Virtually every human being will experience some form of trauma and or chronic stress at least once in their lifetime. In addition to being a universal human experience, trauma and chronic stress has the potential to provide an opportunity for change, creating meaning and enhancing our sense of purpose. Within nature, supportive relationships and with access to the proper tools, humans can build or restore emotional, physical and spiritual balance. “Research around the world has revealed the variety of ways we can reconnect with nature and in doing so, the fit it brings to our mental and emotional health*.” *Dr. James Gordon

This Workshops’ immersive, experiential and interactive format provides the foundation for learning and integrating such evidence-based tools.

By framing concrete interventions within the context of the scientific research, Ellen will teach simple, practical skills that clinicians can implement immediately, thereby supporting their clients’ healing the wounds and scars of trauma.

Using various teaching and practice methods such a: small breakout rooms, media, as well as techniques from nature therapy, participants will learn to support clients in all the realms impacted by trauma (emotions -the improvement of their mood, somatization - decreasing stress hormones and cognitive - reducing rumination) promoting mind/body healing.

Workshop Objectives:

·       Participants discover how to support clients in balancing their physiology and psychology with nature, even when they live in urban areas.

·       Participants will connect how movement improves mood and decreases anxiety, and make behavioral changes for clients “doable,” rather than an intellectual exercise.

·       Participants will find resources for the animal kingdom and food as a natural healing aid for clients stress levels.