Healing Trauma: The Power of Nature in Wilderness Therapy

In times of distress or mourning or pain or trauma, we often seek grounding and support in places that resonate with our deepest knowings of peace and of safety. For many, that place lies amidst the beauty and authenticity of nature. Utilizing the therapeutic potential of nature has been around much longer than any researched based therapy or science, but with science we can now measure the profound impact of nature in creating spaces for deep and profound healing. Here are just a few of the profound benefits of integrating nature into trauma therapy.

Reconnecting with the Self

Trauma, especially interpersonal trauma, has the potential to fracture our sense of self, leaving us feeling disconnected and fragmented. Nature, with its innate ability to evoke feelings of awe and wonder, facilitates a profound reconnection with the self that can only be fully understood by being experienced. As survivors of trauma immerse themselves in natural settings, they often experience a sense of unity with their surroundings, a sense of belonging that fosters a deeper understanding and acceptance of their innermost selves. As most therapist will attest, self-acceptance and compassion are crucial to healing and nature is incredible in giving us a little help in this area.

Healing in Safe Spaces

Nature provides a safe haven where individuals can experience their emotions, thoughts, and memories without fear of judgment or re-traumatization. Nature itself is neutral, the storm is not for or against us and deep in our nervous system we understand this to be true. Yet, nature is not far from us either. Creation is small and also vast and can hold all that we are and carry in a way that demands nothing in return. This sense of spaciousness and freedom, of a container to hold all that we are, allows for authentic self-expression and healing to unfold both intentionally and organically.

Regulation of the Nervous System

Trauma often leaves the nervous system in a state of dysregulation, characterized by heightened arousal and dissociation. Nature's rhythmic patterns and soothing sensory stimuli act as a gentle regulator, helping to restore balance to the nervous system. The gentle rustle of leaves, the rhythmic lapping of waves, or the warm embrace of sunlight can all serve as anchors, guiding survivors back to a state of equilibrium through their senses in a way that words can never do.

Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence

Mindfulness has become a common term and is used in countless ways, but here we are talking about presence. The experience of creation, especially those like our Encounter program provides, invites survivors to engage their senses fully, grounding them in the present. This becomes an effortless counter balance to the overwhelming amount of trauma that attempts to unbalance and pull survivors into the past, confusing what is now and what was then. This ability to be more fully present not only feels amazing but also enables for more effective trauma therapy and healing.

Fostering Resilience and Empowerment

Resilience is the ability to weather storms and thrive amidst adversity. Survivors of sex trafficking and complex trauma are already incredibly resilient and nature can be a source of continued inspiration and growth. By engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or building a campfire, survivors learn new skils and also learn in new ways how resilient and strong they really are. These experience can aid survivors in reclaiming a sense of agency over their lives and empower them to reclaim authorship of their stories.

Nurturing Connection and Community

Nature has a remarkable ability to bring people together, fostering deep connections and a sense of belonging. If you have ever sat around a fire with friends or strangers, you know the power that nature has on fostering connection. Away from all the distractions of iphones and social media, nature provides a slow and inviting space for survivors to just be and, in that space, to perhaps be surprised that they are not alone after all.

We Have Experienced the Power of Nature

By integrating nature into trauma therapy, we harness the immense potential for healing that is both supported and fostered in natural spaces. At Logos, we have personally experienced the difference that nature can provide moving our own stories toward greater wholeness and in guiding others along that journey too. Though a five day immersive trauma therapy experience in nature is not for everyone, everyone can benefit from a walk in the park or following the old but wise saying, “stop and smell the roses”.