Sessions may involve activities such as walking, talking (duh!), sitting, reflective exercises, and exploration of natural (and beautiful) surroundings. Although movement may be incorporated (ie. walking), Narratives in Nature is not an exercise program or workout training. While the movement is beneficial, the primary focus is on therapy and not the exercise. You would be responsible for setting the pace if walking. Narratives Psychotherapy aims to be inclusive of all bodies and abilities; discussing your physical needs is as important as doing so with your mental and emotional needs as part of the psychotherapy process. Potential accommodations may be addressed at your first appointment. Weather-appropriate attire (ie. layers), including comfortable footwear is encouraged. Your therapist will carry essential items (ie. first aid kit), but you may wish to bring additional functional items for the 50-minute session (ie. water, bug repellent, sun protection, umbrella, etc.).

Narratives Psychotherapy does not believe in profiting from nature’s free benefits, therefore, outdoor sessions are the same price as an individual therapy session ($185 for a 50-minute session).

Weather is often unpredictable and certainly out of our control. As the focus of Narratives in Nature prioritizes psychotherapy goals, virtual video sessions will be utilized as an alternative, in the event the weather is not conducive to an outdoor session. And yes, you may switch between outdoor and virtual sessions, as you prefer.

Narratives in Nature is currently available to clients who reside or may be visiting the North Bay (ON) and surrounding areas. Laurier Woods Conservation Area is the main setting for outdoor therapy. Feel free to view/follow our Facebook/Instagram page for additional visuals. Alternative setting(s) may be agreed upon ahead of time by you and your therapist.

Although your privacy and safety is always of the utmost importance during to Narratives Psychotherapy, unique circumstances should be considered and discussed ahead of time when considering outdoor psychotherapy: Privacy/Overhearing: his form of therapy may occur in a private, public, or semi-public setting and thus, at times, you and your therapist may be in the vicinity of people (known or not) who have the potential to overhear incidental parts of your conversation. Although settings have been intentionally chosen/agreed upon to reduce the likelihood that this will occur, you recognize that neither you nor your therapist can fully guarantee that dialogue would not be overheard. Your therapist will to the fullest extent possible, in this public setting, exercise reasonable caution to protect and maintain your private information and preserve confidentiality. You have the right at any time to share that you wish not to talk or continue an exercise if this becomes an imminent concern. Seeing Someone Known: if you and your therapist come into contact with a person you know, you have the right to disclose or not to disclose that you are in a therapy session. Your therapist will follow your lead and will make every effort to preserve client confidentiality and privacy. If your therapist should come into contact with a person they know, they will not acknowledge you as a client or the session as counseling to preserve confidentiality.

Any new client must start with at least one virtual session prior to beginning Narratives in Nature. This is so we can establish your therapy focus, get to know one another a little, ensure your eligibility for Narratives in Nature, and have an appropriate setting to discuss any potential questions/concerns as it pertains to outdoor therapy-specific Consent Forms. For therapy-specific information, please see general FAQs to learn more about my process, approach, etc. Click on the button at the bottom of the page to request a free consultation or an appointment.