For most of us, therapy means four walls, a couch, and a box of tissues. But healing doesn’t have to happen indoors.
Eco-therapy—also called nature therapy—brings therapy into the natural world. At Stone Silo Counselling & Wellness, one of the ways we do this is through walk-and-talk therapy in our local parks and trails. It’s therapy, just with birdsong instead of background music.
🌿 What Is Eco-Therapy?
Eco-therapy is a broad term for nature-based therapeutic practices. It might mean:
- Walking therapy sessions outdoors
- Gardening or planting activities
- Mindfulness in nature (like forest bathing)
- Even simply sitting under a tree and talking
The idea is simple: humans are wired to connect with nature. When we do, our mental health benefits.
🌎 Why Nature Is So Good for the Brain
Decades of research show nature isn’t just “nice”—it’s essential.
Stress reduction: Being outside lowers cortisol (our stress hormone) and blood pressure (Ulrich, 1984).
Mood boosts: Nature exposure improves mood and decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression (Bratman et al., 2019).
Focus & clarity: “Attention Restoration Theory” suggests nature helps our brains rest and recharge (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989).
Social connection: Group or guided nature activities reduce feelings of isolation (Jordan & Hinds, 2016).
Even short “doses” of nature—20 to 30 minutes a few times a week—can have measurable mental health benefits.
🚶 Walk-and-Talk Therapy: Therapy, Reimagined
One of our favourite eco-therapy practices at Stone Silo is walk-and-talk therapy.
Here’s how it works:
- Instead of sitting in an office, you and your therapist meet outdoors—on a trail, in a park, or by the river.
- You walk side by side, which often feels more relaxed and less intense than sitting face-to-face.
- You talk as you move, taking breaks to sit, breathe, or reflect as needed.
For many people, this format feels freeing. The natural movement of walking can help “unstick” thoughts and emotions, and being outside makes hard conversations feel a little lighter.
🌱 Who Can Benefit From Eco-Therapy?
Eco-therapy is helpful for almost anyone, but it’s especially supportive for:
- People who feel anxious, restless, or “stuck” indoors
- Clients who process better while moving
- Those struggling with stress, grief, or burnout
- Anyone looking for a different kind of therapeutic experience
🧠 Why It Works
Nature is more than a pretty backdrop—it actively shifts our physiology.
Studies show that outdoor therapy:
Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety (Annerstedt & Währborg, 2011)
Improves emotional regulation
Can enhance the therapeutic relationship because of the shared, informal space (Revell & McLeod, 2017)
It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t just come from words—it comes from where we choose to have those conversations.
📍 Eco-Therapy at Stone Silo
Our walk-and-talk sessions are available in our local parks, and we’re excited to offer this option for clients who want a different experience.
Sessions are:
- Private and confidential (just like in-office therapy)
- Adjusted to your comfort level—we can walk, sit, or mix the two
- Grounded in the same evidence-based approaches we use indoors
Sometimes the best breakthroughs happen between trees, not between walls.
💛 Final Thoughts
Eco-therapy isn’t about replacing traditional therapy—it’s about expanding it. It reminds us that healing can be active, embodied, and connected to the world around us.
If the idea of therapy in nature resonates with you, we’d love to meet you outside.
