Island Parent Magazine Dec-Jan 2023

Nature-Based Counselling
With Thriving Roots
BRANDED CONTENT
Humans are naturally designed to belong in nature. We’re
ecological beings who have evolved alongside trees, rivers,
birds, and mountains. So, when we are supported in
connecting to nature in an embodied, mindful, and interactive
way, our nervous system regulates and new brain patterns
form, leading to a deeper sense of ecological connection, belonging
and empowerment. The therapeutic world is beginning
to realize this and embrace the power of nature connection in
healing and development in ways that are very exciting.
It’s for these reasons that Thriving Roots has opened a new
nature-based Counselling Services division in addition to our
Wilderness School. This way, youth and adult clients can work
in more specialized, intimate settings with trained counsellors
who are themselves deeply connected to nature. We use regulating
sensory activities, therapeutic games, mindfulness practices
and reflective questioning to help clients explore their
inner world, while finding comfort, regulation, and resilience
directly from nature. This way, nature itself becomes a source
of healing and strength that clients can draw from in their dayto-day
lives.
While most of our counseling focus is designed to take place
outside in private green spaces or parks, we also provide indoor
and online options depending on preference or weather
conditions. Our clients include youth, teens, adults, couples
and families and our meetup locations are based in Saanich,
Westshore, Sidney, and the Highlands.
Curious about a nature-based counselling approach? Book a
free introductory meet and greet with Vanya Laporte: vanya@
thrivingroots.org or visit our website: thrivingroots.org.
IslandParent.ca
December/January 2023 23