Mindful Meanderings of a Counsellor

Series introduction
Mindful Meanderings isn't about having all the answers. It's an invitation to pause, become curious, and gently explore the ideas that shape our mental and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes we find new insights. Other times we simply leave with new questions and an unexpected path of discovery to follow. Either way, the journey unfolds at your own pace.

So, let's meander...

01: Counselling in Nature: What's the Big Idea?

I have just started reading a book called Healing with Nature: Mindfulness and Somatic Practices to Heal from Trauma (Rochelle Calvert, PhD). I was initially drawn to the cover, which portrayed a beautiful woodland, always my most healing environment. That particular afternoon, I was lost in a dense haze of brain fog (Menopause? Fibromyalgia? Time of day? Agghhh!), so I made a strong cup of Earl Grey and sloped off to the garden to 'cleanse my mental palate' and absorb some wisdom.

The air molecules were heavily infused with 'eau de cow', but luckily, I happen to love that smell... it reminds me of exciting childhood outings to city farms. I had barely settled in my seat when I experienced my first lightbulb moment. These were the words that lit me up...

“Nature has an inherent impulse to restore herself to wholeness. She will organise herself and respond with healing and new beginnings to whatever conditions arise. She does so with the support of her interconnected systems and whatever resources are available.”

Well! This so clearly resonated with my feelings about the power of connection with nature for us humans. From my own experience, I have found that spending time in nature amplifies my natural ability to find balance. It makes sense that it can help restore us to wholeness, supporting us as we wobble our way towards equilibrium. How much more powerful could it be to also tap into our 'interconnected systems and whatever resources are available', such as counselling or even joining a psychotherapy group? Research has shown that human-to-human connection can be powerfully healing within a counselling relationship; how much of a 'super-boost' might it be to engage in that therapy whilst also connecting with nature?

There is a growing body of research demonstrating that spending time in nature, or even just looking at photos of trees and greenery, can positively influence our wellbeing in many ways. We can busy ourselves with reading it all, or instead, we can step outside and experience it for ourselves. Perhaps it is time to recognise that 'tree-huggers' are onto something we can all tap into. No nasty side effects, other than soggy summer feet (I am writing this on a very wet day in June) and perhaps a slightly odd look from a passer-by. You can console yourself with the knowledge that you are making use of nature's abundant — and free — restorative power.

So, I guess, Nature Therapy = Wisdom, not Weirdness.

Perhaps healing sometimes begins with something as simple as stepping outside? (Earl Grey tea and muddy boots optional).

Michele Bentley (FdA, MBACP)
Counsellor and Holistic Practitioner

Reference
Calvert, R. (2021). Healing with Nature: Mindfulness and Somatic Practices to Heal from Trauma. California: New World Library.

Last updated 05/07/2026 12:26:29

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