Experience Nature-Based Therapy & Counselling in North Wales
Climb Gently - Your Healing Awaits in the Hills
Nature can have a calming, restorative impact on both body and mind. When combined with the support of psychotherapy, the outdoors can become a powerful partner in healing and personal growth.
Here are some of the key benefits of outdoor therapy:
Reduces stress and anxiety - Spending time in natural environments helps to calm the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and ease anxious thoughts.
Encourages flow - Walking side by side can make difficult conversations feel more natural and less intense, helping you to feel more open and grounded.
Deepening Connections - Being in nature reminds us that we are part of something bigger, fostering feelings of belonging, calm and spiritual connection.
Improves mood and mental clarity - Sunlight, fresh air, changing scenery and even the rain can lift low mood, and enhance clarity, creativity, and perspective.
Encourages presence and mindfulness - Listening to birdsong, feeling the ground underfoot, or noticing the shifting sky draws us gently into the present moment.
Start a conversation by getting in touch below.
Outdoor therapy - sometimes known as eco or walk-and-talk therapy - takes the healing process beyond the traditional therapy room and into nature. Whether walking side by side or sitting quietly at the top of Moel y Gaer, this space offers a different therapeutic experience.
In the rhythm of your footsteps, and the calming presence of the natural world, you will find space to reflect, release and reconnect - with yourself, with others, and with the earth.
In outdoor therapy, nature becomes more than the backdrop - it becomes a co-therapist, a mirror and a metaphor for your inner world.
The benefits of outdoor therapy
If you decide you want to give outdoor therapy a go, I will initially meet you in our converted barn in the heart of Halkyn Mountain… just at the foot of Moel y Gaer. There we can plan for our outdoor work and make sure it meets all of your needs.
You don’t need to be fit or an experienced hiker, we can walk slowly - in fact slow is often best - or find a place to sit quietly together.
You don’t have to choose between indoor and outdoor therapy either - lots of people opt for a mix of the two, using the barn as a helpful base and a place to return to for a warm drink and a time of processing. Or you can choose to have some sessions inside and others out in nature.
If you are still wondering if outdoor therapy is for you, maybe check out the FAQs below.
What you can expect from N.E.W Therapy Centre
Outdoor Therapy FAQs
Who can benefit from outdoor therapy?
Almost anyone. It is not dependent on age, fitness or experience, but offers a different type of space to go on the therapeutic journey together.
Is outdoor therapy safe?
Yes. Of course the great outdoors is not as predictable as a therapy room (nor is the North Wales weather) but I use well trodden routes and will always assess your individual needs before we begin.
What should I bring to an outdoor therapy session?
We will discuss this in our first session, but generally a water bottle, sensible shoes and a season-appropriate coat (even when it looks like it’s sunny) are a good starting point.
What happens if the weather is poor?
Generally speaking I am happy to venture out in any weather, the elements are often part of the therapy. However, some people only want to go out in good weather and that’s fine too. If the weather is so awful that it might be dangerous to go out, then we can relocate to the barn or simply reschedule for another time.
How long does counselling take?
There is no set time-line - therapy is a personal journey and everyone’s path looks a little different. Some people come for a short time to work through something specific, while others stay much longer to explore deeper patterns or ongoing challenges. We will go at a pace that feels comfortable to you, and we’ll check in along the way to make sure you are getting what you need.
Is outdoor therapy private and confidential?
Yes. Therapy is a private and confidential space, where you can talk freely and be reassured that it is strictly between us. Of course there are some exceptions - like if anyone is at risk of serious harm - but I will always explain all of this clearly at the start so there will be no surprises.
Outdoor work has slightly different challenges as we are often in public (all be it very quiet) spaces. We will talk about managing this in our first session. We also have 10 acres of our own fields which are completely private and can be used if you prefer.
How do I schedule my first session?
The easiest way is to fill in the form on the contact page or just press one of our many ‘get in touch’ buttons. I try to respond to enquiries quickly - usually within 24 hours as I understand that waiting for a reply can sometimes be difficult.