Nature-Based Approaches to Attachment and Relational Healing

Nature, Attachment & Belonging

Nature-Based Approaches to Attachment, Boundaries & Relational Healing

6 CEUS Pending Approval by NH NASW

In this highly experiential, full-day training, we’ll explore how nature can become a resource for working with attachment, relational patterns, boundaries, nourishment, connection, and belonging.

Rather than simply talking about these concepts, participants will have opportunities to experience them through their own bodies and relationship with the natural environment, then consider how these experiences can be thoughtfully adapted for use with clients and groups.

We’ll explore three central themes throughout the day:

Boundaries & Differentiation — exploring choice, autonomy, proximity, distance, and the experience of being separate without becoming disconnected.

Receiving & Nourishment — practicing ways of noticing, receiving, and taking in what is supportive, nourishing, and resourcing rather than always striving, doing, or giving.

Connection & Belonging — exploring relationship with place, reciprocity, connection, witnessing, and the experience of belonging without losing one's sense of self.

The day will weave together brief didactic teaching, guided nature-based practices, embodied and sensory experiences, reflection, discussion, and clinical application. Participants will be invited to experience interventions from the perspective of a participant/client before exploring how they might bring these practices into their own professional work.

Come prepared to be outside.

This training will be held primarily outdoors, with most of the day spent moving, sitting, walking, noticing, and practicing in a natural environment. Participants should come prepared for a full day outside and for a range of weather conditions. Dress comfortably in layers and wear sturdy footwear appropriate for the setting. Bring water, any food or snacks you need, and whatever personal items will help you feel comfortable spending much of the day outdoors.

All experiential activities are grounded in principles of choice, consent, agency, pacing, accessibility, and psychological safety. Participation does not require personal disclosure or sharing of trauma history. You will always have options for how—and whether—you engage with an activity.

This training is designed for therapists, counselors, social workers, educators, healthcare providers, and other helping professionals interested in expanding their ability to use nature intentionally and ethically within their work.