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In this episode we discuss the often chaotic and challenging first day of a new nature-based therapy group for kids. Everything from clear drop-off procedures and engaging children with meaningful tasks to preparing for social anxiety and ensuring smooth transitions. I also talk about my Nature-Based Therapy Certification and Mentoring Program, designed to support practitioners in building successful, nature-based practices. Join me as I provide actionable tips to make your first day and beyond a success.
01:00 The Reality of the First Day in Nature-Based Therapy
01:34 Challenges and Reflections from a Chaotic First Day
02:34 Strategies for a Smooth First Day
08:05 Effective Drop-Off Procedures
13:20 Connecting with Children on the First Day
19:40 Handling Social Anxiety and Transition Issues
22:10 Conclusion and Support for Nature-Based Therapy Practitioners
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In this episode, you'll hear about the journey of launching and evolving the ConTiGO Approach™ and how you can become a Certified Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist™ or Therapist Assistant. You'll hear why we're making some changes to the certification process to build a stronger ConTiGO community and support practitioners' developing true expertise in nature-based therapy. Enrollment is now open for you to Become a Certified Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist or Therapist Assistant in the ConTiGO Approach! Enroll here 00:00 Introduction to Becoming a Certified Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist 00:31 The History of the Contigo Approach 01:37 Transition to Online and Cohort-Based Model 03:53 Challenges and Changes in Enrollment Models 06:29 New Certification Requirements and Community Building 12:12 Experiential Learning and Accountability 14:15 Personal Reflections and Community Engagement 19:22 Conclusion and Enrollment Information
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Fehlende Folgen?
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Should you offer groups or individual services in your nature-based therapy practice? It depends! In this episode, you'll learn how to make this decision wisely. I discuss the goals, logistics, and challenges of both service models. You'll learn the importance of clear policies, the role of parents in therapy, and when to choose one model over the other.
Enrollment will open on September 23 for you to Become a Certified Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist or Therapist Assistant in the ConTiGO Approach. Join the waitlist here. 00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy
01:01 Group vs. Individual Therapy: Key Considerations
02:06 The Benefits and Challenges of Group Therapy
10:43 Essential Policies for Group Therapy
13:49 Individual Therapy: Goals and Best Practices
18:45 The Importance of Parent Involvement
23:49 Conclusion and Upcoming Certification Program
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In this episode, you'll learn all about treatment planning for nature-based pediatric therapy sessions using the ConTiGO Approach™. I delve into four key elements: incorporating child passions, introducing novelty, ensuring activities are child-led and open-ended, and considering sustainability.
You'll also learn about recent changes to ConTiGO and how you can become a Certified Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist™ (or Therapist Assistant). Enrollment will open on September 23 for you to Become a Certified Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist or Therapist Assistant in the ConTiGO Approach. Join the waitlist here:
https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/contigo-evergreen
00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors
00:58 Personal Update: A Difficult Time
08:49 The ConTiGO Approach: An Overview
11:48 Elements of the ConTiGO Approach
26:30 Upcoming Changes and Certification
30:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode, occupational therapist Brigette Hill, OTR/L joins us to discuss her innovative curriculum designed for teaching pre-writing shapes to pre-k children using nature-based activities. Brigette is the founder of Roly Poly Movement, an online business that develops nature-based curriculum and programs for children. Check out rolypolymovement.com and use code GREAT20 for 20% off of her nature-based pre-writing shapes program, Tree Rings and Other Things.
00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy
00:58 Guest Introduction: Brigette Hill and Her Innovative Curriculum
02:57 Exploring Pre-Writing Shapes Through Nature-Based Activities
05:44 Incorporating Movement and Music into Learning
11:10 Launching a Product: Insights and Challenges
20:40 Advice for Aspiring Creators and Business Owners
26:52 Special Offer and Conclusion
27:15 Bonus: Free Resource for Nature-Based Therapy Activities
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In this episode, we explore the concept of evidence-based practice in nature-based pediatric therapy. Evidence-based practice (EBP) can be broken down into three components: research analysis and application, clinical reasoning, and reflective practice. You'll learn how EBP is more than just understanding various types of research, and understand how clinical reasoning evolves through experience, reflective practice, and community interaction.
Resources shared in this episode:
Mattingly, C. (1991). What is clinical reasoning? The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 45(11), 979–986. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.45.11.979
Research hub: Evidence based practice toolkit: Levels of evidence. (n.d.). https://libguides.winona.edu/ebptoolkit/Levels-Evidence
Schön, D. A. (1984). The reflective practitioner. Routledge.
00:00 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
00:56 Understanding Research Analysis and Application
01:28 Levels of Evidence in Research
03:11 The Value of Qualitative Research
10:09 Clinical Reasoning in Therapy
17:14 Reflective Practice for Therapists
20:04 Conclusion and Community Invitation
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Wilderness Mental Health First Aid with Nicole Roma Thurrell
In this episode, Nicole Roma Thurrell is back with valuable insights on wilderness mental health first aid. We discussed the importance of body awareness in regulating nervous system responses and strategies for helping children manage different states of activation during outdoor sessions. The episode emphasizes rhythmic, repetitive, and relational activities, with practical suggestions like breathing exercises, grinding coffee beans, and finger knitting. Tune in to hear all her great tips for helping the children you serve be better able to cope with the ebbs and flows of human emotions in daily life. Make sure to visit Institute for Wild Med and get 20% any of their courses with the discount code TGO20 exclusively for our TGO podcast listeners!
00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
00:15 Exciting Upcoming Trip
00:27 Challenges of the Week
01:21 Introduction to the Episode
01:41 Guest Introduction: Nicole Roma Thurl
03:02 Mental Health First Aid Conference
04:37 Increasing Anxiety in Children
06:41 Understanding Wilderness Mental Health First Aid
15:16 The Autonomic Nervous System
23:59 Combining States for Resilience
31:34 Understanding the Dorsal Vagus and Safety Perception
32:32 Body Before Brain: Effective Interventions
35:21 Rhythmic, Repetitive, and Relational Strategies
37:44 Breathing Techniques for Regulation
48:51 High Energy Activities: The Yellow Bucket
50:55 Low Energy Activities: The Red Bucket
54:47 Creating a Safe and Aesthetic Environment
58:48 Conclusion and Practical Takeaways
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In episode 78 of Therapy in the Great Outdoors, Nicole Roma Thurrell, WEMT, CTRS is back for the 2nd in our 3-part series on first aid for nature-based therapists. Nicole shares valuable personal anecdotes and real-life examples, highlighting the importance of comprehensive first aid training, especially in dynamic outdoor environments.
You'll learn the "big 3" of assessing life-threatening situations: Breathing, Bleeding, & Shock. You’ll also learn about practical tools like EpiPens and hemostatic agents, and get tips on maintaining their effectiveness despite environmental challenges. Join us to equip yourself with the knowledge to keep your outdoor therapy sessions safe and enriching for the children you serve.
00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy
01:00 First Aid Series Overview
02:07 Critical First Aid Skills for Therapists
03:03 Personal Anecdotes and Real-Life Examples
04:57 Principles of First Aid Assessment
08:23 Recognizing and Managing Shock
15:21 Bleeding Control Techniques
20:37 Understanding Blood Thinning Medications
21:11 Importance of First Aid Training
21:47 Choosing the Right First Aid Class
22:57 Handling Anaphylactic Shock
24:59 Obtaining and Using EpiPens
32:22 Critical First Aid Essentials
33:41 WildMed Training Courses and Discounts
37:25 Conclusion and Free Research List
For more information, visit Institute for Wild Med and get 20% any of their courses with the discount code TGO20 exclusively for our TGO podcast listeners!
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In this episode of Therapy in the Great Outdoors, we kick off a three-part series on first aid essentials for nature-based pediatric therapists.
Joined by Nicole Roma Thurrell, CEO of Institute for WildMed, we delve into the importance of risky play and the benefits it provides, such as building confidence, emotional resilience, and creativity in children. We explore the differences between risks and hazards, offer guidance on managing these elements in therapeutic settings, and emphasize the significance of having a solid foundation in first aid to create a safe and effective therapeutic environment.
Nicole also discusses her extensive experience and upcoming contributions to the series, promising invaluable insights into critical first aid skills and mental health first aid in outdoor settings. Stay tuned for the next episode focusing on must-know first aid skills for nature-based therapists.
00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy
01:00 Series Overview: First Aid in Nature-Based Therapy
04:44 Guest Introduction: Nicole Roma Thurrell
09:41 The Importance of Risky Play
\21:58 The Benefits of Outdoor Therapy
22:09 Nature's Challenges and Ethical Considerations
23:46 Authenticity in Nature-Based Therapy
24:59 Understanding Risk vs. Hazard
27:02 Role Modeling and Safety Awareness
29:35 Learning Through Failure
30:04 Guidelines for Risky Play
32:10 The Messiness of Nature-Based Therapy
33:07 Encouraging Community and Training
34:58 Equity in Therapy
37:10 Therapist's Energy and Its Impact
39:04 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
Check out Nicole's work at the Institute for Wild Med and get 20% off their classes with the coupon code TGO20.
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Today, I’m opening up about the honest, vulnerable moments in my business journey to help you navigate your nature-based business. In this episode, I share the lessons I’ve learned from both major setbacks and ongoing challenges. We’ll discuss how all businesses are messy behind the scenes, regardless of how they appear on social media. I dive into the details of a significant fail-learn experience related to a live event that resulted in a $20k loss, and reflect on an in-person retreat planned for November that hasn’t gone as expected. You’ll learn: 1. All businesses are messy behind the scenes. 2. Embracing honesty about failures is the only way forward. 3. You must analyze your target market size before launching an event or service. 4. It is wise to evaluate what you want to be known for when making business pivots. 5. A key to success is valuing your current and previous clients by honoring their investments. 6. Don’t be afraid to do what you love most in your business. You can learn more about the nature-based business retreat at https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/retreat. Thank you for joining me in this heart-to-heart. See you next week! Bye. Timestamp outline of the episode: 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode 02:03 The Messiness of Entrepreneurship 03:31 Sharing Personal Business Failures 04:50 The Big Event Failure 06:29 Planning the Nature-Based Business Retreat 09:47 Lessons Learned from Low Enrollment 14:25 Pivoting the Retreat Focus 25:20 Valuing Current and Previous Clients 32:43 Final Reflections and Future Plans 36:14 Upcoming Episodes Preview
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This week's podcast episode is the final part 3 of the "audio book" version of my published research on nature-based pediatric occupational therapy. You'll hear the explanation of the design of the model, plus the discussion section, the limitations of this research, and recommendations for future research.
You can get your FREE copy of the article here: https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/model
Here's the APA 7 citation:
Figueroa, L. P., Poskey, G. A., Rose, K. K., & Pickens, N. D. (2024). Mechanisms of change in nature-based pediatric occupational therapy: The ecology of change in outdoor therapy model. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2024.2372739
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This week's podcast episode is part 2 of the "audio book" version of my published research on nature-based pediatric occupational therapy. You'll hear the results of the study, which found 6 phases that work together as mechanisms of change in the nature-based pediatric occupational therapy process: 🏠 Longing for Freedom ☀️ Embarking on Adventure 🦅 Dancing with Nature 🙌 Claiming Self-Agency ⚡️ Braving Real-Life Challenges 🌱 Growing Adaptive Capacity Next week will be the 3rd (and final) part of the "audiobook" version of the article, where I'll share the discussion section to give you some takeaways for application to your nature-based pediatric practice. You can get your FREE copy of the article here: https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/model Here's the APA 7 citation: Figueroa, L. P., Poskey, G. A., Rose, K. K., & Pickens, N. D. (2024). Mechanisms of change in nature-based pediatric occupational therapy: The ecology of change in outdoor therapy model. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2024.2372739
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My dissertation research article is finally published! This episode is part 1 of the "audio book" version of the article. You'll hear the abstract, introduction, methods, and the first part of the results, plus a little of my commentary along the way. In the first part of the results, I describe the actors and each actor's main role in the pediatric nature-based occupational therapy process. The actors in the nature-based pediatric OT process are:
Nature as the Continual Context and Blameless Co-Therapist
Child as the Motivated Adventurer
Practitioner as the Attuned Analyzer and Modulator
Caregivers as the Contributing Beneficiaries
Next week on the podcast I'll share the 6 phases of the nature-based OT process and in subsequent episodes I will share the discussion (I'm not sure right now if the discussion section will be one episode or several since there is a LOT to discuss from this research).
You can get your FREE copy of the article here: https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/model
Here's the APA 7 citation:
Figueroa, L. P., Poskey, G. A., Rose, K. K., & Pickens, N. D. (2024). Mechanisms of change in nature-based pediatric occupational therapy: The ecology of change in outdoor therapy model. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2024.2372739
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It feels like everyone is talking about imposter syndrome these days. And I’ve seen it rear its ugly head in my own career as a nature-based therapist.
If you’re not familiar with imposter syndrome, it is that feeling of “I don’t know what I’m doing” that pops up inside your mind, even when there is AMPLE evidence to the contrary. (That EVIDENCE part is key. Feeling like an imposter when you are a novice at anything is normal! We need to maybe coin a new term “novice syndrome” to acknowledge that being a novice is different than being an imposter.)
In this episode, I share from the heart about feeling like an imposter as a nature-based therapist. You’ll hear a few real-life examples from my own life, and some takeaways to help you if you struggle with imposter syndrome in the realm of nature-based therapy.
One of the key messages in this episode is that you can be a nature-based therapist, just as you are. You don’t have to garden. Or love animals. Or brave icy cold weather. Or be a naturalist. Or climb mountains. You can do nature-based therapy in your own way and you’re still a legit nature-based therapist.
xoxo
Laura
P.S. My article sharing my dissertation research is finally going to be published. I will share free copies when it’s available.
P.P.S. The Nature-Based Business Retreat is happening Nov. 7-10, 2024 in Santa Cruz, CA. Register here: https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/retreat
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This week I'm sharing some of my favorite summer activities for outdoor therapy sessions with kids. Check out the links below and you can do them, too!
Make giant bubble wands for giant bubbles.Make toy boats using recyclables. I recommend corks, rubber bands, large paper clips, sturdy toothpicks, popsicle sticks, duct tape, and small plastic containers. Bring stickers or sharpie markers to allow the children to decorate their creations. (Can pair with the book Toy Boat, too.)Make a mud kitchen using kitchen supplies from thrift stores. Play the Great Nature Baking Show game.Balloon ball volleyball gameMake ice cream in the ice cream ballWhat are your favorite activities for therapy sessions in the summer? Weigh in in the Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community here. (P.S. If you're down under, here's the listener-feature episode where we shared favorite WINTER activities.)
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It's my 48th birthday today! So I want to give you a present as a thank you for being a listener of the podcast or a member of the TGO Community. I'm giving away a free copy of my book: Therapy in the Great Outdoors- A Start-Up Guide to Nature-Based Pediatric Practice with 44 Kid-Tested Activities. I'll throw some Therapy in the Great Outdoors stickers in there, too!
All you have to do to enter is leave a review for the TGO podcast, screenshot it, and share it on Instagram. Don't forget to tag me @lauraparkfig so I can put your name in the drawing to win the book! If you're not on Instagram OR if you have ALREADY left a review for the podcast (thank you!), you can enter by leaving a review for Therapy in the Great Outdoors on Google here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Therapy+in+the+Great+Outdoors/@14.1576412,-149.1384369,3z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4a2341b4ba5fa709:0x5cb6536199ef896!8m2!3d14.1576412!4d-149.138437!16s%2Fg%2F11stb6yb0m?entry=ttu
Make sure to send me a DM on Instagram or in the TGO Community after you leave your Google review so that I can put your name in the drawing! I will draw the winner live on Instagram and in the TGO Community on Wednesday June 26.
Also, I want to invite you to come work-cation with me! I'm hosting a nature-based business retreat from November 7-10 in Santa Cruz CA. We have 16 spots left. I'm selecting some really great mentors to help me facilitate this time together. You know how you always wish you had time to step away without distractions and take a 10,000 foot view of your business, so that you can plan and make wise decisions? That's what this retreat is for! You will intentionally set your 2025 annual plan in place so that next year will be your best one yet in your nature-based practice. I hope to see you there. You can register for the retreat here by August 1: https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/retreat
xoxo
Laura
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In this episode, I'm sharing a template we developed in my practice for sending a monthly newsletter to families. This helps you share free and helpful information with your potential clients, and communicate the unique value of the therapy services you provide. Tune in to hear real examples of things I've sent in our newsletter and the 3-topic template that we use to come up with simple ideas to share with families each month.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:21 Importance of Email Lists in Nature-Based Therapy
01:11 Newsletter Template Overview
03:19 Creating Engaging and Effective Newsletters
04:58 Tip of the Month
08:07 Resource of the Month
10:06 Story and Service Updates
14:53 Conclusion and Contact Information
Resources from this episode:
Flodesk affiliate link to get 50% off your first year of Flodesk (it is the BEST email service provider, hands down. Easiest to use and a beautiful user interface to make emailing your people EASY and FUN.) https://flodesk.com/c/Y63MIS
My previous episodes on email marketing:
TGO Podcast - Email Marketing for Your Nature-Based Practice https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/podcasts/therapy-in-the-great-outdoors/episodes/2147735255
Mind Your OT Business episode- Why You MUST Have an Email List to Grow Your Practice: https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/podcasts/mind-your-ot-business/episodes/2147505784
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Ever heard of a "living book"? In this episode, you'll learn how to select and use living books for planning nature-based therapy sessions. I give a brief introduction to Charlotte Mason educational philosophy, which emphasizes the use of living books. Living books are characterized by rich ideas, engaging stories, and timeless truths. They foster creativity and enhance therapy sessions without preaching at children. You'll learn practical tips for selecting and using living books to inspire therapy activities for your nature-based sessions.
00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors
01:00 Episode 68: Planning Nature-Based Therapy Sessions
02:06 The Concept of Living Books 03:29 Charlotte Mason's Educational Philosophy
08:10 Using Living Books in Therapy
18:38 Practical Examples and Resources
24:57 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
26:35 Bonus: Free Resources for Nature-Based Therapy
Resources mentioned in this episode: What a Living Book Sounds Like - Simply Charlotte Mason podcast Falling Upwards by Richard Rohr
Get a free book list from Laura to help you get started using living books in your nature-based therapy practice at https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/books
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In this episode, I share the framework we use for planning summer therapy camps in my nature-based therapy practice. I developed this system in 2020, focusing on the emotional journey kids typically experience throughout a camp week. Key themes are established for each day of the camp week with individual therapy goals being addressed within daily activities. Next week on the podcast, I'll share part 2 of this mini-series on camp planning, where I'll share how to choose good books to support your creative treatment planning for therapy camps.
00:00 Welcome to Therapy in the Great Outdoors
00:28 Personal Update & preparations
01:06 Introducing the Summer Camp Planning Framework
02:28 Detailed Breakdown of the Daily Therapeutic Themes
08:44 Exploring the ConTiGO Approach
11:26 Reflecting on the Framework's Necessity and Sharing Resources
13:50 Closing Thoughts and Invitation for Feedback
Get your free copy of the chart of the Therapeutic Themes Framework for Camp Planning here: www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/camp
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Over the years coaching nature-based business owners, I've noticed some key things that all successful nature-based entrepreneurs seem to do consistently. Want to know what they are? Listen to this week's episode to get my tips and insights on how to do these 5 things so that your nature-based business can grow to serve more people in your community!
Successful nature-based business owners:
1. Take imperfect action.
2. Commit for the LONG HAUL and don't give up when things get hard.
3. Start small and slowly build multiple revenue streams.
4. Develop systems for every single repeatable process in the business.
a. Recommended resource: Beyond Booked Solid by Michael Port
5. Invest in their business and themselves as leaders of their business.
If YOU are ready to invest in the success of your nature-based business, join us in the Business Hive, my nature-based business coaching program for nature-based entrepreneurs. Enrollment is open till June 1 at 5pm CST. You'll get weekly accountability calls, loads of templates and forms to help you run your business, and my entire Business Bedrocks curriculum to help you systematically set up your business run on auto-pilot as much as possible so that you can work less and pay yourself more as the business grows to serve more people in your local community. You CAN do this...I have and I can help you do it, too!
Enroll now at https://therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/hive-open
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