In my ‘walk & talk’ sessions, we are directly in contact with nature. And in my online sessions, I hold the same intention in mind: to bring nature in.
I used to feel quite cautious of online therapy, fearing that it would block connection and therefore inhibit the process. But what I have found (both as a therapist and client myself), is that online work can be really powerful and every bit as effective as working ‘in a room’ or outside in nature.
It is an opportunity to feel into your own inherent connection with nature. Nature is in all of us. Our bodies are nature. In our online sessions, I will encourage you every now and then to tune into your body. We may sometimes do a grounding meditation as a way in, if that feels right for you. There will be space for you to share your story and to gently enquire as to what you are simply noticing in your body. By listening to our bodies, we are better able to connect with our feelings and emotions that are so often pushed down inside us, sometimes over years.
This work can feel like moving into unfamiliar landscapes, but in the same way as I work in ‘walk & talk’, I will go at your pace. I fully believe in your body’s wisdom in finding your own unique route, rhythm and pace. You will be in the comfort of your own space, and perhaps from this familiar place, you may find it easier to bring out parts of yourself that may otherwise not have felt safe.
It might also feel helpful to use creative methods in your session to tap into something that’s easier to access without words. This can sometimes be another “way in” and a path that takes you away from a thinking/head space and into a more embodied place.
There is no “right” or “wrong” way. It’s all about staying curious, breath by breath. Together, we will attune to whatever landscape and weather you bring on the day, listening to and trusting what needs to be seen in the moment.
Natural Footsteps Counselling 