Child Therapy Outdoors: Nature-Based Child Centered Play Therapy
Join The Real Work for an opportunity for Play Therapy Outdoors! Scroll to see if your child might be a fit!
Outdoor Child Therapy with Bonnie.
Research is continually highlighting the benefits of children’s contact with nature. Some of these benefits include:
Increased self-regulation
Improved academic performance with enhanced memory and attention
Positive social developmental interactions
Positive behavioral changes
Increase in cognitive and emotional mental health
Increased imagination and creativity.
Issues that can be supported with NBCCPT include ADHD, depression, anxiety, sensory processing differences, trauma, social/emotional support, adjustment difficulties, and dysregulation.
NBCCPT utilizes the same principles and methods as Child Centered Play Therapy; however, the therapeutic work is enhanced by the emotional, physical and mental benefits of being outdoors. NBCCPT uses some toys that invite interaction with nature, as well as utilizes the natural environment (trees, sticks, leaves, sand) to facilitate emotional expression.
Nature-based Child Centered Play Therapy (NBCCPT) is an innovative therapy approach that expands upon the traditional use of Child Centered Play Therapy.
“Nature Based Play Therapy offers the inherent benefits of interaction with nature while providing developmentally-appropriate therapy for children ages 4-10, and support for parents and families.”
— Bonnie Davey
Frequently Asked Questions about Nature-Based Child-Centered Therapy at The Real Work
How do I know if outdoor sessions will be the right fit for my family/child?
Before starting NBCCPT, your therapist will conduct thorough assessments, and talk with you about your family values around
nature, risk factors, sensory needs, and comfort level for both you and your child, in order to mutually determine fit for outdoor
sessions. Additional detailed information will be provided to you in an informed consent form and ongoing discussions with your
therapist.
Is my child outdoors all the time? Even in the rain/snow/heat? Can we ever come inside?
All NBCCPT sessions are held outdoors year-round, either in the outdoor office, or at Hyland Woods unless the weather is
determined to be unsafe (i.e., thunder, lightening, extreme heat/cold). There is a covered area to protect from rain at The Real Work’s nature-based space, since we are in Oregon and it rains a lot! Families are asked to provide weather-appropriate clothing/shoes for their child
during NBCCPT sessions. Due to limited shared office space at the Real Work, if weather is determined to be unsafe, a telehealth
parent consult can be scheduled instead, or the child’s outdoor appointment can be cancelled, or possibly rescheduled.
Can we cancel if my child doesn’t want to go outside? What if they want to leave early?
There may be several reasons a child may not want to go outside for their session, or leave early. The therapist will always assess
the child’s safety first. If the child is safe, but has another reason for not wanting to be in session, your therapist’s response to the
needs your child is expressing will be the same response as when they want to leave an in-office session. Your therapist will work
patiently with your child to understand their needs, acknowledge their feelings, and offer appropriate choices.
Will my child have privacy in an outdoor space?
Your therapist will make every effort to create privacy for your child when outdoors, but confidentiality cannot be fully guaranteed.
Your therapist will discuss this thoroughly with you/your child prior to engaging in ongoing outdoor sessions to make a collaborative
plan around potential privacy issues.
How will you keep my child safe in the outdoors? What if there is an emergency?
Outdoor environments do have inherent risks that will be discussed during intake and assessment. Your therapist is CPR/First Aid
certified, will provide supervision to your child during NBCCPT sessions, and will be equipped with a first aid kit and a phone to
contact you and/or emergency services as needed. Parents are requested to stay on-location during the entirety of the child’s
session, and be available to communicate by phone in case of an emergency.
What does a NBCCPT session look like, and how can it help my child?
You and your child will meet your therapist in a designated location, and your therapist will accompany your child to the nature area.
Your child will be allowed to choose their therapeutic activities while the therapist focuses on facilitating a safe, therapeutic
relationship with the child that is co-regulating, and encourages self-responsibility, self-esteem, emotional expression and
development of coping skills through being with the child as they interact with nature. Being in the outdoors offers a dynamic, ever-
changing environment that helps to build self and other awareness, flexibility and tolerance, while at the same time offering a
sensory-rich, co-regulating experience that the therapist will utilize to help identify new skills for the child.
Even though NBCCPT sessions are conducted between the therapist and your child, your therapist will be in communication
with you in separate, regularly-scheduled parent consultation times.
Nature-Based Enrichment Groups
If Nature-Based Therapy sounds like a fit, but you’re looking for a small social group for your child to engage in to work on social engagement, emotional regulation, coordination, balance, and other occupational therapy goals, one of our small, therapist-led nature-based groups might be a perfect fit.
Current Openings
Flexible days & times!
Please contact us for specific days and times.