Outdoor Therapy

Sometimes it can feel easier to open up when you're not sitting opposite another person in a therapy room. Outdoor therapy combines the support of therapy with the calming, restorative qualities of nature. Sessions may involve walking, sitting in a peaceful outdoor space, or doing creative activities inspired by the natural environment itself.

Nature has a way of helping us slow down. Being outside can bring a welcome sense of calm and space to thin The gentle rhythm of walking, fresh air, and the changing landscape can help clear your head and offer a different perspective. Many people also find that talking side by side, rather than face to face, feels less intimidating and allows conversations to flow more naturally.

Walking and Bilateral Stimulation

As a qualified EMDR therapist, one of the things I love about outdoor therapy is that walking provides a natural form of bilateral stimulation through the gentle, alternating movement of each side of the body.

Although walking is not the same as EMDR, this steady rhythm may help you feel calmer, think more clearly, and make it easier to work through difficult thoughts and experiences.

Working Creatively in Nature

Nature offers endless opportunities to explore your thoughts and feelings in gentle, creative ways. We might use leaves, stones, sticks, or other natural objects to represent emotions or experiences, notice how the changing seasons reflect your inner world, or simply pause to take in the sights, sounds, and textures around us.

These activities aren't about being artistic or getting things "right"- they're about slowing down, seeing things from a different perspective.

Sometimes, when words are hard to find, the natural world can help us express what we're feeling.

Practical Information

Outdoor therapy sessions take place in the beautiful and peaceful Gosforth Nature Reserve.

To protect your privacy, we'll agree a meeting point and finish point within the reserve before each session.

Although the setting is more relaxed than a therapy room, the same professional standards apply. We'll agree the focus of our work together, and confidentiality remains a priority. As we're in a public space, we'll also discuss what we'd like to do if we happen to see someone we know.

Your wellbeing and safety are always important to me. Before we begin, we'll talk through any potential risks, and for added reassurance, I am trained in outdoor first aid.

Outdoor therapy is available throughout the year and in most weather conditions.

Sessions will only move online if there is a thunderstorm, an official weather warning, or the reserve is closed or inaccessible.

If, during our work together, it becomes clear that EMDR would be beneficial - for example, if a traumatic experience comes up - we can discuss incorporating face-to-face or online EMDR sessions into your therapy.

At a glance

📍 Location
Gosforth Nature Reserve

🕒 Session length
60 minutes (weekly) or 90 minutes (fortnightly)

💷 Reserve entry
£5.50 per visit or £39 annual household membership

🚗 Parking
Parking is available beside the reserve entrance, with additional free on-street parking nearby if the lay-by is full.

🚻 Facilities
Two toilets are available within the reserve, including an eco-toilet.

🌦️ Weather
Sessions take place year-round and in most weather conditions.