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
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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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 and supervisors 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.
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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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Marie McMahon (she/her)
Licensed Professional Counselor Intern
MA, NCC, EAGALA
At the Center at Heron Hill, EcoTherapy is at the heart of all of the services we provide. We operate on a farm where there is access to hiking trails, wildlife, domesticated animals, gardening, and all sorts of outdoor fun. What we experience in nature can serve to connect with with ourselves and the larger world.
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Aaron Good (he/him/his)
Licensed Professional Counselor
MA, CRC, LPC
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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Ivy Katz, LPC (she/her)
Licensed Professional Counselor
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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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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Jeanell Innerarity (She/Her)
Professional Counselor
MA, QMHP-C, HTS, LMT
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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Erin Axelrod, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor Intern
My approach to ecotherapy means holding space for your relationship with dimensions beyond what is conventionally offered in therapeutic settings, such as nature, cosmic forces, or spiritual beliefs. I have trained in ecopsychology and listen with these systems in mind in order to serve you as a full and whole being.
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