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Counselling & Psychotherapy

Grass and Flowers
Trail in Woods
Rock Landscape Design and Installation

"We have fallen out of rhythm with the secret signature and light of our own nature"

-John O'Donohue, Irish poet, author and philosopher

Counselling & Psychotherapy

Counselling & Psychotherapy draws upon the wisdom of nature to cultivate inner awareness and promote personal growth, healing, and development. We work one-to-one with individuals experiencing a range of life stressors or health symptoms that impact on their quality of life and relationships.

Yoga by the Ocean

We offer the following services:

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Nature-Assisted Therapy

  • Mindfulness & Individualized Yoga

Our approach is both insight oriented and practical and is tailored to each person. Services are offered in office settings and/or in natural spaces depending on individual preferences.

We also offer online video therapy to connect with clients remotely!

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy- with nature in mind!

Cognitive behavioural therapy ( CBT ) is a structured, time-limited, problem-focused and goal oriented form of psychotherapy. CBT helps people learn to identify, question and change how their thoughts, attitudes and beliefs relate to the emotional and behavioural reactions that contribute to their problems in everyday life. Along with cognitive methods, we use a nature based approach and techniques to interrupt the automatic processes that often trigger negative thoughts, body sensations, anxiety and low mood.

Why Nature?

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Connecting with nature has many health benefits, and increasingly doctors and health practitioners are treating a variety of physical and mental health conditions with a dose of nature. Nature has been shown to improve mood, lower stress and anxiety and ease depression in adults, as well as help children with attention, emotional regulation and sensory issues. It also has therapeutic benefits for the management of conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, chronic pain, and fatigue.

Nature Assisted Therapy

Nature Assisted Therapy (also referred to as 'eco therapy') is an umbrella term for nature-based approaches to healing. It is based on the idea that people are connected to and impacted by the natural environment and each other and that we are all part of the web of life. By integrating nature into therapy we can nurture connections that promote health and wellbeing across the lifespan.

An eco therapist is a trained psychotherapist and regulated health professional that incorporates the principles and techniques of eco therapy into their existing practice. Common eco therapy activities include:​

  • Nature based meditation and yoga

  • The use of Nature as metaphor in therapy

  • Animal-assisted therapy

  • Involvement in climate action /conservation activities

  • Physical exercise in a nature

  • Horticulture therapy

The ultimate result is a happier, healthier you.

Book a Free Consultation!

Phone: 905-892-6955

or 905-630-1909 (mobile)

Nancy Rushford 

PhD, MSc.OT, Reg. (Ont.), M.A

Registered Occupational Therapist/

Psychotherapist

Branch
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