Services
If you are interested in exploring how we could work together, please email me at wildingpsychology@gmail.com
Teaching and training
I believe we need to bring a bit more wildness into how we think and learn about health and wellbeing, and also to acknowledge the impacts on human health of how disconnected from nature we have become as a species. Drawing on ideas from ecopsychology and climate psychology, ​​I'm happy to design bespoke teaching sessions to share knowledge about the relationships between human and planetary health, exploring the interconnections between human and non-human nature, how these relationships impact our mental health and wellbeing, and how we can re-discover a connection to nature.
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I have delivered teaching on university psychology courses, within the NHS, and independently to different groups of health professionals, trainee psychologists, and environmental/conservation professionals, and enjoy bringing experiential elements into this too.
Nature connection workshops and retreats
Workshops are a great opportunity to both learn about and bring to life the benefits of connecting with nature for wellbeing. There's nothing like experiencing it for yourself to understand how it can feel to connect with nature - our own and the more-than-human, as well as to build confidence in bringing nature into your own practice. Sessions can be designed to suit the needs of your organisation or group.
I'm also collaborating with other practitioners to offer nature connection as part of retreats and other experiential workshops. Keep an eye on this website or @wilding_psychology for upcoming workshops and retreats available to book on to.
Forest bathing
Forest bathing - shinrin-yoku - is a term that was coined in Japan in the 1980s, when the forestry department was researching the health benefits of spending time in the forest. The results showed that spending two hours mindfully exploring the forest helped to lower blood pressure, reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and improve memory and concentration. They also found that the chemicals naturally released by trees, called phytoncides, can support the human immune system. Many of us know intuitively that immersing ourselves in nature can feel good, and what we know from forest bathing research helps us understand some of the reasons why!
I trained as a forest therapy practitioner with Nature & Therapy. I offer occasional forest bathing walks in Bristol and can also offer bespoke sessions for groups or organisations - do get in touch if you would like to discuss options.
Ecotherapy
- 1:1 and groups
A core principle of ecotherapy is that humans have an innate connection to the natural world, and restoring this connection can support mental health and healing. Sometimes the term ecotherapy is used to describe a broad range of nature-based activities that can promote emotional wellbeing and support mental health. At Wilding Psychology, ecotherapy refers to a type of psychological therapy that works in partnership with nature, supporting you to cultivate your wholeness and find belonging through relationship with nature, welcoming every part of you.
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As a clinical psychologist I am trained in a range of therapy modalities and integrate these alongside nature-based practices depending on your own needs and preferences - it is a collaborative process.
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I do not currently have availability for ecotherapy clients, but anticipate this will change in the near future, so please keep an eye out for updates.
Climate cafe
listening circles
Climate cafe listening circles are welcoming spaces where fears and uncertainties about our climate and ecological crises can be safely expressed and shared.
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I am a CPA-trained climate cafe listening circle facilitator, and volunteer with other local facilitators to run climate cafes in Bristol. Follow @bristol_climate_cafe for upcoming climate cafes in Bristol, and the Climate Psychology Alliance for online sessions and offerings in other areas.
