Nature As Co-Therapist
Learning and Immersion in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula, SA.
4-7 May, 2023
'Douglas Scrub', Blewitt Springs, SA
Take a deep dive into a unique nature-based therapy training experience, in South Australia’s beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula.
Two days of training with renowned nature-based therapy educator & Adjunct Professor of Psychology, George Burns
Followed by two days of experiential learning and nature immersion facilitated by Mental Health Social Worker, Lucy Van Sambeek and nature based Occupational Therapist, Bronwyn Paynter.
This event is delivered under the umbrella of Nature & Wellbeing Australia, a collaboration of nature connection practitioners.
This event is now SOLD OUT.
We know that sometimes things happen and people do have to pull out, so if you'd like to go on our WAITING List, please send us an expression of interest on our CONTACT page.
Leave with new ‘tools’ in your nature therapy tool kit - techniques to apply straight away with your clients or in your business.
Nurture your own nature connection during practical experiential sessions, including Forest Bathing.
Experience small group connected learning in partnership with nature for YOUR wellbeing and professional growth.
Meet your Facilitators
George Burns
Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Bronwyn Paynter
Nature-based OT
Lucy Van Sambeek
Mental Health Social Worker
This training is for you if...
You KNOW that being outside and connecting with nature helps YOU feel better but you’re not sure about how to intentionally include nature in your work with clients?
You’ve been taking your client sessions outside but you’d love some more evidence-based strategies to use
You want to get outside yourself in the sunshine and fresh air to better support YOUR wellbeing as you support your clients
You want to better understand and confidently articulate evidence for nature-based interventions to explain the benefit to clients, families, referrers and funding bodies.
You are deeply concerned about the plight of the planet and wonder how you can appropriately include this in your work with clients.
You see the significant growth in nature-based therapy services and don’t want to be left behind
As a sole practitioner you’d love to connect with other therapists partnering with nature to share, create and collaborate.
You won't end up with mud on your face (or maybe you might!)
Spend time with us in nature to nurture yourself and your work.
You will leave with:
strategies to implement with your clients
practical techniques to get you outside in your work
answers to the question? ‘What will I do with clients outside?’
insight into the role of climate care and planet care in your work and a practical plan to centre this in your work
confidence to partner with nature as an evidence based, effective way of working
a community of practice of like-minded colleagues
a sense of feeling rested, re-engaged and invigorated to do something new!
SORRY, SOLD OUT!
4 days
$1300*
- Full program Thurs-Sun
- Yarning Circle with Ngarrindjeri Elder
- Optional nocturnal nature-connection activity
- Daily free time
- Accommodation
- All meals
2 days
$900*
- Thur & Fri program with George
- Yarning Circle with Ngarrindjeri Elder
- Daily free time
- Accommodation
- All meals
2 days
$500*
- Sat & Sun program with Lucy and Bronwyn
- Fire pit yarn
- Daily free time
- Accommodation
- All meals
We are also offering CARERS TICKETS for anyone accompanying paying participants who have a disability, for the cost of accommodation and meals only, Please CONTACT US to enquire about this option.
Get with the Program
Our 4 day program is designed for psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and other practitioners who want to partner with nature as co-therapist.
We’re excited by the growing interest from many professions interested in the benefits of nature for promoting health and well-being, as well as the importance of supporting the health of nature professionals.
Much of the content will be relevant for practitioners working with people of all ages, however some of the therapeutic techniques we will explore will be most relevant for working with adults.
If you care about the health and wellbeing of people we welcome you to this event to grow your knowledge, skills and personal connection with nature.
If you care about the planet we welcome you to explore the relationship between caring for people and caring for our planet through actions to counter climate change.
REMEMBER, PLACES ARE LIMITED. REGISTER NOW!
Adjunct Professor of Psychology, George Burns is interviewed by Lucy and Bronwyn about how George came to be interested in nature-based therapy, his journey so far, and what he will be offering participants in his workshop.
Ready to go bush?
Your temporary home will be Douglas Scrub (operated by Girl Guide SA), located just a few minutes' drive from picturesque McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and within an hours' drive of Adelaide. Douglas Scrub boasts 27 hectares of unspoilt heritage bushland and native wildlife. There are wide open spaces, nature trails, fully fenced security, and total peace and quiet.
You have the choice of sleeping in a shared bunk dormitory or camping under the stars. For bunk room accommodation you will need to bring all linen - sheets/sleeping bag, pillow. And it's BYO all your camping requirements. Upon registration you will have the option to nominate which nights you'd like to stay between Thursday and Saturday, depending on when you arrive. A suggested list of requirements to bring will be provided in our Welcome email. Click here for a full list of facilities and nearby attractions at Douglas Scrub, 216 Douglas Gully Road, Blewitt Springs.
The venue advises they have ‘disability access’ however we understand that disability is a socially (and often environmentally) determined experience. We welcome people of all abilities and if you’d like to have a conversation to determine if the physical environment is accessible for you, please contact Bronwyn on bronwyn@natureot.com.au or 0412404700 for more information - floor plans, photos, videos etc. The structure of the weekend will be flexible with time indoors, outdoors and opportunity to attend all or part of the program.
There will be the option of participating in a maxi-taxi ride share to Douglas Scrub on Thursday May 4 leaving at approx. 8:30am from Adelaide Airport, and returning to Adelaide Airport on Sunday May 7, leaving Douglas Scrub at approx. 5pm. Upon registration, you can express interest in this ride share and we will be in contact with you.
This event is fully catered for with healthy, nutritious food and refreshments, beginning from Thursday lunch to Sunday afternoon tea. Please advise of your dietary requirements upon registration.
Our Commitment to Nature
In line with the principle of reciprocity, we are partnering with Trees for Life South Australia to donate to their Gift of Trees program and enable a tree to be planted for each participant in this event.
We intentionally keep our documentation simple and mostly black on white, to be low ink use if we really must print it.
Our Planet Can't Wait
What's the urgency? Why come to this event now? George hasn’t delivered in-person training like this for a long time. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a thought leader and experienced practitioner in a supported, connected community IN nature. This is not a big conference where you rush from session to session with little time to integrate, reflect or decide what you can apply in your work. There will be time, space and opportunity to ‘be’. George, Lucy & Bronwyn are coming together from 3 states of Australia to create this event. When we invite YOU to join us, we invite your wisdom, experience and contribution to our experience together. There won’t be another opportunity to experience this event - this is a ‘one-off’. In all honesty - the Earth needs you. Connecting people with nature helps people care for nature. As nature-based practitioners we MUST care about and take action to support the health of the planet. We’ll help you work out how to do that in your work, life and business. This could be the perfect re-set, rest and rejuvenation of nature connection in your work. |
* GST will be added to ticket price on invoice.
