Albert Einstein once stated, ‘Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better’. I truly believe this to be true.

My fondest childhood memories were ones of me playing in and with the natural world. I was blessed to have a forest literally at my back door where I grew up in Vancouver, Canada. There was a gate to our back fence that led out into the wilderness. I remember ice skating on ponds, making igloos with snow, picking blackberries, making mud cakes, building and playing in tree houses and pretty much just wandering in the forest. I had built a deep connection to the natural world. Listening, observing and interacting.

As life went on I always maintained that connection even in the darkest and most challenging times in my life. I believe that this is the reason I have always maintained good mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health and have never turned to negative ways to deal with my trauma. Without knowing it I was healing in nature.

My connection, experience and passion has led me to establish a modality called Nature Based Therapy which is accredited and recognised by the International Institute of Complimentary Therapists (IICT). Nature Based Therapy is a gentle healing modality that reconnects the person to the natural world through different processes so that they can find the answers they need to empower self-healing. It works with the sensory system to encourage ‘feeling’ rather than ‘thinking’.

Evidence based research in the area of nature therapy has identified a reduction in stress and depression. I believe that we have the ability to heal ourselves we just need to be shown how and where to look. Nature is an amazing teacher and healer. I feel very blessed to live so close to the ocean and forest. I believe the healing energy that exist in the Otway’s is the reason so many people are drawn to come and visit the region.

Healing in nature can sometimes be very subtle however the benefits are long lasting!