I don’t generally have to convince people that getting out into nature is therapeutic. And if I do, eco-therapy is probably not for them! But most people simply feel more relaxed in nature; we slow down, notice more, connect with our bodies and notice way we move through the world. We notice that minds become less busy, our focus more present. We find peace when we look out in awe at the vastness of the hills and the night sky, noticing how small we are in the grand scheme of things. We may even feel a deep sense of belonging, as we heal, re-integrate, and re-connect back into the natural world, like being welcomed home.

Many times, just that embodied experience is enough to help us repair, recharge, and reconnect. Mother nature simply reminds us of a more grounded, authentic, and ethical way to show up in this world. This is where the work of eco-therapy starts. In eco-therapy we harness and deepen these experiences through intentional, experiential work in nature, to help you meet your individual-, interpersonal-, and transpersonal- goals. At Liminal Place, we believe that humans who cultivate and embody a deep connection to the natural world are a healthier and happier bunch.

We will work with you throughout an activity, often using similar techniques and therapies used in the office (for example Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Schema Therapy among others). The difference is having nature as a co-therapist, and the fact that it’s outdoors, it’s active, there is kinship with nature, and it uses adventure to learn, grow, and heal.

Apart from the physical location change, eco-therapy changes up the therapeutic dynamic in a few ways. Working in a therapy room is often a personal and internal deep dive for clients. When we work outdoors, we still pay attention to the inner world and the therapist-client relationship, but we also expand our attention to the client-world relationship. It’s a less controlled environment than a therapy office, but a more equal one. We are both travellers together, embarking on a journey. I have my metaphorical hills to climb and you have yours. This is not “my” space you are entering; we are both mother nature’s guests. Working outdoors means we need to consider a number of other variables before we venture out; How would you like to respond to difficult weather? What if we see people we know? What physical and other resources do you need to bring, to take care of yourself?

Not really: the literature says it’s equally effective and that the benefit comes down to common therapeutic factors. These are things like being present, genuine, client centred, having hope, clients’ belief in themselves, good human relationship, and authenticity. But hey, working outdoors simply helps us at Liminal Place to provide that inner and outer landscape!

This type of work can be powerful, as eco-therapy inherently requires that you do the work and not just talk about it; it is about both insight and practice. We find that eco-therapy can also help you to get more out of your sessions if you are simply the type of person who doesn’t want to sit still in a therapist’s office!

Humans are not apart from nature, they are a part of it, so we say yes! But ultimately giving it a go is the only way to find out.

We provide psychological therapy for a range of presenting problems as Walk & Talk Therapy.

A few other comments: It’s great for clients who struggle to make time for enjoyable or active pursuits (e.g. because of depression, other difficulties, or their schedule). We also find it’s particularly good for clients who find aspects of therapy in a room challenging (e.g. the stillness, the eye contact, even the talking). Eco-therapy is also a useful tool in the face of existential climate concerns.

If you have any uncertainties or questions, please get in touch. We can schedule a free 15 minute phone call to figure out together if its the right fit for you, and help you navigate where to from here.

Absolutely- please know that you are welcome here. Sessions can be seated, on wheels, or otherwise. There are plenty of options in our usual locations to stay on paved or flat ground, or sit at a bench or under a gazebo. We usually start from a location that has accessible public toilets too. Before you book outdoors, let’s work together to find suitable built and natural environments. And then let’s continue those conversations out on the trail.

Please tend to your own needs outdoors too; this means appropriate clothes and shoes, a hat, sunnies, and a bottle of water. Do you also need; a rain jacket or umbrella? Antihistamines during spring? An epipen, sunscreen, or insect repellant? Do you need support while walking downhill, or to slow the pace? Do you need to change your appointment that week to Telehealth instead? These things are up to you!

Lastly, we know the name “walk and talk” isn’t the most inclusive language. If you can think of another more inclusive description that captures the bulk of what we do and has a similar ring to it, please let us know! We have agonised over it, and are a work in progress.

Since her early years on the family farm, and then moving around a lot as a child, Lara has always found solace in nature. She has always felt the importance of connecting to land and place. This drive has fuelled a number of personal and professional pursuits beyond her work as a Clinical Psychologist. It has included volunteering to provide outdoor and recreational activities for refugees and asylum seekers at the Christmas Island and Curtin Detention Centres, and volunteering as a guide for Right Foot Forward WA. Lara attended the International Adventure Therapy Conference in 2018, and has attended various training/development opportunities through Outdoor Health Australia / AABAT since then. One of which was a powerful 6 day “walkshop” for eco-therapy practitioners. She also worked at the not-for-profit Dismantle; running outdoor and experiential bicycle rebuilding programs for at-risk youth. On the side of her business, she has worked in eco-tourism as a hiking guide, taking guests on journeys including the Cape to Cape, the Bibbulmun, and other national parks around WA. Lara is currently a WA representatives for Outdoor Health Australia. She has also run an introductory training in Eco-Therapy for other Psychologists through the Australian Psychological Society.

Session fees are on a sliding scale, to provide equitable services:

• FULL FEE $240* For average+ income

• REDUCED FEE $210* For students / those in financial hardship

• LOW FEE $180* For those with a Low-Income Health Care Card or Pension Card

• BULK BILLING AVAILABLE* - For Noongar folk. I’m not going to charge you to walk on your boodja for your social and emotional wellbeing!

*Medicare rebates may be available.

For information please see our fees and policy or contact us.