditional, unceded territory of the indigenous people of Illinois. This land carries all our stories, our struggles for survival, and our healing.

“Nature heals, nature is everywhere, and nature is for everyone.” – Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Founder, Center for Nature Informed Therapy Research shows that nature is calming to the nervous system. Anxious, depressed thoughts tend to focus on the past or future. Weaving nature into mindfulness-based and trauma-informed therapy is effective for helping clients stay grounded in the present.

Champaign County, Illinois. Nature-Informed Therapy can take many forms, for example individual therapy “walk and talk” sessions; group sessions, workshops and retreats (e.g. grief retreat in nature); and virtual Telehealth sessions that intentionally incorporate nature-based mindfulness. The best way to get started is to schedule a free consultation or discuss during your therapy session so you can get all your questions answered about current options.

Do you own or manage an outdoor space with walking paths? Are you interested in collaborating on nature-based health and well-being? Our partnership will likely benefit your business or non-profit site by building both awareness of what you do and cultivating greater respect for the land and our broader environment. Typically, Lavina Velasco Counseling’s land use involves walking the land and/or setting up camping chairs in a quiet area of the property. Contact: partnerships@LavinaVelascoCounseling.com