Nature Based Therapy

After listening to Glass Half Full podcast about nature-based therapy I am eager to hear more about it. Nature based therapy is OT that is outdoors in a natural environment. In nature there are more elements to compensate for and sensory components missing that are not found indoors. One particular diagnosis that was discussed in the podcast was sensory processing. Water provides hydrostatic pressure that gives more feedback. In the pediatric population children can play outdoors with mud and in trees. This is allowing for them to feel different sensations. An example she used was mud. Mud has different consistencies that provide different textures. Another plus, is kids can use one item as multiple things. Example being, a stick could be used as a microphone. Nature therapy allows kids to be outdoors, in a stimulating environment, where they can use their imagination. Nature therapy also allows for the children to have free will and giving the freedom to the child takes the dictation of therapy out of the therapists hands and puts it into the clients.

Some pros to nature based theory:
- Skills you can't learn in a clinic.
Example: Depth prospection when knowing when to cross the street.
- Children more likely to follow through if they can go outside and play and have fun and integrate what they learned in therapy.
Example: As mentioned in the podcast you never want to make a home carry over routine that is an additional burden on the parents. Having children going outside to play and do fun OT activities will make things easier to carry over at home.

However, like anything there are cons to nature based therapy that were mentioned in the podcast. Some being:
Parents worried about safety to elements- climbing, rough tumble play.

Overall, Amy the OT sees consistent results and has very good feedback from Nature Based Therapy. If you have clients that enjoy outdoors then this could be a good option for a new innovated way t treat.