As a therapist with a focus on eating disorders, I’ve evolved my approach to embrace both traditional techniques and innovative methods. A transformative personal experience with nature inspired me to integrate outdoor environments into my practice, uncovering their significant benefits in fostering healing and well-being.
A Transformative Experience
About five years ago, I faced a period of professional and personal stress. Seeking solace, I joined friends on a week-long camping trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Immersed in the stunning natural beauty, I found a sense of peace and clarity that had been eluding me. This experience sparked an idea—could nature offer similar healing benefits to my clients struggling with eating disorders?
Integrating Nature Into Therapy
Returning from that trip, I felt inspired to experiment with incorporating nature into my therapy sessions. One of my first attempts was with a client, whom I’ll call Sarah for confidentiality, who had been battling anorexia for years. We decided to meet at a nearby park for our session. As we walked among the trees, Sarah opened up in ways she hadn’t in my office. She felt more connected to her body and less consumed by anxiety.
The Reality of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex and challenging to treat. It’s common for those suffering to wait years before seeking help, and treatments vary widely. Life-threatening cases require hospitalization, while others may benefit from multiweek residential programs or intensive outpatient care. For less severe cases, a combination of dietitian consultations, therapy, and psychiatric care is ideal. However, the stigma surrounding eating disorders—whether anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or orthorexia—often keeps sufferers silent.
These conditions are notoriously difficult to treat and have the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. Despite this, eating disorders are surprisingly common, affecting 8.4 percent of women and 2.2 percent of men in their lifetimes. The prevalence of these disorders is rising globally, particularly in urbanized and industrialized regions.
Embracing Nature-Based Therapy
Encouraged by the positive response from clients like Sarah, I began to incorporate nature more regularly into my treatment plans. For some, this meant weekly walks in local parks, while others benefited from more immersive activities like hiking or kayaking. These experiences provided a non-judgmental space for clients to reconnect with their bodies and find joy in movement.
The Evidence Behind Nature Therapy
Research supports the benefits of time spent outdoors, showing reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress—common companions of eating disorders. Nature exposure has also been linked to improved body image and overall well-being. Despite these findings, nature-based therapies are still underutilized in treating eating disorders.
Breaking Down Barriers
One significant challenge in treating eating disorders is overcoming the stigma of seeking help. Many clients find traditional therapy settings intimidating or clinical. By incorporating nature into our sessions, therapy becomes more accessible and less daunting, encouraging more clients to engage in their treatment.
Personal and Professional Growth
Nature has aided my clients and profoundly impacted my growth as a clinician. These experiences have taught me the importance of patience and presence. Watching clients find strength and healing in nature has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced the importance of my own self-care and connection to the natural world.
A Journey of Healing
Recovery from an eating disorder is deeply personal and complex, requiring a tailored approach for each individual. While traditional methods are essential, incorporating nature into therapy offers additional support and a unique path to healing.
For anyone struggling with eating disorders, you do not have to face this journey alone. The National Eating Disorders Association’s Helpline and other resources are available to provide support. Embrace the healing power of nature and take that first step towards recovery.
