Nature-Based
Therapy
Nature-Based Therapy in Victoria, BC
Somatic, Mind–Body Counselling Outdoors at Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion
Nature has a remarkable ability to calm the nervous system, ease stress, regulate emotions, and reduce the intensity of chronic pain. For many people, connecting with the outdoors provides a sense of grounding, clarity, and spaciousness that is hard to access in a traditional office setting.
My nature-based therapy sessions in Victoria, BC offer a gentle, trauma-informed approach that blends counselling, somatic awareness, and mindful connection with the natural world.
If you’re navigating chronic pain, anxiety, overwhelm, stress, burnout, neurodiversity, or you simply feel better when you’re outside, nature-based therapy may be an ideal fit.
What Is Nature-Based Therapy?
Nature-based therapy (also called eco-therapy or outdoor counselling) is a therapeutic approach that integrates the healing qualities of the natural environment with evidence-based counselling. Sessions often include:
Gentle walking or sitting outdoors
Somatic and grounding practices
Mind–body nervous system regulation
Mindfulness, breathwork, and sensory awareness
Space to talk, process, reflect, and reconnect
The goal is not to “do therapy while hiking.” Instead, the setting itself becomes part of the therapeutic relationship—supportive, calming, and restorative.
Research shows that nature-based therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, lower stress hormones, improve emotional regulation, and decrease nervous-system-driven pain.
Why Choose Nature-Based Therapy?
Living in Victoria, we are fortunate to be surrounded by natural landscapes. Nature-based therapy utilizes these natural spaces to provide an alternative to traditional counselling approaches that are indoors in an office-setting.
Reduce physical and emotional tension
Improve mood and energy
Support chronic pain reduction
Enhance clarity and focus
Increase a sense of groundedness and safety
Make therapy feel less intimidating or “clinical”
Build connection with body, breath, and environment
If sitting in an office feels uncomfortable or over stimulating, or if you simply feel more like yourself outdoors, nature-based therapy can offer a more supportive environment.
Where Sessions Take Place: Gorge Park & Pavilion in Esquimalt
All outdoor sessions are held at Gorge Park & Pavilion in Esquimalt, a calm, scenic, and accessible waterfront location ideal for therapeutic work.
Amenities Nearby
Public washrooms
Free parking
Easy access by transit
Paved and natural pathways
Shaded and sunny areas
Quiet spaces for seated sessions
This location allows us to adjust the session depending on your needs—whether that’s a slow walk, sitting near the water, or choosing a quieter area for grounding exercises.
How Sessions Work
1. Initial Consultation (Online – 60 minutes)
Before meeting in person, all new clients begin with an online 60-minute Initial consultation. We will discuss your therapeutic goals, challenges in your life, and develop a collaborative plan for moving forward.
This ensures:
You feel comfortable with me
Nature-based therapy is a good fit for your goals
We discuss accessibility and your comfort level outdoors
We review safety, clothing recommendations, and session structure
This consultation is required before booking an outdoor session.
2. Nature-Based Therapy Sessions at Gorge Park (60 Minutes)
Your first outdoor session will be slow, gentle, and collaborative.
We will:
Choose a comfortable route or seated area
Explore grounding and breathwork
Integrate somatic and mind–body techniques
Discuss what feels supportive for your body
Move at a pace that feels safe and regulated
Sessions can be adapted for chronic pain, mobility concerns, fatigue, sensory sensitivity, and weather preferences.
If mobility or accessibility needs require alternate arrangements, we can discuss modifications or options during the consultation.
Who Nature-Based Therapy Is For
This approach can be especially supportive for people who:
Experience chronic pain or nervous-system dysregulation
Live with anxiety, depression, or burnout
Identify as neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, sensory overwhelm)
Prefer movement over sitting still
Feel calmer outdoors
Want a gentler, body-based therapeutic approach
Are athletes recovering from injury, stress, or performance pressures
Feel disconnected from their bodies and want a safe way to reconnect
No athletic ability or hiking experience is required.
What About Weather?
Sessions continue in most weather except extreme conditions. Sessions will be moved to online in this case, or rescheduled.
Light rain can actually create a wonderfully calming sensory environment.
We will always:
Discuss weather comfort in advance
Adjust the route or choose sheltered areas
Modify the session for warmth, pacing, or grounding
You’re encouraged to dress for comfort and bring water, layers, or mobility supports.
Why Work With Me
As a therapist specializing in chronic pain, mind–body approaches, somatic therapy, and neurodiversity, I understand how deeply the environment influences the nervous system. Many clients feel safer, more grounded, and more themselves outdoors, especially those who find offices overstimulating or confining.
My approach is gentle, validating, and paced to your comfort. There is no pressure to walk fast, talk constantly, or “perform.” We follow your body’s needs and natural rhythm.
Get to know Liz with a free 15-minute consultation: