Frequently Asked Questions

In Nature-Based Therapy,  the “office”  is the outdoors. After an assessment of you or your family’s needs, strengths, and barriers we will create a treatment plan that will guide our work as we move into working, playing, and learning together in nature. This will look different with children or adults, of course. With kids there is lots of movement and play: climbing in the woods, playing in the sand or in the creek. We will often follow your child’s lead, building trust and gaining insight into their inner world and needs. We may do activities or games designed to strengthen the parent-child attachment, enhance attention, support regulation or increase confidence: play hide and seek in the woods, figure out how to cross streams on slippery rocks, build forts, listen quietly to crickets, rock in hammocks, go sledding together.   

With adults there are many options. The outdoors provides space for whatever kind of movement is helpful for you in therapy: walking, stretching, or for some even more vigorous activities such as hiking or skating. Some people find it really helpful to walk and talk most of the session. Others prefer to walk to a private spot to sit together; a bench overlooking the creek, the sand by the river, or a blanket under a big white pine. Sessions may also include guided meditations, working to support mindfulness practices in the moment. We may engage with nature to support processing of difficult memories using mindfulness strategies, parts work, and other somatic interventions. All along we will be focused on  issues of importance to you. Nature-based sessions will look different for each person. You are the expert on your own life, values, strengths, and dreams; we will collaborate to figure out what works best for you and supports your unique goals.

You do NOT have to be into nature (yet!) or have fancy jackets or boots to participate in nature-based therapy. You DO have to be willing to commit to doing sessions outdoors year-round. If you aren’t used to this you may feel uncomfortable at times. But this is part of therapy — moving to the edges of our comfort zones, with support, in order to grow. Your family’s culture and your history with the outdoors will be part of our assessment and will guide how we work together and you will always get to decide what feels okay for you. Outdoor gear for wet or cold weather is available to borrow as needed. 

Yes! Our clients benefit from spending time in nature in every season. Working outside is really great most of the year. We get to watch spring arrive, find lovely shady spots to do therapy in the summer, breathe in those beautiful fall days. During the winter it is more challenging, of course, and the weather will be our guide. Sometimes we will bundle up and meet outside and walk and talk or stay warm by a fire. During the coldest weeks we will meet over video. In any season, if weather conditions are poor, you’ll make a plan with your therapist about how to adjust.

Sessions will take place mostly outdoors in natural spaces in or near Minneapolis or St. Paul (see Therapy pages for current locations). You will arrange a meeting spot with your therapist, perhaps near a light rail station or favorite walking path. Some clients discover a favorite spot and like to meet at this “outdoor office” each week; others enjoy exploring new areas. We will follow your lead and work to create a unique therapeutic setting that meets your preferences and priorities. 

Good question. Kari has lived and worked her whole adult life in Minneapolis, so when she decided to start this practice in 2021 it felt right to locate it solidly in this city and its green spaces that she knows and loves.. Then when some other therapists joined who live and work in St. Paul we wanted to support them to offer therapy in Como Park, a place that they know and love and want to share with clients. By including city names in describing our practices we want to make it clear that we embrace the  beautiful diversity of these vibrant urban areas, and that this is not the kind of nature therapy that requires field trips out into the wilderness; nature is right outside whatever doors we live and work and study behind. But to answer the question, it doesn't matter where you live, as long as you can get to the locations where we offer sessions.  

You are able to do nature-based therapy! In one of your very first sessions, before going outdoors, your therapist will meet with you to determine your needs and hopes for this work. One of the unique aspects of nature-based therapy is that we’re always selecting and adjusting the physical environment to be therapeutic and supportive for each individual client., This may look like sitting outdoors in a shady spot  close to where you arrived, finding an accessible path, laying down on a blanket in the grass, or making sure you have your medications on hand.. 

Our therapists find areas to walk, sit, play, and talk that are less populated and as private as possible, but we recognize there are limits to confidentiality in urban outdoor settings. Your therapist is holding awareness of the environment around you at all times and will help adjust your route or setup as needed. You’ll work with your therapist to develop a unique plan to ensure your safety, comfort, and privacy throughout your sessions.

Yes, we are able to accept most major insurance plans. Please see our Insurance and Fees page for more detailed information. 

With younger children (ages 6 and under), an adult will always have to be a part of the session. For older children, we may consider a combination of family and individual sessions. Some work with parents without their children present is always a part of therapy, especially at the beginning as we are learning about your family and history. And in some cases, ongoing individual work with parents or other caregivers is the best intervention to help the child.   

We are often able to welcome other family members to join sessions, particularly new babies, siblings (especially in sessions for children), and dogs. Please talk it over with your therapist first. For sessions with siblings, this will look different depending on what the treatment goals are. For example, if a 3-year-old is struggling with a new baby in the family, we might settle the parent and baby in a comfortable spot under a tree while therapist helps the older child experience a pattern of exploring at a safe distance while staying connected to the parent (with an “invisible string”), then bringing back treasures to show the parent. The parent will be working on using their attention and voice to help the child feel connected from a distance, and welcoming them back with great pleasure. In cases with two older siblings, we can work directly and experientially on cooperation and problem solving.