1. Why is there such an increased need for nature-based therapy?
Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is one of the most primitive and biological things we can do as human beings. There are countless benefits in doing so, ranging from attention restoration to improved immune function. Unfortunately, modern day society pulls people away from nature too much. The farther away we get from connecting with nature, the worse our health becomes as a society. Not only do we have to compete with ever-addicting screens and devices, but we also have competition in the processed foods we eat and sedentary lifestyles that promote being really comfortable instead of challenging our bodies. The need for nature-based therapy is higher now as a result. Children, especially, thrive when they are given plenty of time to play in the great outdoors. Their brains are sensory-driven organs that do best when given the space and freedom to explore nature. It creates this cascade of benefits ranging from helping with optimal development to better regulation to better mental and emotional health.
2. What are the benefits of Nature Based OT?
Playing in nature contributes to healthy children. It promotes healthy sensory and motor development where children can learn to take risks, overcome fears, strengthen friendship building skills, regulate emotions and cultivate imagination. Some key areas of child development that nature-based occupational therapy supports include gross motor and fine motor skills, ocular motor function, sustained attention abilities, regulation and sensory integration. To be honest, it goes beyond these key terms in many other ways including helping children build strong bones, strengthen their sense of balance, build grit and resilience to doing hard things.
3. How do you know if your child is a good fit for Nature Based OT?
Many children can benefit from nature based occupational therapy. You know your child is a good fit if they enjoy being outside in all types of weather, are seeking more freedom to explore and play, or need help connecting with peers. There is a spectrum of diagnoses we work with ranging from ASD to ADHD, to Anxiety, to Sensory Processing Disorder, to Dyspraxia and more.
Children in nature-based OT do have some level of independence within themselves where they do not require constant adult supervision and are comfortable with being challenged physically, mentally and emotionally.
4. Tell us about some of the breakthroughs you have seen working with children in nature?
Having worked with children in a variety of traditional OT settings, I have seen more breakthroughs in the nature-based setting compared to others. I have witnessed children with very poor confidence overcome challenges that would have resulted in them melting down. I have witnessed children with severe ADHD be able to attend, focus and thrive in the outdoor setting. I have seen children improve their handwriting abilities by means of working with real tools to strengthen their fine motor abilities in our nature-based OT groups. I have seen children who have tactile defensiveness be able to get muddy, wet and dirty without having a meltdown. I have seen children make friends naturally who otherwise struggle with peer connection in school or other environments. I have seen children learn how to coordinate their body better so they can access the school playground at recess and pump themselves on a swing. The biggest breakthrough is seeing the skills we work on in nature OT be able to translate to other environments. Children are taking these skills and applying them in school, on the playground or at an extracurricular activity because learning in nature is just that; natural.
5. Do most insurance plans cover nature-based OT?
When it comes to insurance, we are first our profession. So, billing insurance for skilled occupational therapy services just like you would in any setting requires assessment, documentation, and ethical billing practices. As long as you are following the best practice methods in doing so, yes, insurance will reimburse and cover nature-based OT.
6. Tell us about your path to becoming a nature OT
I had been practicing OT for a decade, working in a variety of settings such as school-based OT, home health OT and at an outpatient pediatric sensory clinic. Throughout my career I always took my clients outside; both adults and pediatrics. I think it is because I feel my best when I have time outdoors, and much of my caseload suffered with mental health struggles. So, I knew how important nature was to them. I was also wrestling with the amount of work you must do to match productivity percentages that are controlled by insurance companies. They are unrealistic. It did not allow me to be the type of occupational therapist I wanted to be. I was yearning for real connection with the clients I served, including their families. When COVID hit my career path completely changed. Not only was I so burnt out, but I was really bothered by the idea of children being isolated in their homes and wearing masks. I knew the negative impact this would have on all children, their mental health, emotional health and worse. Behind the scenes I had been working on my private practice. I had a name, a logo, a website. Now I had the reason to launch. In 2020 I did just that and have never looked back! It has been the best decision of my life, both personally and professionally. I finally feel like I have stepped into my own life’s work, being able to truly connect with the children and families we are so fortunate to work with. Plus, I have the most incredible support system which includes my family and my EXPLORE Pediatric Therapy team.
7. How do people find you if they wish to connect?
You can find us online at our website: www.explorepediatrictherapy.net . You can email us at [email protected]. You can call us at 732-778-1641. You can follow us on Instagram @explorepediatrictherapy or on Facebook @exploreOT.