Episoder

  • Today on the podcast, I interviewed John Arbuckle, a passionate regenerative agriculture farmer and owner of Singing Pastures. He shared his inspiring journey from conventional to regenerative farming, how regenerative animal farming can offer significant environmental benefits, and the crucial role of grazing animals in nurturing healthy ecosystems. Our conversation also dove into the impact of our food choices on ecological health.

     

    Follow Singing Pastures on Instagram and Facebook @singingpastures or check out singingpastures.com. Use code Wilderness20 to get 20% off your first order!

     

    Other resources mentioned in this episode:

    Joel Salatin's website and books: polyfacefarms.com Watch the Sacred Cow documentary here: Amazon Get the Sacred Cow book here: sacredcow.info/book

     

    00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy

    00:59 Interview with Farmer John Arbuckle

    04:13 John's Journey to Regenerative Agriculture

    07:02 The Philosophy and Practice of Regenerative Farming

    10:51 The Role of Animals in Regenerative Agriculture  

    20:55 The Impact of Regenerative Farming on Wildlife and Ecosystems  

    22:49 Introduction to Sacred Cow  

    24:15 The Importance of Hoofed Animals  

    25:14 Personal Dietary Choices and Health  

    26:42 The Role of Grazing Animals in Ecosystems  

    28:39 Photosynthesis and Carbon Sequestration  

    30:17 Grazing Practices and Soil Health  

    35:14 Supporting Local Farmers  

    37:27 Singing Pastures: Products and Philosophy  

    39:03 Upcoming Travel Adventures  

    42:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • Hello, friends! Welcome to the final episode of our series on money and pricing. Today, Iā€™m sharing three easy strategies to help you raise your prices so you can make more with the same amount of effort and work!

     

              Offer installment payments. If your service costs $1,000, break it into smaller payments to make it more manageable for clients.

     

              Add upsells. Offer additional services that enhance your primary offering. For instance, if you offer therapy visits, an optional monthly parent consultation call could be a valuable upsell that increases your revenue per client.

     

              Use package pricing. This involves bundling services into a flat monthly rate, which helps clients understand the value theyā€™re receiving and gives you more control over your time. Many of my coaching clients have successfully transitioned to this model, allowing them to work smarter, not harder.

     

    Connect with me on Instagram @lauraparkfig or visit therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com for more updates!

     

    00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors  

    01:00 Series Finale: Money and Pricing  

    01:09 Three Easy Ways to Raise Your Prices  

    01:51 First Strategy: Offer Installment Payments  

    03:22 Second Strategy: Add Upsells  

    04:05 Third Strategy: Package Pricing  

    07:39 Recap and Final Thoughts  

    08:44 Upcoming Episode Preview  

    09:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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  • Welcome back to our series on money and pricing! Today, weā€™ll dive into the psychology of pricingā€”a topic that fascinates me!

     

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

     

    Understanding Pricing Psychology:

    Pricing psychology is about presenting your prices in a way thatā€™s most appealing to potential customers, increasing the likelihood of them purchasing your services. For instance, have you ever noticed prices often end in .99 instead of rounding up to a whole number, like $2.00? This is because our brains anchor to the leftmost digit; $1.99 feels much cheaper than $2.00. NOTE: this isnā€™t about "tricking" customers, but is simply understanding how the human brain perceives prices so you can present your prices in a way that is most psychologically pleasing to a potential customer. (Check out Nick Kolenda's website at Kolenda.io for extensive resources on pricing psychology.)

     

    Payment Timing Matters:

    It can be psychologically easier for clients if they donā€™t pay at the time of service. Think about structuring your payment systems so clients pay upfront or at a different time than their service. By doing this, you can ease the sense of loss associated with paying, allowing clients to focus on the value they are receiving at the time of your service.

     

    Combatting Buyerā€™s Remorse:

    After a client commits financially, itā€™s vital to reassure them that they made the right decision. This can be as simple as sending a follow-up email filled with valuable information that excites them about the upcoming service. In my nature-based practice, we send a welcome packet shortly after families sign up their child for services. This welcome packet includes essential details about what to expect and introduces their therapist, helping clients perceive value from our upcoming services and feel good about their investment right from the start.

     

    TL;DR:

    Check out Kolenda.io for more on marketing and pricing psychology, consider structuring your payment processes to ease the psychological burden on clients, and always aim to reassure and provide value immediately after clients pay for services.

     

    Connect with me on Instagram @lauraparkfig or visit therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com for more resources!

     

    00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors   00:59 Series on Money and Pricing   01:37 The Psychology of Pricing   06:21 Practical Tips for Pricing   10:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
  • Are you charging enough for your services? In this week's podcast, I'm sharing the mindset shift you need to confidently raise your prices.

     

    You need to move away from the traditional per-hour thinking that often limits our earning potential.

     

    Instead, focus on the true value you're providing to your clients and the expertise you bring to the table.

     

    Then, communicate that value clearly and get comfortable discussing money with potential clients.

     

    Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for a while, this episode provides valuable tips to help you embrace your worth and take those necessary steps toward raising your rates.

     

    Repeat after me: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MAKING MONEY WHILE HELPING PEOPLE!!!!!

     

    My nature-based business coaching program, the Business Hive, will open in January. If you're ready to set your nature-based business up for success, join us in the Hive, where weā€™ll focus on creating systems that allow you to work less and make more while your business grows.

    https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/hive

     

    Connect with me on Instagram @lauraparkfig or visit therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com for more resources and to stay updated!

     

    00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors

    00:59 Excitement for Upcoming Retreat and Travel Plans

    02:46 Mini-Series on Business Topics

    07:43 Mindset Shift for Raising Prices

    08:45 Practical Tips for Pricing and Value

    15:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

  • In this episode, we kick off a mini-series on pricing your nature-based therapy services.

    Key Takeaways from this episode:

    Research what is average for your area and charge a similar amount for your services. Don't set your prices too high or too low at the start because either can be detrimental to your business.Try not to over-explain when telling people what you charge. Say your price and SHUT UP and wait for them to respond.If you are a cash pay business, you can offer scholarships for families to expand the reach of your services to lower-income clients. Always have a system in place before offering scholarships.Raise your prices for new clients after you have a established a proven concept and have raving testimonials from previous clients.Think about VALUE. Offer add-ons that add value for families so they see why they are paying versus going to a standard non-nature-based provider (for example: a weekly update, progress notes, consult minutes, on-call PRN services, home programs, etc.).

      Stay tuned for more episodes in this series on pricing, and consider joining my Business Hive group coaching program, opening for enrollment in January, to help you build a successful nature-based practice! You can join the waitlist at https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/hive   00:00 Introduction and Series Announcement 00:52 My Upcoming Trip to Nepal and Indonesia 02:18 Gratitude and Life Reflections 04:35 Introduction to Pricing Your Services 05:46 Setting Initial Prices for Your Services 07:02 Understanding the Value of Pricing 07:24 The Importance of Silence After Stating Your Price 07:48 Handling Objections and Offering Scholarships 08:47 Investing in Yourself and Your Business 09:59 Researching Funding Options 11:07 Adjusting Prices Based on Cost of Living 12:27 Adding Value Through Additional Services 13:50 Final Thoughts on Pricing and Valuing Your Services

  • In this episode, we dive into how to make your first $1,000 as a nature-based pediatric therapist. I share actionable strategies and business insights to help you hit this milestone, from focusing on one key service to pricing your offerings effectively. Whether youā€™re offering outdoor enrichment groups, creating multi-month therapy packages, or thinking outside the box with retainer fees, thereā€™s a method that fits your style and your market.

     

    I also introduce my Business Hive group coaching program for nature-based practitioners, which opens for enrollment in January. Join me for a deep dive into business success and get ready to start building meaningful income in your practice!

     

    00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy

    01:00 Making Your First $1,000 as a Nature-Based Therapist

    02:13 Business Coaching and Community Support

    04:28 Key Advice for Starting Your Practice

    05:24 Market Research and Pricing Strategies 06:04 Low-Cost Offer for Group Sessions

    07:03 Multi-Month Therapy Packages

    08:06 High Monthly Retainer Fee

    08:54 Upcoming Episode on Pricing Services

    09:29 Enrollment for Business Hive Program

    09:58 Free Big Huge List of Nature-Based Activities

  • Katie Asmus is a licensed psychotherapist with three decades of experience in therapeutic nature-based interventions. She joined me today on the TGO podcast to discuss the essential role of rituals and ceremonies in nature-based therapy, particularly for neurodivergent children. Tune in to hear ways you can help ease transitions, address challenging behaviors, and open and close your group sessions using meaningful rituals to give children a positive experience in your nature-based therapy sessions.  

     

    Connect with Katie on IG @somaticnaturetherapy or her website https://www.somaticnaturetherapy.com/

     

    00:00 Introduction

    01:29 Meet Katie Asmus

    01:45 Understanding Rituals and Ceremonies in Therapy

    01:57 The Importance of Rituals for Neurodivergent Kids

    02:39 Practical Rituals for Therapy Sessions

    06:25 Beginning Rituals: Setting the Tone for Therapy

    08:28 Engaging Group Activities to Start Sessions

    19:23 Closing Rituals: Ending Sessions with Purpose

    27:16 Handling Challenging Behaviors with Rituals

    31:02 Final Thoughts and Resources

    32:03 Bonus: Free Nature-Based Therapy Activities

  • This week I'm sharing some of my favorite fall activities for outdoor therapy sessions with kids. Check out the activities below and you can do them, too!

     

    Rainbow leaf hunt - arrival activity Leaf confetti with hole punchers or shape punchers (from scrapbooking supplies)

    Leaf sewing with yarn and needles

    Find the color - match to cut out on cardboard with picture of something to match the color (red heart, orange sun, yellow banana, green frog, blue water, purple flower, brown tree trunk)

    What are your favorite activities for therapy sessions in the fall? Weigh in in the Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community here.

    https://tgo.circle.so/home

    (P.S. If you're down under, here's the listener-feature episode where we shared favorite SUMMER activities.)

    https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/podcasts/therapy-in-the-great-outdoors/episodes/2148704557

    00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors

    01:00 Fun Fall Activities for Nature-Based Therapy

    02:03 Rainbow Leaf Hunt

    02:50 Leaf Confetti Party

    05:23 Leaf Sewing Craft

    06:18 Color Matching Scavenger Hunt

    09:09 Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community

    10:39 Get Your Free Big Huge List of Nature-Based Activities

  • 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

  • In this episode, you'll hear about the journey of launching and evolving the ConTiGO Approachā„¢ and how you can become a Certified Nature-Based Pediatric Therapistā„¢ 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

  • 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

  • In this episode, you'll learn all about treatment planning for nature-based pediatric therapy sessions using the ConTiGO Approachā„¢. 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 Therapistā„¢ (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

  • 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

  • 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), 979ā€“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

    Schƶn, 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

  • 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

  • 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. Youā€™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!

  • 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.

  • Today, Iā€™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 Iā€™ve learned from both major setbacks and ongoing challenges. Weā€™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 hasnā€™t gone as expected. Youā€™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. Donā€™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

  • 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

  • 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 ā pediatric occupational therapy process:   šŸ  Longing for Freedomā    ā˜€ļø Embarking on Adventureā    šŸ¦… Dancing with Natureā    šŸ™Œ Claiming Self-Agencyā    āš”ļø Braving Real-Life Challengesā    šŸŒ± Growing Adaptive Capacityā    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