What if the most powerful therapeutic tool for children isn't found in any clinic, but right outside your door? In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of nature-based play therapy with insights from groundbreaking Australian research. From bush kindergartens to natural resources integrated into playrooms, discover how therapists are using everything from rock hopping to leaf collaging to help children heal and thrive.
Key Topics Covered:
- The "spectrum of nature immersion": How to incorporate natural elements anywhere, from wilderness therapy to windowsill plants
- Why calculated risks matter: How tree climbing and outdoor challenges build self-regulation and resilience
- Breaking accessibility myths: Why nature-based therapy works for children with diverse needs, including ADHD and Autism
- The science behind outdoor healing: Research on nature's impact on the "20 therapeutic powers" of play
- Practical implementation: Simple ways to bring nature into traditional therapy settings
- Cultural connections: How natural play taps into universal human storytelling traditions
Meet Our Featured Experts:
- Dr. Kate Renshaw: Host, APPTA Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor (RPT-S™) exploring innovative approaches to child mental health
- Meg Ellard: APPTA Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor (RPT-S™), whose work is published in the British Journal of Play Therapy
Quotable Moments:
- "We don't decide what's in that space necessarily, and we're going to come up against unexpected changes based on weather or season"
- "Because there's no minimum standard to be able to access nature, it was actually easier to make it inclusive for everybody"
- "Something about being outside, and the freedom that it feels to be in that space, is regulating and containing for them"
Takeaways for Parents & Practitioners:
✓ Start small: Add natural objects like shells, crystals, or plants to indoor spaces
✓ Embrace "eustress" (beneficial stress): Safe challenges in nature build confidence and coping skills
✓ Look for "magic o'clock" moments: Use natural cues as mindfulness prompts
✓ Remember accessibility: Nature offers multiple ways to engage for all abilities
✓ Trust children's instincts: They're naturally good at assessing safe risks
Resources Mentioned:
- Ellard, M., & Parson, J. (2021). Playing in the Field: Scoping the Therapeutic Powers of Play for Nature Play Therapy. British Journal of Play Therapy, 15, pp. 42-64. https://www.bapt.info/
- Bush kindergarten/forest school movement
- Playroom Therapy, Melbourne https://www.playroomtherapy.com.au/
- Wattle Play Therapy https://wattleplaytherapy.com/
- The "20 Therapeutic Powers of Play" https://youtu.be/wuu59E97igU?si=hiOm3iUowox4b5OC
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