Wilderness Sessions
How do you feel when you are immersed in nature? Do you notice physical changes in your body? Perhaps you experience less tightness in your chest, feel more relaxed, or notice having a deeper awareness of your surroundings? How does your thinking change when you are outdoors? Some people report being more alert and sharp, even able to think more creatively. How do you feel emotionally when in a natural environment? Greater calm? Sense of peace? Grounded? Connected?
Your counseling sessions can take place in an outdoor setting. I offer wilderness immersion counseling sessions and retreats throughout the Portland area and Oregon. Each session and retreat is specifically tailored to your own therapeutic goals and individualized treatment plan.
For some clients, this means moving the weekly counseling session outside to a local park or garden. For others, it's as simple as moving from the office chair to the balcony chair. You can choose the level of activity for each session. If you prefer to sit and talk, your outdoor session can take place at a park bench. Or, your nature-based session can include a hiking component and/or therapeutic experiential work.
Expand your ability to be mindful. Observe with curiosity.
If you would like a more intensive wilderness experience, I would encourage you to inquire about the customized trip options. Possible day and multi-day trips include: Oregon Coast, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, Opal Creek, Oregon Badlands, Steens Mountains, Strawberry Mountain, Waldo Lake, Columbia Gorge, Crooked River National Grasslands, Crater Lake, Ochocos, Alvord Desert, Crater Lake and all of our wild Oregon.
I have extensive experience navigating Oregon's backcountry.
Meet Julio
This Great Horned Owl Ambassador can be admired at Portland Audubon’s 172-acre Wildlife Sanctuary. Even if you choose to opt for an office session, a prior walk in nature will set you up for gaining greater insights and deeper learning. So have some fun exploring green spaces throughout your therapuetic journey.
Multnomah Village office
Keep in Mind
During outdoor urban and wilderness sessions, you may experience a serendipitous wildlife and/or domesticated fury friend encounter. Animals serve as great reminders for us to challenge modern day worries and at times our own irrational beliefs. The local pigeons, squirrels, hummingbirds, and other various birds take turns availing themselves of whatever ingredients they can scrounge up from the balcony planters. In addition, you may hear chatter from the slightly vocal Portland chickens. Keep in mind that at times this may make for a humorous interruption during session.
I believe that healing, growth, and feeling a sense of peace
can be more easily achieved when immersed in nature,
and so I offer counseling sessions in local parks, gardens, and
throughout the Oregon wilderness.
Good News!
Your outdoor session may be covered by your health insurance plan. Please ask for details.