Nature-Assisted Psychotherapy
Therapy in nature
“Come to nature and let it teach you how to take things as they are.”
– John Muir
Some processes need movement in order to begin flowing again. For this reason, where there is a particular need, I also offer therapeutic conversations outdoors as part of nature-assisted psychotherapy.
Together with my therapy dog Ferdinand, we use the calming power of nature – more specifically, the forests in Vienna’s 17th and 18th districts – for therapeutic “Walk & Talk” sessions. Spending time consciously in nature can get our thoughts moving and help us gain an entirely new perspective on ourselves. Nature can serve as a mirror, a calming presence and a powerful space in which to reconnect more deeply and authentically with our own needs and perceptions.
Because emotional stress also manifests in the nervous system and muscles, consciously involving the body is a central pillar of my work. Through well-founded Somatic Practices, you learn to understand your body’s signals again and to release emotions in ways that may differ from what you are used to. I use therapeutic methods such as Focusing according to Eugene T. Gendlin, targeted breathing and mindfulness exercises, as well as Somatic Release.
These approaches can help anchor emotions in the here and now, regulate the nervous system and make it possible to release emotional burdens in a way that can also be felt physically.
Who is this service suitable for?
The combination of psychotherapy, animal-assisted support and body-oriented work can be a valuable addition when addressing topics such as stress regulation, anxiety, exhaustion, grief or the desire to break out of old patterns.
No previous experience with dogs or body-oriented work is required.
What is always important to me is that participation is entirely voluntary and that your boundaries and needs remain at the centre.