EcoTherapy

Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy, is a therapeutic practice that focuses on the belief that time spent in nature can have a positive impact on both the body and the mind. Recent studies have shown that experiences in natural settings (like a walk outside) can have a tremendous effect on individuals suffering from stress, anxiety and depression (as well as other mood disorders). Eco-therapists generally focus on mental health and relationship issues just like a traditional therapist, but also approach therapy sessions through the lens of the clients relationships with their environment. In some cases, sessions will even occur in an outdoor setting.

Local experts in EcoTherapy

Paul "River" Fagan, M.A. (they/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

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Brooke Kaufman (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

M.A.

In Eco Therapy we view humans as a part of the earth, not separate from it. This view can help us to feel connected to something larger, and can provide a sense of purpose and meaning. When we look at the earth's cycles and seasons, we are able to place ourselves and our lives within a greater context. This larger context can be something that grounds us and helps us feel supported and nourished, it helps us to feel less alone in our experience.

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Ryja (Rylan Jay) Testa (he/him)

Clinical Psychologist

PhD; Psychologist Licensed in OR and CA

I am certified as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, through ANFT.EARTH. This training is extensive and further requires completion of an immersion program for lifelong certification, which I did complete in 2021. I offer free forest therapy events for medical and mental health providers regularly, in effort to honor their work and prevent burnout.

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Mitch Bacon, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nature- based forms of therapy are central part to my approach. I have years of experience working as a Wilderness Therapy guide, along with extensive studies in Ecopsychology. I believe that in building awareness of our connection to nature, we can become healthier. My office is found in a yurt, with a garden surrounding, in order to create an eco-friendly therapeutic setting.

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Jeanell Innerarity (She/Her)

Professional Counselor

MA, QMHP-C, LMT, CHT

I believe that true healing comes from recognizing our connection as living beings who evolved from, and are completely interdependent with, the Earth. Healing our sense of displacement and pain at losing our daily knowledge of Earth-as-home is often a key component to working with depression, anxiety, fear, and even trauma. I work with people both in the office and outdoors.

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Ivy Katz (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy, is the applied practice of the emergent field of ecopsychology. An ecotherapist understands that people are part of the web of life, and approaches clients from the perspective that our psyches are not isolated or separate from our environment. As Eco-therapist's we pay attention to our clients relationship with all the systems we are part of and the ways this impacts them. The majority of the work we do with clients at Heron Hill takes place outdoors.

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Kimberly Zeszutek, LPC (She/Her/Hers)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

I bring experience from ecopsychology research, trainings, and passion for integrating nature into daily life. Since the beginning of my career, have been supported by ecotherapy mentors who have encouraged me to explore the ways nature can be brought into the therapy room. This has evolved into creating ecotherapy collections and activities unique in my therapeutic practice. Stay tuned as I am creating an Urban Ecotherapy Garden location.

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Clea Partridge (she/her/hers)

Professional Counselor Associate

Masters of Science in Counseling

We are impacted by the environment and the environment is impacted by us. We often do not have access to our roles as integrated parts of the natural world. Ecotherapy can be as simple as bringing nature metaphor to the therapy room, or can involve natural objects, or even conducting therapy in natural spaces.

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Rose Novak (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

M.A. Professional Mental Health Counseling

Incorporating Nature into counseling does not necessarily mean that we have to go on a long hike together (although we could!). In fact, many of the ways in which I incorporate Nature into counseling can be done over Telehealth. We might explore your attachments towards geographical locations, discover activities that you find to be rejuvenating, or incorporate Nature into our mindfulness work. Therapy can be a dynamic space where we get creative together about your treatment.

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Bethany Ingram (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

I believe in the healing power of our connection to the earth. I encourage time spent in nature and enjoy connecting with my clients around their healing relationship with the world around them. I have limited sessions available for hiking or sitting in Forest Park, and these can be used for building increased safety and connection to nature.

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Karin Pfeiffer-Robinson (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

M.A., NCC

I completed courses in Ecopsychology and Ecotherapy at Lewis & Clark College while in the professional mental health counseling M.A. program. During my graduate internship, I worked with individual clients of all ages at a nature-based therapy agency. I bring this expertise to my work with clients whether sessions take place outdoors, indoors, or through telehealth, if it is something that is important to you.

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Aaron Adamski (He His)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

I have been providing outdoor based counseling services since 2019, received and certificate in Ecopsychology in 2020, lead wilderness trips for the University of Montana in 2015-2017, and have personal experience in many different outdoor activities.

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Zoe Presley (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Since childhood, nature has been my sanctuary for creative exploration and healing. As a psychotherapist, the majority of my practice occurs either out-of-doors or within an elegant yurt sanctuary at my retreat space in Portland's NW Hills. I have seen dramatic positive changes unfold as we allow ourselves to learn from and interact with the natural world.

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Joyce Korschgen (Ms)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

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Lesley Smith (they/she)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

Nature has so much to teach us. I am trained in using ecotherapy to assist in treating climate-related distress.

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Rebecca Macy LPC RYT

Licensed Professional Counselor

The natural world can be a great (and affordable) resource for healing! I offer to meet people outdoors, which can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and help you be more present. Even if we meet indoors I find it useful to discuss your connection to the world around you and identify ways to connect more fully with it.

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Aaron Good (he/him/his)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, CRC, LPC, CCC

I use ecotherapy in various forms - in its simplest form it involves weaving in awareness of the natural world into our counseling sessions. We can also take therapy outside, into one of our city's many beautiful parks. If you'd like we can address specific issues such as climate change, environmentalism, grief over habitat destruction, and more, using a variety of ecotherapy methods.

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Emily Radcliffe (She/Her)

Marriage and Family Therapist

I believe that part of the reason that we (humans) encounter challenges such as mood disorders and difficulties in relationships is because we have largely lost our connection to the most important life force - Mother Earth. I can help you foster a connection with the natural world that will aid in your healing journey as well as develop a fortified connection with your authentic self. Whether you're a "nature person" or not, EcoTherapy principles can be a helpful tool for wellness.

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Matt Coffey

Professional Counselor Associate

LPCA, LMHCA, NCC, Ecotherapy Certificate

I hold a certificate in Ecopsychology from Lewis and Clark College.

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Jamie Krahulec (she/they)

Professional Counselor Associate

MA, BA, #R7573

The benefits of nature on mental and physical health are well documented and are the reason I offer outdoor therapy. My approach is through a “walk-and-talk" which can mean a stroll through a park, walking a trail, or hiking-- whatever level of comfort a person may have and want to pursue. Incorporating sensory experiences into therapy is a great way to access and integrate languages that are not available with words.

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Brittany Kleinschnitz (they/them)

Clinical Social Work Associate

CSWA, PPSC

I work on a 60 acre horse farm in Canby where all of our sessions are conducted in an outdoor setting. Level 1 Ecotherapy Trained by EarthBody Institute

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