Exploring nature helps young people with mental health difficulties to reconnect with themselves

We often use nature to help young people and families to build emotional resilience.

The therapeutic team make the most of the great outdoors during their sessions with service users who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other emerging mental health difficulties.

CEO and Clinical Director Sue Bell, sometimes chooses to take service users outside on the swings as part of their therapy, she describes the sensation ‘as comforting’ for those with developmental trauma.

Vicky Lysons, one of Kids Inspire’s Art Psychotherapists, appreciates the benefits of being outside and said: “Being out in nature is a great way to reconnect with yourself, your body and to release anxiety and tension. We can probably all recognise the positive effect on our wellbeing from going on a short walk or simply sitting outside in the fresh air.”

 Our qualified, experienced therapist’s work creatively to encourage mind and body reconnection, something the natural world can help support.

Vicky went on to say: “Engaging with the natural world is a sensory experience, putting you in touch with what you can see, hear, smell and touch, allowing you to come gently back into your body.”

This week, 10-17 May, is Mental Health Awareness Week and British Play Therapy Week, both are focused on nature and the great outdoors as their theme this year, something that we endorse and recommend to support positive mental health.

Why not take some out of your day to immerse yourself in the natural world.

Here you can find a Mindful Photo Walk activity to get you started