Nature Informed Techniques for Childhood Trauma Healing

Adverse childhood experiences can have profound and lasting effects on a child’s development. Children affected by trauma often exhibit dissociative symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and intrusive thoughts or images. Without the language to express their fears and emotions, they may manifest distress through somatic complaints such as stomachaches, headaches, or nonspecific body pain.

In this context, nature therapy is particularly helpful. It offers a holistic approach, providing intentional experiences that allow children to safely process emotions and bodily sensations. As an embodied, trauma-informed practice, it serves as both a restorative and preventative intervention. This workshop, led by renowned expert Dr. Fisher, a specialist in dissociative disorders and certified in ecopsychology, introduces the Decolonial, Humble, Culturally Responsive (DHCR) Model.

This framework recognizes the complex neurobiological and psychological responses to trauma, advocating for a compassionate and comprehensive healing approach. It also promotes systemic and cultural change, acknowledging the diverse ways trauma manifests and the limitations of traditional top-down treatment. By engaging the body and all the senses, this bottom-up approach fosters empowerment, strength, and confidence, ultimately restoring agency and resilience.

Participants in this workshop will learn to:

• Assess clients’ eco-culture (their relationship and experience with nature).
• Address accessibility concerns related to nature-informed therapy.
• Integrate nature-based interventions into clinical and academic settings across diverse populations.
• Implement trauma-informed nature therapy in clinical practice.

By blending neuroscience with somatic awareness and ecopsychology, this workshop equips practitioners with innovative tools to support healing in a way that is deeply attuned to both mind and body.