Nature-Informed Therapy Techniques for Sensory, Cognitive & Emotional Development in Kids

CPD

Handouts

Faculty

Cheryl Fisher, PhD, NCC, LCPC, ACS Related seminars and products

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Cheryl Fisher, PhD, NCC, LCPC, ACS,  is a licensed clinical professional counselor and counselor-educator with 30 years of clinical and educational experience with individuals, families and children. She is a certified trauma professional and an abuse and domestic violence specialist with extensive clinical experience working with trauma survivors of all ages. Dr. Fisher was awarded the Governor’s Award for her clinical work in trauma. She has deployed with the American Red Cross Mental Health Team both locally and nationally. Dr. Fisher is often assisted by her co-therapists, Max and Lily- golden doodle therapy dogs and a beta fish named Olive.

An international presenter, Dr. Fisher conducts research in the areas of nature and mental health, in addition to spirituality and meaning-construction. She is a columnist- The Counseling Connoisseur- for Counseling Today Online. Dr. Fisher has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with an emphasis in the integration of psychology and spirituality, and an M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. She is certified in Jungian Sandtray work and play therapy. Dr. Fisher’s writing projects include Homegrown Psychotherapy: Nature-Informed Counseling and the Dr. Sophia children’s book series that connect children to nature in healing ways.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Cheryl Fisher maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Alliant International University. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Cheryl Fisher serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, and The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and several other professional organizations. For a complete list, please contact info@pesi.com.

Objectives

1. Articulate three ways to integrate nature-enhanced principles into your practice.
2. Construct three strategies to employ nature-informed tools and techniques for clinician self-care.
3. Critique three ways that non-directive active movement in natural settings is beneficial.
4. Develop nature-enhanced clinical applications designed to improve listening, attention, empathy and problem-solving while reducing aggression.
5. Design a nature-informed treatment plan and apply it to a clinical case study.
6. Choose at least three ethical considerations for integrating nature-informed therapies into clinical practice.

Outline

Overview

• Sensory Assessment Inventory and guided imagery
• Create a Time Diary- How much time do you spend in nature?
• Therapeutic Nature Enhanced programs
• Ethical considerations

NATURE-INFORMED TECHNIQUES FOR:

Cognitive, Emotional Development

• Increase focused attention
• Improve sensory integration
• Promote a calm but alert state
• Complex problem solving opportunities
• Promote confidence
• Stimulate creativity
• Increase empathy

Sensory Integration

• Promote less sensory overload
• Provide exposure to a variety of tactile stimuli
• Increase vestibular engagement
• Create a whole brain, whole body experience

Physical Development

• Posture
• Strength/balance
• Endurance
• Body awareness
• Immune system
• Sleep

CLINICAL APPLICATION:

Bring the Outdoors In

• Create natural lighting
• Integrate natural elements
• Nature bins
• Gardens
• Animal assisted therapy
• Tools for teaching mindfulness:
• Cloud spotting,
• Pebble meditation,
• Nature cards

Venture Outside

• Natural settings promote:
• Listening
• Focused attention
• Cooperative interaction
• Problem solving
• Creativity
• Additional Nature-Informed Tools
• Nature quests
• Wilderness therapy
• Horticulture therapy

Develop a Treatment Plan

• Nature-informed tools and the application of case studies
• Apply concepts of a nature-enhanced practice - craft a therapeutic homework guide
• Nature as a co-therapist in your practice

Target Audience