About Nature Based Therapy
Rewilding health, reconnecting humanity.
Nature Based Therapy is an emerging field at the intersection of complementary therapies and holistic health. Increasingly integrated by occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, nurses, and educators, NBT supports the treatment of a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
Using nature as a co-therapist, NBT draws on sensory engagement, creative expression, holistic counselling, Indigenous philosophy, and self-care in natural settings. Whether through forest bathing, nature journaling, or eco-spiritual reflection, this approach is rooted in the belief that healing doesn’t just happen in clinical rooms — it happens in connection with the living world.
Why Nature Matters in Healing
Modern environments often disconnect us from natural rhythms, leading to stress, overwhelm, and burnout. But when we return to nature — even in simple ways — something shifts.
- Lower anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms
- Regulate the nervous system and improve sleep
- Enhance connection, calm, and clarity
- Improve physical and cognitive functioning
- Strengthen our sense of purpose and place
Nature doesn’t just soothe — it helps us remember who we are.
What Nature Based Therapy Can Support
Mental Health & Trauma
Nature helps calm the mind, soothe the body, and create space for emotional processing in safe, grounded ways.
Children with Autism
Natural spaces support sensory regulation, non-verbal communication, and emotional engagement for children on the spectrum.
Whole-Person Wellbeing
From gut health to sleep to movement, nature plays a role in restoring vitality and inner balance.
Social Prescribing & Community Care
NBT is now part of many social prescribing programs, helping to reduce loneliness and reweave social connection through nature-based activities.
Why Nature Matters in Healing
Modern environments often disconnect us from natural rhythms, leading to stress, overwhelm, and burnout. But when we return to nature — even in simple ways — something shifts.
Nature as Therapy
Connections with Nature: Review of Research and Evidence
Beyond Blue
Shows significant reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, and rumination through nature engagement.
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Healthy Parks Healthy People Framework
Parks Victoria
Demonstrates the psychological, cognitive, physical, and social benefits of nature immersion.
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Autism & Outdoor Therapies
Outdoor Learning for Children with ASD (Evidence Review)
Autism CRC
Supports the use of natural environments to enhance sensory regulation, communication, and emotional engagement.
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Nature Play and Children with Additional Needs
Nature Play Australia
Evidence that outdoor sensory play improves confidence, connection, and emotional stability for children on the autism spectrum.
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Whole-Person Health
Green Space and Health: A Scoping Review
NSW Health
Links nature contact with improved sleep, immune functioning, stress reduction, and improved cognitive performance.
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Green & Blue Spaces and Mental Health
Black Dog Institute
Shows that time in nature reduces cortisol, supports mood regulation, and improves overall well-being.
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Social Prescribing & Community Nature Programs
Nature-Based Social Prescribing: Integrating Nature-Based Interventions for Social and Environmental Wellbeing
Kit Kline
Provides a comprehensive overview of how nature-based interventions can be ethically and effectively integrated into Australian social prescribing models.
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The Journey Back to Nature Begins Here
Nature Based Therapy Academy
The Nature Based Therapy Academy offers professional training, workshops, and courses for those who want to integrate nature into their practice — ethically, intuitively, and effectively. Whether you’re just beginning or ready to deepen your work, our programs are designed for social workers, therapists, coaches, educators, and holistic practitioners.
