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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Olivia Lewis (She/ Her)
Professional Counselor Associate
Ph.D
Extensive research and experience in the area
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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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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 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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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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