Try something new and (Re)Connect with Mother Nature
Nature Informed Social Emotional Learning
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“Spending time in nature can help us better understand ourselves.”—Marie, Owner of Genuine Connections Psychotherapy
Through my “(Re)Connect with Mother Nature” workshop series, participants engage in social emotional learning with Mother Nature as the co-teacher.
Nature workshops are free or low-fee opportunities to connect with other humans in our original habitat. Topics highlight parallels between Mother-Nature and Human-Nature in areas such as:
communication
instincts
cycles of life and death, lifespan
problem solving
trauma responses
defensive and protective responses & instincts
developmental milestones and more
Why outside?
Fun fact: Until about 200 years ago (when the industrial revolution was in full swing), most aspects of the human experience were largely dictated by nature. We worked from sun-up until sun-down because sources of light were otherwise limited. No light, no work. Things we created (by hand) were made to last a long time, because resources and skills were limited. We took care of what we had. Our diets were restricted to what was in season, what we preserved or what we could hunt, gather or trade. Our modern society has many perks, but with it have come many downsides. I don’t have to list them…you already know. Being in nature can help us reconnect with our bodies, minds and hearts in ways being in other places simply cannot. Not sure if believe me…read more at The Center for Nature Informed Therapy.
What are we doing?
A Nature-Informed orientation allows for the integration of several therapeutic models and techniques into how I lead the workshop while keeping our original Mother front and center. Techniques specific to nature-informed therapy are blended with other evidence-based interventions (see my Experience & Training) and integrated into each discussion as appropriate. Nature workshops highlight similarities between nature and the human experience, with emphasis on metaphors. Topics and themes of discussion vary based on the needs of the group but may include…
Sit spot practices/Mindfulness
Age-appropriate identity development
Neuroplasticity and nature
Values identification
Radical Acceptance
Reciprocity/Leave No Trace
Distress Tolerance
Interpersonal Effectiveness
How to self-advocate
Eco-anxiety
Climate Anxiety
Ecological Grief
Disenfranchised Grief
Communication of needs
Self-care
Nature vs. Nurture
Current events
Nature-Informed Events 2024
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Winter
Sunday, February, 4th
FREE Event
10:00am-12noon
Patapsco State Park, Avalon Area
Halethorpe, Maryland
Re-Connect with Mother Nature Series
Topic: Helping ourselves by helping nature
Thank you to my participants!
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Spring
Monday, March 25th
Maryland Day
FREE Event
10:00am-12noon
David Kerr Nature Trail
Bowie, Maryland
Re-Connect with Mother Nature Series
Topic: Toxic vs. Non-toxic, Plants vs. People Edition
Thank you to my participants!
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Summer
Wednesday, June 19th
Juneteenth
FREE Event
10:00am-12noon
Sandy Point State Park
Annapolis, Maryland
Re-Connect with Mother Nature Series
Topic: Helping ourselves by helping nature
Registration Optional but Preferred for Planning
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Fall
Monday, October 14th
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
FREE Event
10:00am-12noon
Little Bennett Regional Park, Hyattstown Mill Area
Clarksburg, Maryland
Re-Connect with Mother Nature Series
Topic: Toxic vs. Non-toxic, Plants vs. People Edition
Registration Optional but Preferred for Planning
Nature Event Photos
Child crouching by the river
Colorful cards with text, used to facilitate discussion
Child playing in shallow water, wearing boots
POV of a rock on the streambed, looking over the water
Participants choosing cards from Marie
Marie hugging an enormous oak tree
Cleaned, sorted and ready for recycling or trash.
Paw Paw Flowers
Japanese Maple
Beach trash
Artistic beach trash
Marie walking on trail with litter pick up gear in hand.
Marie & event participant
"Pointing" out the differences in spines on holly leaves. See linked article for more information.
Quince? Crabapple? Not sure!
Wild Daffodils
Turkey Tail Fungus