What Even Is Outdoor Therapy? (And Why It Might Be Just What You Need)

So, you’ve heard of therapy in a room, but therapy in a park or a woodland?

If you’ve ever felt clearer after a long walk, or like your thoughts somehow make more sense when you're surrounded by trees or fresh air, then outdoor therapy might speak to something you already intuitively know: that nature can be healing.

As a psychotherapist offering outdoor therapy, I often get asked what it involves. Do we sit on a log and talk about childhood? Is it just for people who love hiking? Do you have to open up emotionally and  battle the elements?

Let’s clear that up.

What Is Outdoor Therapy?

At its core, outdoor therapy is simply therapy that takes place outside, often walking side by side through a local park or woodland, sometimes sitting under a tree or next to a river. But it’s not just a change of scenery. Being outdoors changes the feel of therapy.

You're not in a formal room with a clock on the wall. You're under open sky. The pace is often slower, more spacious. You can pause, breathe, take in the world around you. And for many people, that makes it easier to open up, both to a therapist and to themselves.

Why Nature?

Nature has this beautiful way of holding us without asking for anything in return. It doesn’t interrupt. It doesn’t judge. It doesn’t need you to perform or explain. And research shows that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and even lower symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Outdoor therapy can be a powerful way of reconnecting to our felt sense of being human, not just as minds with problems, but as whole people in relationship with our environment. There’s something grounding about walking on real earth, noticing the seasons shift, feeling the weather on your skin. It reminds us we belong.

A Different Kind of Space

Sometimes, being in a therapy room can feel too intense. Sitting opposite someone, trying to find the words, making eye contact - for some people, that feels like too much. Outdoor therapy softens the edges. Walking side by side creates a different energy. Silence feels more natural. Moments can unfold gently, in between bird calls and rustling leaves.

Therapy doesn’t need to be cut off from the world around us. Our inner and outer worlds are deeply connected, and I believe that we heal best when we acknowledge this relationship.

Is It Still “Real” Therapy?

Yes. There are still boundaries, care, and a strong therapeutic relationship at the heart of it. We just let the natural world be part of that relationship too.

And no, you don’t need to be super outdoorsy. We won’t be scaling mountains or foraging for berries (unless you want to). Sessions are designed around what feels safe and accessible for you, whether that’s a gentle stroll, sitting on a bench, or even standing still and taking it all in.

Who Is It For?

Outdoor therapy can be especially helpful if you:

• Feel stuck or emotionally shut down

• Struggle with anxiety or burnout

• Find traditional therapy spaces overwhelming

• Feel disconnected from your body or emotions

• Want to reconnect with a deeper sense of self or belonging

It’s also a great option for people who just feel better when they’re not stuck indoors all day - which, let’s face it, is a lot of us.

In a Nutshell

Outdoor therapy is about bringing your whole self into a healing relationship, one that includes your emotions, your body, your surroundings, and your unique rhythm. It’s not a quick fix, but it can be a powerful way to reconnect: with yourself, with the world, and with what really matters to you.

If you're curious about it, you're so welcome to reach out. No hiking boots required.

You can try it out alongside in-person and online therapy - whatever works for you.

If you'd like to explore this option get in touch at therapywithashling@gmail.com