Outdoor Groups

Join us for guided, hour-long experiences in near-by nature designed to support healing, reflection, and meaningful connection—with yourself and the natural world.

All are welcome. Each session includes a theme, a guided practice, time for personal reflection, and a closing together. CEU credits available (with a brief reflection afterward). These sessions take place in beautiful natural areas near the Minnehaha Falls region, including near Lake Hiawatha and Longfellow Beach. We will offer both early morning and midday times to see what works best for folks who want to attend. 

Who these sessions are for: 

• Anyone seeking to intentionally connect with nature as a source of healing and well-being
• Mental health professionals who want to deepen their relationship with nature and explore how nature-based practices can support their clinical work (CEUs available)

*Important Note

These sessions are not therapy groups. They are guided by a licensed therapist who integrates nature-based practices into clinical work, but the experience is educational and experiential rather than clinical treatment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each session includes:

• A brief introduction to the theme and an invitation to set your own intention
• A guided nature-based practice
• Time for individual reflection or exploration (mental health professionals may choose to pair up and practice applying the experience to clinical work)
• A closing reflection together

Sessions may also include:

• Poetry or a simple song connected to the theme
• A take-home nature connection practice

THEMES AND THERAPEUTIC PARTNERS

Sessions will vary, but may include themes such as:

• Groundedness and stability
• New growth
• Working with change
• Grief, guilt, or shame
• Self-acceptance

We will engage with nature as a therapeutic partner, including:

• Water
• Trees
• Birds and other living beings
• Air and light

CEU INFORMATION

CEU credits are available for social workers and other mental health professionals. Many of us are completing CEUs virtually for convenience — and at the same time, may be longing for in-person connection or time outdoors. These sessions offer an opportunity for both.

If you are attending for CEU credit:

• You will complete a brief reflection or check-in (verbal or written)
• This will support integration into your professional work and allow us to provide your CEU certificate

This session can be applied to the clinical content requirement for LICSWs as it will address "clinical intervention methods informed by research and current standards of practice.”  Professionals from other fields may be able to submit their participation to their own licensing boards.