Nature based intervention for reducing anxiety

Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Psychologist

Nature as Co-Therapist: Transforming Anxiety Treatment

Excerpt:

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  • 2h30 of continuing education
  • 20 lessons that last from 5 to 15 minutes each
  • 1 certificate of achievement
  • 1 PowerPoint
  • 1 bibliography
  • 1 course evaluation
  • 4 months unlimited access
  • 7-day money back guarantee
  • 97% of participants who completed the satisfaction survey declare they would recommend this course to a colleague

Overview

We all have experienced the calming power of nature—whether it’s walking through a forest, strolling by the sea, or hiking in the mountains, these moments can often bring a deep sense of peace.

Recent research suggests that individuals who feel connected to nature often show greater resilience. In response, a growing number of nature-based practices are emerging to help ease the anxious mind and support emotional regulation.

Rather than introducing a completely new form of psychotherapy, these approaches draw on nature’s influence to enhance established therapeutic techniques.

This workshop, led by Dr. Schreiber-Pan, Executive Director of the Center for Nature-Informed Therapy, explores how nature can be a powerful resource for reducing anxiety and promoting healing. Dr. Schreiber-Pan will share evidence-based findings on nature’s effects on the nervous system, including its ability to lower cortisol levels and slow heart rates.

You will discover how natural environments can reshape neural pathways to decrease stress and cultivate mindfulness. You will also learn practical strategies such as “forest bathing,” mindful walking, and sensory grounding exercises that can be used both in therapy sessions and independently, whether indoors or outdoors.

Designed to expand your anxiety-treatment toolbox, this workshop demonstrates how nature can foster mental well-being. Whether working in a traditional therapy setting or leading nature-based interventions, you will gain techniques to help clients reconnect with their bodies, slow down, and find moments of calm amidst life’s pressures.

By the end of the workshop, you will have practical, nature-informed tools for helping clients reduce anxiety, enhance resilience, and pursue a more holistic path to emotional well-being.

About the expert

Picture of Heidi Schreiber-Pan

Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan is the founder of Chesapeake Mental Health in Maryland and the executive director of the Center for Nature-Informed Therapy. Dr. Schreiber-Pan, a licensed professional counselor with a doctorate in counseling psychology, is internationally recognized for her expertise in nature-based mental health, resilience promotion, and addressing anxiety and stress disorders. She began her professional career in hospice, specializing in death, dying, and bereavement counseling. She currently collaborates with multiple universities on research projects exploring the effectiveness of eco-centered therapies.

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Learning objectives

  1. Understand the relationship between anxiety and the brain’s stress response, and how nature can influence emotional regulation
  2. Understand the neurological and physiological benefits of nature-based interventions for reducing anxiety
  3. Implement nature-informed techniques, such as mindful walking and sensory grounding, in therapeutic sessions to help clients manage anxiety
  4. Implement practical strategies for integrating nature-based practices into both traditional therapy settings and outdoor environments

Learning material

A theoretical course illustrated with clinical examples. This course is composed of videos of 5 to 15 minutes each. The PowerPoint of the course to download.

Syllabus

  • PowerPoint
  • 1. Introduction
  • Understanding Mental Health and Nature’s Role

  • 2. Land Orientation & Acknowledgment
  • 3. The State of Mental Health in the U.S
  • 4. Why Integrate Nature
  • 5. What does Nature Informed Therapy (NIT) look like
  • 6. The Anxiety Experience
  • 7. What is Happening
  • 8. Neuroplasticity
  • 9. Why Is Anxiety on the Rise
  • Reconnecting with Nature to Address Anxiety

  • 10. The Consequences of Eco Separation
  • 11. The Domestication Process and Human Rewilding
  • 12. Distress Tolerance and Anxiety
  • 13. Two Forces Working Together
  • 14. Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
  • Therapy tools

  • 15. Positive Neuroplasticity
  • 16. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
  • 17. Negativity Bias & Gratitude Practice
  • 18. The Effects of Awe
  • 19. Sit Spot Practice
  • 20. Conclusion
  • 21. Bibliography


CE Credits

Download a certificate of successful completion.



Audience

This course is intended for mental health professionals.

Your comments

"Well organized, great presenter, wonderful additions to my toolbox,and helped me as much personally as professionally!"
A mental health professional (Canada)

Registration

  • 2h30 of continuing education
  • 20 lessons that last from 5 to 15 minutes each
  • 1 certificate of achievement
  • 1 PowerPoint
  • 1 bibliography
  • 1 course evaluation
  • 4 months unlimited access
  • 7-day money back guarantee

Legal notice

The courses offered by ASADIS are accredited by different professional organisations. In addition, ASADIS is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. ASADIS maintains responsibility for the program.

The CPA’s approval of an individual, group, or organization as a CE Sponsor or Provider is restricted to the activities described in the approved application or annual report form. The CPA’s approval does not extend to any other CE activity the Sponsor or Provider might offer. In granting its approval, the CPA assumes no legal or financial obligations to Sponsors, Providers, or to those individuals who might participate in a Sponsor or Provider’s CE activities or programs. Further, responsibility for the content, provision, and delivery of any CE activity approved by the CPA remains that of the CE Sponsor or Provider. The CPA disclaims all legal liability associated with the content, provision, and delivery of the approved CE activity.

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