Full Course Description

The Decline of Outdoor Play – And the Rise in Sensory Issues

As we continue to decrease children’s time and space to move and play outdoors, we are seeing a simultaneous rise in the number of children that are presenting with sensory and motor deficits. At the same time, classroom teachers are observing more and more children having trouble with attention, falling out of their seats in school, increased clumsiness, and even aggressiveness with games like tag on the playground.

So, how can we reverse this alarming trend of sensory and motor issues in children? How can we ensure that children are fully engaging their body, mind, and all of their senses?  

Using the same philosophy that lies at the heart of her popular TimberNook program—that nature is the ultimate sensory experience, and that psychological and physical health improves for children when they spend time outside on a regular basis—Angela Hanscom offers several strategies to help children thrive in outdoor environments using a therapeutic approach to nature play.

  • Developmental changes that are taking place in children
  • Why more and more children are presenting with sensory, motor, and social issues
  • The decline in creativity and imaginative play abilities
  • Sensory and motor development, creativity, and independence with outdoor play in all environmental settings

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Identify the developmental changes associated with decreased outdoor play and their impact on children’s sensory, motor, and social skills.
  2. Analyze the relationship between limited nature play, rising sensory and motor issues, and declines in creativity and imaginative play.
  3. Apply therapeutic strategies that utilize outdoor environments to foster sensory integration, motor development, creativity, and independence in children.

Outline

The Decline of Outdoor Play

  • Trends in children’s reduced time and space to play outside
  • Rising rates of sensory, motor, and social challenges
  • Classroom observations: attention issues, clumsiness, and aggressive play

Developmental Consequences

  • Impact on sensory integration and motor development
  • Decline in creativity and imaginative play
  • Social-emotional implications of limited free play

Nature as the Ultimate Sensory Experience

  • Why outdoor environments support healthy brain and body development
  • The role of unstructured play in fostering independence and resilience
  • Linking outdoor play to improved physical and psychological health
  • Limitations of the research and potential risks

Strategies for Reversing the Trend

  • Practical ways to integrate outdoor play into daily routines
  • Designing therapeutic, nature-based activities for children
  • Supporting teachers, parents, and communities in creating play opportunities

Target Audience

  • Counselors
  • Educators
  • Marriage and Family Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapist assistants
  • Physicians
  • Psychologists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Speech-language Pathologist
  • Social Workers

Copyright : 04/22/2026

If Play is Happening in the Forest, Is There Any Kid Around to Experience It?

Kids today are swimming in fast, fragmented digital input – and many spend their days distracted, disorganized, and dysregulated.

This session explains how heavy, visually dominant screen use can crowd out essential vestibular-proprioceptive-tactile experiences, strain attentional systems, and aggravate executive-function challenges – especially for children with learning or processing differences.

You’ll leave with practical ways to rebalance the brain-body connection using multisensory movement, nature-based routines, and targeted “digital detox” strategies that improve regulation, attention, and real-world participation.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Explain how overreliance on visual/digital input can disrupt sensory modulation, self-regulation, and neural integration.
  2. Describe the physiological and attentional effects of differential sensory activation (e.g. weak vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile input) in children immersed in screens.
  3. Apply concrete therapeutic strategies (nature-based, multisensory movement, digital breaks) to reduce disorganization and support attentional and regulatory growth.

Outline

4 D’s of a Digital Generation: Distraction, Disorganization, Dysregulation, and Digital Dementia

  • The speed of digital information vs. the pace of neurodevelopment
  • Growing impact of technology on learning and behavior
  • Unique challenges for children with learning, processing, and attention deficits

Rebalance the Brain-Body Connection

  • Role of the senses in self-regulation, perception, and adaptive response patterns
  • Sensory Imbalances: overusing vision in a screen-based world
  • Impact of weak links in sensory triads on learning and behavior
  • Influence physiology to reduce disorganization and dysregulation
  • Rebalance through controlled activation of multiple senses

Nature as the Antidote to the Digital Overload

  • How sensational movement outdoors resets dopamine and attention systems
  • Contrasting nature’s multisensory rhythm with the screen-based dopamine rollercoaster
  • Using digital detox strategies to restore regulation and engagement
  • Guiding families toward practical shifts that protect sensory health and resilience

Target Audience

  • Counselors
  • Educators
  • Marriage and Family Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapist assistants
  • Physicians
  • Psychologists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Speech-language Pathologist
  • Social Workers

Copyright : 04/22/2026

On a Quest for Resilience

Nature elements are rich in multi-sensory experiences that can be utilized to enhance nature connection, support regulation, and lower traumatic stress. This training will explore several ways that nature’s metaphorical elements such as clay, stones, flowers, feathers, and others can be utilized to address traumatic histories and enhance inner resilience within indoor, outdoor, and virtual settings and within individual child and family sessions.

Participants will engage in an experiential activity called, “I  know My Yeses and Noes” and will be able to demonstrate the 4-steps of intervention. A brief case study video will be reviewed to demonstrate the implementation of a Nature-based Sandtray. A Sample Nature-based Consent form will be reviewed.

Program Information

Objectives

 

  1. Identify benefits of nature-based interventions that promote regulation, attention, and participation in daily occupations for children and families.  
  2. Differentiate the four steps of implementing nature-based experiential activities that enhance functional engagement, play, and family co-occupation within therapy sessions.  
  3. Evaluate ethical considerations and contextual factors—such as consent, accessibility, and environmental adaptation—that influence the safe and equitable integration of nature-based interventions across practice settings.

 

Outline

Why Nature Heals

  • Explore research-based benefits of nature for regulation and resilience
  • Learn how natural elements reduce stress and foster connection
  • Practical applications for indoor, outdoor, and even virtual settings

Build Your Nature-Based Toolkit

  • Stones, clay, flowers, feathers, and more as therapeutic metaphors
  • Adaptable tools for trauma-informed child and family sessions
  • Creative pathways for addressing histories of stress and trauma

Experiential Activities in Action

  • Engage in “I Know My Yeses and Noes” and learn the 4-step process
  • Case study video: Nature-based Sandtray in practice
  • Sample consent forms for safe and ethical integration

Transformative Outcomes

  • Support children and families in building inner resilience
  • Enhance self-awareness and boundary recognition through nature metaphors
  • Integrate simple, powerful strategies into everyday practice

Target Audience

  • Counselors
  • Educators
  • Marriage and Family Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapist assistants
  • Physicians
  • Psychologists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Speech-language Pathologist
  • Social Workers

Copyright : 04/22/2026

Wellness in the Wilderness

When children and families are disconnected from their bodies, true healing stalls.

In this inspiring session, you’ll discover how physical encounters with nature—rucking, grounding, hands in the dirt, even hugging trees —can activate the vagus nerve, restore balance, and unlock whole-person wellness.

Through bioenergetics and body-based practices, Lorelei Woerner-Eisner shows how nature fuels nervous system regulation, resilience, and emotional well-being in ways that talk therapy alone cannot.

You’ll walk away with practical, research-backed strategies to integrate into your clinical work—whether it’s bringing nature indoors, strengthening posture and executive functions, or expanding your toolkit with creative, accessible movement practices.

Learn how to anchor clients in their bodies, harness the power of nature, and open new pathways to regulation, connection, and resilience.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze how bioenergetics in nature and bottom-up, body-based approaches impact vagal tone, nervous system regulation, and whole-person wellness.
  2. Demonstrate at least three nature-informed physical strategies (e.g., rucking, grounding with sand/pebbles, movement practices) to improve balance, posture, arousal regulation, and executive functioning.
  3. Integrate evidence-based, body-centered and nature-based interventions into occupational therapy practice to support emotional regulation, social engagement, and resilience in children and families.

Outline

Why the Body Matters

  • Discover how bioenergetics in nature activates the vagus nerve and restores balance
  • Explore why bottom-up, body-based approaches foster nervous system regulation
  • Understand how physical encounters with nature fuel resilience and well-being

Nature in Action

  • Rucking, sand, and pebbles as tools for balance, posture, and arousal regulation
  • Movement and grounding practices that enhance cardiovascular and executive function
  • Simple, accessible strategies for bringing the outdoors indoors

Clinical Application

  • Integrate body-based, nature-informed practice into therapy for children and families
  • Apply interventions that strengthen mind-body connection while reducing stress
  • Evaluate current research, benefits, and limitations of nature-based physical approaches

Whole-Person Outcomes

  • Support emotional regulation and social engagement through body-centered pathways
  • Harness nature’s physical effects to unlock dedper layers of mental and emotional healing
  • Expand your toolkit with creative, practical strategies rooted in research and practice

Target Audience

  • Counselors
  • Educators
  • Marriage and Family Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapist assistants
  • Physicians
  • Psychologists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Speech-language Pathologist
  • Social Workers

Copyright : 04/22/2026

Bringing the Outdoors In

Discover how to “bring the outdoors in” with research-based strategies that transform any therapy space into a calming, multisensory environment.

This training explores how natural elements – like textures, plants, seasonal materials, and soundscapes – can reduce stress, support sensory integration, and foster resilience for children, trauma survivors, and neurodivergent clients.

Blending ecopsychology, expressive arts, and trauma-informed design, you’ll gain practical tools to create symbolic, sensory-rich interventions that enhance regulation, deepen relational repair, and provide a sanctuary of connection – whether you’re practicing in an office, school, hospital, or telehealth setting.

Program Information

Objectives

 

  1. Identify environmental and sensory elements inspired by nature that promote regulation, attention, and engagement in meaningful occupations for children and families.
  2. Integrate natural textures, materials, and sensory experiences within therapeutic spaces to enhance participation, self-regulation, and relational connection across settings.
  3. Evaluate contextual and ethical considerations—such as accessibility, safety, and client consent—when adapting nature-based design and interventions for diverse clinical environments.

 

Outline

Transform Any Space into a Healing Sanctuary

  • Practical strategies for integrating nature indoors – no forest required
  • Symbolic and sensory elements to reduce stress and boost resilience
  • Adaptable techniques for office, school, hospital, or telehealth settings

Nature-Informed Tools for Trauma and Regulation

  • Trauma-informed design that honors ancestral wisdom
  • Seasonal and cyclical elements to support regulation and rhythm
  • Boost engagement with children, neurodivergent clients, and trauma survivors

Expressive and Sensory Interventions

  • Guided imagery, sensory stations, and nature altars
  • Incorporating soundscapes, textures, and rituals into therapy
  • Expressive arts with natural and symbolic materials

Clinician Wellness and Ethical Considerations

  • Nature-based rituals for co-regulation and resilience
  • Address eco-anxiety,  nature deprivation, and burnout
  • Cultural and social justice considerations for equitable practice

Target Audience

  • Counselors
  • Educators
  • Marriage and Family Therapists 
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapist assistants
  • Physicians
  • Psychologists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Speech-language Pathologist
  • Social Workers

Copyright : 04/22/2026

Ecocentric Approaches to EMDR: Integrating Nature-Based Metaphors for Culturally Responsive Practice

This training offers both new and experienced EMDR clinicians a transformative framework for shifting from Eurocentric to ecocentric perspectives in trauma work. Participants will learn to integrate nature-based metaphors and materials into every phase of the EMDR protocol to better serve diverse populations and support culturally responsive practice.

By connecting EMDR’s core components—such as the AIP model, memory reconsolidation theory, the three-pronged protocol, and reprocessing steps—to elements from the natural world, clinicians will gain accessible tools that feel more intuitive and resonate across cultures and languages. For example, the metaphor of the Internal River, representing the AIP system, provides a grounding and universally meaningful visual for both therapists and clients.

Participants will learn a comprehensive ecocentric framework that aligns the eight phases of EMDR with nature-based metaphors, enhancing client understanding, therapeutic resonance, and cultural relevance. This training also introduces creative and body-based stabilization strategies, nature-based psychoeducational tools, and relational strategies for offering bilateral stimulation using sound, movement, rhythm, resonance, and natural materials to foster grounding and present-orientation during reprocessing.

Clinicians will leave with scripts, resources, and tangible tools to apply this ecocentric model in practice, deepening the healing potential of EMDR through the power of nature-based metaphors and cultural connection.

This product is not affiliated with EMDRIA and does not qualify toward EMDRIA credits or training

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Apply an ecotherapy-informed framework of EMDR (including its eight phases and core components) to clinical practice.
  2. Demonstrate how integrating 'ecocentric' perspectives and practices into EMDR can increase culturally responsive treatment.
  3. Practice skills to offer bilateral stimulation using movement, sound, resonance, rhythm, and nature-based materials.
  4. Articulate the Five S’s—Stuck, Stir, Sets of Movement, Shift, Settle—as a nature-informed guide for understanding memory reconsolidation and installation.

Outline

Why Integrate Ecotherapy with EMDR? A Theoretical Framework

  • The Three E’s of Trauma
  • Conceptualizing Trauma Through an Intersectional and Collective Lens
  • Understanding Illness through an Ecotherapeutic Lens
  • Healing the Cartesian Split through Embodied, Nature-Based Practices
  • Limitations of the Research and Potential Risks

A Nature-Based Framework for EMDR

  • The Internal River: A Nature-Based Metaphor for the AIP System
  • The 5 S’s Framework for Memory Reconsolidation
  • The Mountain Metaphor for Reprocessing
  • The 8 Phases of EMDR through a Nature-Based Framework
  • Metaphors for the 3-Pronged Protocol

Ecotherapy-Informed EMDR in Practice: Skills, Tools, and Strategies

  • History Taking: Creating Visual Timelines
    • Using stones and gems for additional grounding and stabilization
    • Mapping memories and clusters of memories; mapping resources
  • The Body and Movement in Preparation
    • COMEBACK Tool
    • Arts-based square breathing; Anchoring by Connecting with the Earth
  • Psychoeducation of the Nervous System: Mapping Physiological States
    • A Nature-Based Metaphor for the 3 Autonomic States
    • Mapping States Using Water, Liquid, Gas
  • Resourcing Present-orientation with BLS
    • The CIPOS Protocol
    • Relational BLS
    • BLS with rhythm and resonance (movement and sound)
  • Working with Cognitions
    • The seed metaphor
    • Helping positive cognitions take root and grow
    • VOC
  • Reprocessing: The Mountain Metaphor of Traumatic Memories
    • Resourcing and memory-specific preparation
    • 3P Resourcing
  • Revisiting the Assessment Phase
    • Traveling Through the Pathways of Reprocessing (journeying through the mountain)
    • Finding the Peaceful Place (resolution)
    • Enhancing the Body Scan with Embodied Practice

Target Audience

  • EMDR Therapists
  • Trauma Therapists and Specialists
  • Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 10/13/2025

Applying Polyvagal Theory to Your Play Therapy Practice for Safety, Connection & Healing

The brain-body connection inherent in trauma is often challenging for us as adults…and applying this knowledge can be overwhelming, especially in a child-friendly way! How can we as therapists more effectively help children and families find their way back to safety, connection, and healing…decreasing acting-out behaviors and withdrawal, while increasing social engagement?

In this session, Jackie Flynn, expert in child and family trauma, will dive into the creative integration and application of Play Therapy and the Polyvagal Theory.  You’ll learn practical, robust, evidence-based play therapy interventions while exploring the neuroscience of communication, emotional wellness, and social relationships.  

Through an integrative framework, this recording will show you:

  • Foundational concepts of Polyvagal theory and best practices when integrating the neuroscience of Play Therapy
  • Trauma's role in the etiology of childhood dysregulation…and the importance of neurobiology in creating a felt sense of safety
  • The unique ways the autonomic nervous system impacts children's capacity to manage stress, express themselves, regulate emotional states, and navigate relationships
  • How the Therapeutic Powers of Play create a deeper knowledge of the brain-body connection
  • You’ll gain ready-to-use Play Therapy techniques and explore the power of practical and playful applications of the Polyvagal Theory!

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Analyze the neuroscience of emotions, communication, and the social engagement system, successfully integrating them with play therapy and the therapeutic powers of play.
  2. Apply 5 or more play therapy techniques as they relate to perception, interoception, and neuroception.
  3. Investigate the functions of the three states of the Autonomic Nervous System, formulating how understanding neurobiology is necessary for the treatment of children with complex trauma histories.
  4. Demonstrate 5 or more play therapy techniques to increase children's capacity to manage stress, express themselves, regulate emotional states, and navigate relationships.

Outline

Polyvagal Theory & Neuroscience of Developmental Trauma

  • Foundational Concepts of Polyvagal Theory
  • Neuroscience of emotions, communication, and the social engagement system
  • Perception, interoception, and neuroception
  • Impact of trauma and its role in the etiology in childhood dysregulation
  • Stress response patterns as survival strategies
  • The three states of the Autonomic Nervous System and its impact on a child's capacity to
    • Manage stress
    • Express themselves
    • Regulate emotional states
    • Navigate relationships
Harnessing the Power of Play Therapy
  • Foundational Concepts of Play Therapy
  • Neuroscience of Play and best practices when integrating Polyvagal Theory
  • The importance of neurobiology in creating a felt sense of safety
  • The Therapeutic  Powers of Play
    • Fostering emotional wellness
    • Facilitate communication
    • Enhance social relationships
    • Increase personal strengths
  • The brain-body connection through the Therapeutic Powers of Play
Integrating & Applying Polyvagal Play Therapy
  • Play therapy strategies, skills, and modalities for the practical application of Polyvagal theory
    • Autonomic Nervous System Mapping
    • Rigidity – Chaos Continuum
    • Accessing the social engagement system in aggressive situations
    • Increasing attunement via Mirroring Game, Mimes, Ball Toss, and more!
    • Widen the window of tolerance between parent and child through peek-a-boo, hide-and-seek, and more!
    • Strengthen connection and dual awareness with nature play therapy, movement, and more!
    • Co-regulate and increase the positive effects of social engagement through expressive arts and more!

Target Audience

  • Counselors
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Mental Health Clinicians
  • Play Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • School Counselors
  • Social Workers

Copyright : 05/11/2022

Getting Started as a Walking Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many therapists are looking for ways to get out of their offices or break up their long days doing teletherapy. Walking therapy – or “walk and talk” therapy – may just be the solution.

In this one-of-a-kind course with Jen Udler, LCSW-C, Founder of Positive Strides Therapy, clinicians will learn the ins and outs of walking therapy. What is the buzz all about? How does it work? And what are best practices for providing psychotherapy while walking? Jen will address these questions and more in this step-by-step course. She’ll give you the tools you need – from A-Z – including the specific tools and techniques you’ll have as a walking therapist, how to structure your informed consent, risks & benefits, the history and latest research, and much more.

When it’s done, you’ll be ready to take your first client on a walk.

Program Information

Objectives

  1. Explore the scientific under-pinnings of walking-based format of psychotherapeutic treatment and which clients it may be appropriate for.
  2. Develop ethical guidelines and informed consent that include specific considerations for public walking therapy.
  3. Examine the risks and benefits of walking therapy.
  4. Learn the 3 significant factors that are active during walk and talk, combining movement, nature, and therapy.
  5. Learn how to conduct a session while outdoors; including seeing others on the trail, handling the various weather conditions, different terrain, and how to use nature to enhance the effectiveness of the therapy.
  6. Learn 4 specific mindfulness-based strategies that can be used during outdoor and walking therapy.

Outline

Introduction


Walking therapy 101: 

  • What is walking therapy? 
  • Why practice this way? 
  • What are the modalities used to implement outdoor therapy?  
  • What are the specific benefits of walk and talk? 

History, research, and evidence of walk and talk therapy 

  • History of walk and talk therapy 
  • Most prominent practitioners: From Freud to Kostrubala.  
  • Research on walk and talk therapy 
  • Research on nature’s therapeutic effect and the biophilia hypothesis.   
  • Research on physiological response to movement, and how movement effects mood and anxiety levels 

Getting started: The Most Important First Steps 

  • How to screen clients 
  • How to have critical conversations with clients prior to first sessions 
  • Confidentiality and how to create your informed consent 
  • How to shift your mindset from indoors to outdoors 
  • Maintaining boundaries while outdoors.  
  • 5 necessary therapeutic skills to meet the needs of the client during outdoor sessions. 
  • Case example of how to run an outdoor group therapy session. 
  • Audio session demonstration 

How to harness the environment for therapeutic success 

  • How to maintain your sense of professionalism outside 
  • Incorporating nature and utilizing mindfulness strategies while walking.   
  • 3 powerful examples of meditation strategies that are effective outside 
  • Creative and applicable ways to weave nature into the therapeutic process. Nature as a metaphor.   
  • Experience a virtual walk with 5 examples of natural tools to add to your therapy repertoire. 
  • The importance of holding space for client’s emotions in an outdoor environment 
  • Tips for dealing with challenging scenarios 

Putting it All Together: Strategies to Prepare for your outdoor practice. 

  • A checklist to prepare you for your first outdoor session 
  • Risks and addressing concerns about the weather; including how to handle rescheduling, or finding shelter 
  • Confronting critical topics related to the ethical questions of a walk and talk practice 
  • Best practices on scheduling and billing clients 
  • Managing documentation 
  • Use of technology in your practice 
  • Answers to serious questions about first aid, and a safety plan while on the trail. 
  • What walk and talk therapists can contribute to the world. The future of walk and talk therapy 

A Client Demonstration Session with Commentary

Target Audience

  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Psychologists
  • Psychotherapists
  • Therapists
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Addiction Counselors
  • Case Managers
  • Physicians
  • Nurses
  • Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 03/08/2021

Module 2: Getting Started as a Walking Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Copyright : 03/08/2021

Module 3: Getting Started as a Walking Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Copyright : 03/08/2021

Module 4: Getting Started as a Walking Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Copyright : 03/08/2021

Module 5: Getting Started as a Walking Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Copyright : 03/08/2021

Module 6: Getting Started as a Walking Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Copyright : 03/08/2021