Therapy in the Great Outdoors: The Business & Practice of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy (Dr. Laura Park Figueroa)

00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy

00:59 Personal Reflections

02:18 Introduction to the TOPO Tool

03:13 Abstract and Relevance of the TOPO Tool

05:38 Development Phases of the TOPO Tool

09:17 Nine Types of Outdoor Play

10:43 Physical Play and Its Subtypes

12:31 Exploratory Play and Its Subtypes

13:32 Imaginative Play and Its Subtypes

15:15 Play with Rules and Its Subtypes

17:32 Expressive Play and Its Subtypes

20:15 Bio Play and Its Subtypes

21:20 Restorative Play and Its Subtypes

23:45 Digital Play and Non-Play Categories

26:28 Conclusion and Certification Information

How are you feeling in your nature-based practice or business right now? In this episode, you'll hear about my current feelings about both of my nature-based businesses, my therapy practice (Outdoor Kids OT) and my online business (Therapy in the Great Outdoors - which produces this podcast for you!).

You'll learn:

-That you are NORMAL if your emotions ebb and flow over the course of your practice/business!

-Tips for choosing the right niche

-Why it is important to think long-term about your work and life

-The importance of knowing how you come to your best ideas/decisions (and how I come to mine.)

-How YOU can give feedback to guide the offerings of Therapy in the Great Outdoors next year in 2025!

Here's the link to the TGO 2024 End-of-Year Survey! Please share your thoughts. All replies are anonymous! https://forms.gle/9o64NtPVeGsA75yg9

In this episode, we dive into the 'Tool for Observing Play Outdoors' (TOPO), a new typology for capturing children's play behaviors in outdoor settings by Lobach and Cox. (If you missed part one, be sure to catch up with episode 98 first!) You'll learn:

• The non-hierarchical framework of TOPO
• Ways to capture the complexity of play when making observations
• How the TOPO can help you plan nature-based treatment sessions for children

00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy

00:58 Exploring the TOPO Tool for Outdoor Play

04:27 Implications and Applications of the TOPO Tool

10:53 Using the TOPO Tool for Individual and Place-Based Observations

17:24 Alternative Uses and Practical Tips for the TOPO Tool

20:45 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Link to the article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7432422/

Are you a pediatric therapist who wants to take your work with children outdoors into nature? As a nature-based pediatric therapist & entrepreneur, I’ve spent years finding the balance between the practice of nature-based therapy and improving my business.

There’s so much to learn–from groundbreaking research on the therapy side to new marketing strategies on the business side–and I’m here to help you make sense of all of it, all while staying true to the core of your work.

In this first episode, I’m sharing my journey to becoming a nature-based pediatric therapist and what led me to help other professionals expand and improve their own businesses. I’m explaining why I pivoted from my old show to this one and what you can expect from upcoming episodes.

We’ll discuss:

• How nature-based practice might help you reignite your love of your work as a pediatric therapist
• How the ConTiGO (Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors) Approach was created 
• A story about fear when starting something new & "putting yourself out there"
• Why I started this podcast and ended my old one (which had 100k+ downloads and 75 episodes!)
• What you can expect from upcoming episodes...how THIS podcast will be similar to my old one AND different.

There IS an irony to this episode! Did you notice it?

Since it is episode #1, I felt I needed to give a little intro and my history for new listeners. Then right after that, I'm telling you to STOP talking about yourself in your marketing and talk about what's in it for your customers! 😁 So...I just want to reassure you that future episodes will be jam-packed with helpful content for you and I will NOT be talking about myself as much! haha! 😆

Resources from this episode:

 Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? Visit www.contigoapproach.com to join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course.

While you're waiting for the course, join our FREE Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community. We have treatment activities, research, training, a job & volunteer board, and a discussion forum where like-minded therapists are all gathered together to help you take your therapy work with children into the great outdoors! Did I mention it's FREE? Go to therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com to join today!

As you grow your nature-based practice, you’ll find that there are 4 main stages of business that you encounter. There is no endpoint and your journey will take you from stage to stage, and as you evolve you will face new challenges and opportunities.

In this episode, I’m sharing what you should focus on and the mistakes to avoid as you go through each stage of your business, You’ll hear insight from my own business as a nature-based pediatric therapist as well as the knowledge that I’ve accumulated over my years of group coaching and observing other practices and how they manage their companies. 

We’ll discuss:

• My takeaways from the Umbrella Review from Harper, Fernee and Gabrielsen
• The 4 stages of nature-based practice
• My tips for what to focus on in each stage of your practice
• Mistakes to avoid during each business phase
• Why I recommend investing in mentoring or coaching

Resources from this episode:

Nature's Role in Outdoor Therapies: An Umbrella Review (Harper, Fernee, & Gabrielsen, 2021)

The ConTiGO Approach Online Course

Nature-Based Practice Roadmap

Small Business Administration

Nolo

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Trello

Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

 If you're working with children who have challenges with attention, sensory processing, social skills, or executive function, gather a few simple supplies and try these 3 activities in your next outdoor therapy groups!

In this episode:

• 2-minute takeaway from the research: 5 ways you can create the conditions for children to engage with nature
• Why I love the giant spider web game to teach learning through failure, problem solving, and motor skills
• The ONE knot to know how to tie (that will make your work SO much easier as a nature-based therapist)
• How to use map-making activities to help children become more comfortable with and aware of their surroundings
• Why I love fire building with children after a less-than-ideal therapy session
• How to balance risk-taking and keeping children safe during sessions
• Why it’s important to let the children take the lead and practice problem-solving themselves

Resources from this episode:

This week's 2-Minute Takeaway article: The Art of Working With Nature in Nature-Based Therapies

My video on how to tie the bowline knot

My Book, Therapy in the Great Outdoors

The ferro rods we use in my practice when teaching fire building

🌳 Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

As therapists, what we assess is what we address. But when you take your practice outdoors, you might find that your assessments change a bit. For nature-based therapists, it’s important to find a balance between the tried-and-true standardized assessments you’re used to and new, nature-specific ones.

In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of assessments and how to use them in your nature-based therapeutic practice. I’m sharing ways you can adapt your current assessments to a nature-based practice and a few new assessments to try. Plus, I’m explaining how you can supplement your standardized assessments with more organic observation.

We’ll discuss:

• How natural environments can improve parent-child communication
• Why assessment is so vital to the therapeutic process
• Understanding the purpose of and process for assessment in your specialty
• Adapting the assessments you already use in your practice to outdoor therapy
• How to supplement standardized assessment with clinical observations and nonstandardized assessments
• Measuring nature connection in children
• Three nature connection assessments to try in your practice

Resources from this episode:

Cameron-Faulkner, Thea & Melville, Joanna & Gattis, Merideth. (2018). Responding to Nature: Natural Environments Improve Parent-Child Communication. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 59. 10.1016/j.jenvp.2018.08.008.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Email marketing was a big contributor to the early success of my business. Unfortunately, it’s not something that a lot of nature-based therapists make a priority. It might seem overwhelming, but there are tools that help to make it easy for you to establish your email list. And the benefits are worth it.

In today’s episode, you'll learn how email marketing is an easy and effective way to connect with your potential customers. We’ll discuss my favorite (and least favorite) platforms, why automation is so important, and how to write emails that keep your audience engaged so that they will want to work with your practice.

We’ll discuss:

• A study that showed that children made more prosocial choices after spending the day in a nature setting
• What exactly is email marketing
• Why you need to use an email service provider for your email list
• How automation allows your business to run smoothly behind the scenes so you can enjoy your work
• How short, helpful emails at regular intervals will keep your practice top of mind
• Using email marketing to answers questions that you frequently receive
• Why you will automatically stand out if you add email marketing to your business
• The importance of a good copywriter (whether it’s you or someone you outsource)

Resources from this episode:

Dopko, Capaldi, & Zelenski (2019). The psychological and social benefits of a nature experience for children: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Environmental Psychology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494418307102?via%3Dihub.

This Book Will Teach You How To Write Better by Neville Medhora

Jenny Gill Copywriting

Krista Frahm Agency

The Office on Call

Flodesk: Design emails people love to get.

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Do you think outdoor play is associated with better motor skills?

It may SEEM like a no-brainer, but often research is needed to prove something known by therapists for a long time!

This article needed more than a 2 minute takeaway- so I'm doing a whole episode to break it down.

 The study examined the relationship between childhood outdoor play and motor skills in 2-7 year old children in the country of Finland. In this episode, I discuss the findings (one of them is rather perplexing) and suggest ways we can apply this research to our work as nature-based therapists. 

We’ll discuss:

• The purpose, study design, and measurement tools used in this study of over 1000 children in Finland.
• The differences in outdoor play among children living in metropolitan vs. rural areas
• Surprising correlations found in the research
• Takeaways from this study you can use in your own practice

Resources from this episode:

Is Outdoor Play Associated With Better Motor Skills?

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature-based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature-based practice or program.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course opens for enrollment every few months: visit www.contigoapproach.com to join the waitlist.

What are common "tenets" (traits, ideologies, beliefs, or principles) of a nature-based lifestyle?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my very EARLY thoughts on commonalities I’ve noticed from working with other nature-based therapists for several years now. 

Through conversations with others in this space, I have developed seven tenets that I think exemplify values we share as nature-loving therapists.

I’m sharing them in this unscripted, semi-fumbling-over-my-words, early ideas format because I want to hear what YOU think!

The 7 (tentative) Tenets of a Nature-Based Lifestyle may be:

• We CONNECT with each other and nature
• We PROTECT the earth
• We HONOR the interconnectedness of life—past, present, and future
• We NOTICE things, both big and small, in nature and in each other
• We MOVE our bodies for health and well-being
• We GROW by embracing opportunities and staying open-minded to change
• We SIMPLIFY our personal and professional lives to make time for what matters in life.

So in sum: connect & protect, honor & notice, move & grow, + simplify.

After you listen, I want to know: Does this resonate with you?? Share YOUR thoughts inside the Podcast discussion in the TGO Community here: https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/join-the-community

Resources from this episode:
Dr. Paul Saladino on Instagram
Diana Rodgers, RD on Instagram
Sacred Cow book and documentary
Katy Bowman - Nutritious Movement
Anya's Reviews - minimalist shoes

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature-based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature-based practice or program.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

While we as therapists do lean on our intuition, it’s important that our work be rooted in research. In my 10-Minute Takeaway series, I break down recent research in the world of nature-based therapy to help you serve your patients to the best of your abilities.

In this episode, I share recent findings from a study on how nature exposure in childhood impacts mental health in adulthood. I explain how the study was conducted, what the researchers tested for, and the results. Then, I talk about how you can apply these findings to your own work as a nature-based therapist.

We’ll discuss:

• How to join the paid TGO community and what kinds of resources you can find there
• This week’s article on how early nature exposure can impact adult mental health
• How to measure availability, duration, and quality of nature exposure
• How early nature exposure improves mental health later in life
• Which mental health disorders and behavior problems can be reduced through exposure to nature
• How nature exposure especially impacts people from disadvantaged backgrounds
• How we can apply these findings to our own practices

Resources from this episode:

Life Course Nature Exposure and Mental Health Outcomes A Systematic Review and Future Directions

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Running a nature-based therapy practice is more complicated than just taking your patients outdoors. There’s a lot that has to happen behind-the-scenes – from payroll to insurance to business strategy – and you’re bound to have questions along the way. I’m answering some of those questions today!

In this episode, I answer a few listener questions about starting and growing a nature-based therapy practice. I explain how you can work towards your goals, even when you’re not in a place to scale your business. I explain the purpose of liability insurance and why you need it. Plus, I share my experience finding outdoor spaces where I could legally conduct my practice.

We’ll discuss:

• What to do if you don’t feel like you’re ready to grow your business yet
• How to reverse-engineer your way to your business goals
• How hiring employees can actually help you work less 
• The importance of parent buy-in when growing your practice
• How to talk to families about insurance issues and best practices
• What liability insurance does for therapists
• How to find outdoors spaces to use in your practice
• How to protect and respect the outdoor spaces that you use

Resources from this episode:

Life Course Nature Exposure and Mental Health Outcomes A Systematic Review and Future Directions

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Your business has a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to let things spin out of control. But with the right systems in place, you can free up your time as the business owner to do MORE of what you love in the business, all while the business grows to impact more people and bring in more revenue.

In this episode, you'll learn the four systems every nature-based business needs: mindset, operations, marketing, and finances. These are the bedrock foundations of every single successful nature-based business...or ANY business, really!

We’ll discuss:

• Why you have to consider the logistical side of running a nature-based business or program
• How to create a system for checking in and working on your mindset
• Why you need a plan in place for times when you’re personally not feeling well
• How to develop a thorough, well-documented system of operations
• How to develop your marketing plan and map out your customer journey
• The different kinds of marketing you can utilize for your business
• Why you should prioritize ease of use in your website design and functionality
• How to shift your mindset around finances and profit
• Why your business needs a budget and an organized financial system
• How to access tons of resources for building and growing your business

Resources from this episode:
MYOT Podcast Episode 43: Accept Challenges & Commit to Action with Carlyn Neek
 

TGO Podcast Episode 5: Email Marketing for your Nature-Based Practice
 

“Marketing Table Activity” post in the TGO CommunityProfit First by Mike Michalowicz
 

My accountant, Sandi York (She's @fitmoneycoach on IG)

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature-based practice or program.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

As a nature-based therapist, you’ve probably already seen the effects of nature programming in your patients: improved motor skills, lower stress levels, and even greater self-confidence. But what about the invisible benefits? Can nature-based therapy improve a child’s internal, physical health?

In this episode, we’re diving into a groundbreaking study on the impact of nature exposure on a child’s gut microbiota. You’ll learn how the gut microbiome affects a child’s physical, cognitive, and behavioral health. You’ll also hear how it can significantly improve a child’s stress levels. Plus, you’ll get to hear how these findings affect your practice and patients.

We’ll discuss:

• How your gut microbiome affects a child’s physical, behavioral, and cognitive health
• The relationship between your gut microbiome and serotonin levels
• How this study impacted the subjects’ connection to nature and stress levels
• Whether or not weekly programming is enough to impact children’s outcomes
• Why you should treat children holistically and consider internal and physical health when addressing behavioral health
• How to access resources to help you in your own nature-based practice or business

Resources from this episode:

Read the study mentioned in today’s episode

The Connection to Nature Index for Preschool Children

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Are you a traditional pediatrician therapist considering taking your practice outdoors? There are so many benefits to starting a nature-based practice, many of which you’ve probably never thought of. Today, I’m breaking them down using some of my recent research findings.

In this episode, I share ten reasons you should take your pediatric therapy practice outdoors. I explain what makes nature-based therapy so effective for patients and appealing to parent. You’ll also hear the benefits of nature-based practices from a business owner’s perspective.

We’ll discuss:

• How my current research is going and a few sneak peeks into what I’m uncovering
• How nature-based pediatric therapy can reignite your love for your work
• Why nature-based therapy is often more affordable and accessible than regular therapy
• Why parents and patients value nature-based therapy so highly
• Research that supports the effectiveness of nature-based pediatric therapy
• Why children need to engage in risky play in a neutral environment
• The unlimited potential of nature-based therapy, both for patients and practitioners

Resources from this episode:

Sparked by Jonathan Fields

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Earthing is the practice of connecting your body to the surface of the earth. Walking outside barefoot. Sitting in the grass without a blanket. It is a concept that has tangible benefits for both children and adults. What’s even better is that there is an indoor alternative known as grounding in which you can use grounding devices to connect with the earth.

The best part is that there’s scientific evidence that supports the practice.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about earthing and grounding as well as a few research studies that share compelling evidence in favor of this practice. You’ll also hear the benefits of using earthing and grounding in your nature-based therapy practice.

The beauty of these practices is that they are low-cost, easy-to-implement strategies. You can incorporate earthing into your outdoor sessions. You can suggest grounding mats to your families for an opportunity to improve health inside and in situations you cannot observe, like the home setting.

Direct contact with the earth has innumerable benefits, and I can’t wait to see how you will incorporate these methods into your practice.

We’ll discuss:

• What earthing is
• Grounding devices that you can use inside
• The many benefits of physically touching the earth with your body
• A study on how grounding improves vagal tone in NICU babies
• A study on the benefits of regular grounding in a teenager with severe disabilities
• A study on how grounding can improve inflammation and autoimmune diseases
• Results from a randomized, controlled trial in how grounding can improve quality of life in adult massage therapists
• How both earthing and grounding can be easily implemented into your nature-based therapy practice
• Why more research is needed on this important topic 

Resources from this episode:

Book:

Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever? By Ober, Sinatra, & Zucker

Articles:

How Does Grounding Affect Children with Severe/Profound Disabilities? (Delp, 2021)

Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants (Passi et al., 2017)

The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (Oschman et al., 2015)

The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers' Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Chevalier et al., 2017)

Two bonus articles I didn't cover on the podcast:

Electric Nutrition: The Surprising Health and Healing Benefits of Biological Grounding (Earthing) (Sinatra et al., 2017)

Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth's Surface Electrons (Chevalier et al, 2012)

Previous episodes:

Gut microbiome episode

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature-based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature-based practice or program.

  If you're a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature, the ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Running a nature-based therapy practice is about more than the therapy itself. From knowing what’s needed to get started to how to market your business to making sure you’re taking time for yourself, there’s a lot that goes into running a business.

In this episode, I answer your listener questions about the behind-the-scenes aspect of business. I share what work/life balance looks like both in early and later stages of a business, why I love what I do, and the importance of not letting yourself get burnt out. I also talk about strategies and decisions around whether or not to open an LLC and marketing strategies that I recommend if you’re just starting out in your business.

We’ll discuss:

• How a recent OT retreat solidified for me the impact of nature-based therapy and the importance of community to the growth and transformation of nature-based practices
• An update on my current work life
• How to navigate work/life balance in the first few years as a business owner and how that balance is different for everyone
• The prevalence of burnout and knowing when you need physical and mental rest
• The importance of having support in your business so you can focus on the work you love
• What helps me stay sane in running multiple businesses
• Whether and when to consider sole proprietor, LLC, or S-corp for your business
• Important decisions to make before opening an LLC or S-corp
• The most helpful marketing strategy for me when I first started my business and what I recommend now
• How email marketing can help you gain a wide potential client base
• Why in-person marketing and word of mouth is so successful

Resources from this episode:

Grounded to Grow Retreat

Nicole Gordon - Outside OT

Angela Rosenberg - Treeline Enrichment

Marika Austin - Bearfoot Occupational Therapy

Kate Davis - Adaptations Unlimited

Mind Your OT Business - Episode 34

Therapy in the Great Outdoors - Episode 5

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

If you have questions that come up as you’re listening to the podcast, feel free to reply to my Instagram stories when I put out a listener Q&A callout, or DM me @lauraparkfig or @outdoorkidsot. I’ll feature your questions in a future Listener Q & A episode.

Kids love getting messy. They love playing outside. And when you provide them with opportunities for safe risk-taking and exploration, the learning outcomes and success that follow will prove invaluable to their development. This is true for all children, and today’s research takeaway episode gives further proof of the benefits for autistic children.

In this small scale study, four autistic children attend forest school, and then the children, along with their parents and teachers, provide feedback on the experience. And there are some very exciting qualitative outcomes.

This research brings up an interesting idea: how we can implement videos as a strategy in treatment sessions. It also supports the practices we are implementing as nature-based therapists: getting messy, risk-taking, learning about nature, and making friends in a safe space.

We’ll discuss:

• Why this study specifically centers the voices of the autistic children who participated
• How the researchers used videos to show the full range of experience for each child 
• Why they got multiple sets of data responses (verbal, non-verbal, visual) and how they analyzed
• The common themes that both parents and educators agreed on as outcomes they witnessed
• The common themes in the children’s responses
• How all the children depicted positive emotions when drawing their experience
• Takeaways from this study for nature-based therapy

Resources from this episode:

I found a free, publicly available link to the article!

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

As humans, we are inextricably linked to the earth. And in a world and society with so much emphasis on technology, it’s more important than ever to stay regularly connected with nature.

In this episode, I’m talking about why I think that nature-based therapy practices have longevity and sustainability. Not only can it renew your passion for the work that you do, but we aren’t healthy when we’re detached from the earth (and vice versa). 

Whether you’re starting a new practice or thinking of ways to reinvigorate an existing one, the benefits of nature-based therapy are many, and they will continue to benefit children and adults alike for decades to come.

We’ll discuss:

• Why experienced therapists are entering nature-based practices and how it can renew your passion for your work
• How forest schools and nature play are becoming more widely acceptable
• How more competition means a greater need for unique, high-quality services
• The need for more connection to nature in light of continued advancements in technology (especially geared towards kids)
• The nonduality of humans and the earth

Resources from this episode:

N/A

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Building a nature-based occupational therapy business comes with a whole lot of considerations. How many children do you want to see? Do you want to do group or individual therapy? Will you take insurance or operate cash-based?

Today, I’m chatting with fellow nature-based OT, Kim Wilson, about how she answered those questions for herself, and how that led her to keep her business small to align with her vision and lifestyle. She shares how her business evolved, why it’s her mission to empower families to be equipped with tools and knowledge, and how she’s made a cash-based business work in multiple locations.

As you’ll learn in today’s episode, the most important thing is to be intentional with your decisions and make them from a place of honoring your interests, your passion, your current season of life, and your personal business goals. You get to chart your own path, and there are so many ways to make a nature-based therapy practice work for you.

We’ll discuss:

• How Kim got into the field of nature-based OT and how she juggles her business as a mom of six children
• The evolution of her business, Nature’s Path OT, why she has kept it intentionally small, and how word of mouth has worked for her in acquiring clients
• Why you should define your area of interest and passion before assessing other parts of how to grow your business
• The importance of learning to communicate confidently about your business, seeing the value in your work, and building relationships that can lead to clients
• The differences between cash-based and insurance models, and the value of activities that would not be reimbursed by insurance
• Why you shouldn’t let yourself believe the lie that your business has to look a certain way to be successful
• Kim’s thoughts on what services set apart a nature-based OT business that make it worth paying cash for
• How Kim individualizes her home programs boxes to the needs of the child, and what a relief it is for families to have the weight of creating activities off their shoulders

Resources from this episode:

Kim’s website

Kim’s Instagram

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature-based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature-based practice or program.

  Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? Visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist for the next ConTiGO Approach Online Course.

Kids (adults, too) are attracted to the magic of birds—they can be colorful, they make different sounds, they hop, they fly. Birds connect people to nature in fascinating and varying ways. Seeing the same birds in your environment and learning about them can help form a deeper understanding and relationship with the natural world.

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Freya McGregor, an O.T. and disabled birder, about how birding is a beautifully accessible activity that you can add as a tool to your nature-based therapy practice. She shares how to use it as a mindfulness tool, how to adapt birding activities to different needs, and why it’s truly accessible, even if it doesn’t appear that way at first glance.

This is a delightful and exciting conversation that I hope will leave you with lots of ideas and inspiration for incorporating birding into your nature-based therapy practice.

We’ll discuss:

• Freya’s experience as an O.T., her nonprofit Birdability, her new organization, Access Birding, and a sneak peak of what’s going to be in her upcoming book
• How vast and individual and detailed the world of birding is
• How birding can be used as a mindfulness tool
• Different styles of birding that can be used in nature-based therapy, and how to adapt the styles to different children's needs
• How learning about the birds that you see regularly in your environment is the first step to exploring and understanding differences in other bird species
• How therapists could partner with Audubon or ornithological societies 
• Social and cultural barriers into birding, and why you don’t need equipment to be a birder

Connect with Freya:

Follow Freya on Instagram

Follow Access Birding on Instagram

Freya’s website

Access Birding website

Resources from this episode:

Ornitherapy by Holly Merker

Meg Proctor’s Instagram

Merlin Bird ID app

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

It’s a new year, and you know what that means: it’s time for a year-end review. Each year, I sit down and do my best to be transparent with you about how my business did. From the outside, it might seem like my business is huge and thriving – and it is doing well, but I learned some hard lessons too. 

And even though I’m ending the year with over $50k in my business accounts, my profit margins for 2022 have been really slim. Instead of being a year of major financial growth, 2022 ended up being a reorganization year. I spent some money in places that I probably shouldn’t have, but I also made some investments that are going to set my businesses up for future success. 

So in today’s episode, I’m breaking down how I reorganized my businesses, how and why I spent some much money in the businesses this year, and my big goals for next year. Even if some of my numbers feel a little embarrassing, sitting down to reflect on the year helped me to appreciate the small and big wins and get clarity on my plans for next year, and I encourage you to take time to do the same.

We’ll discuss:

• Why I officially separated my two businesses and how that’s clarified my business finances
• The wins from last year for both TGO and Outdoor Kids OT
• How my team has grown and how I’m working on company culture this year
• I finally finished my dissertation! (And I’m writing a book)
• How I’m learning to celebrate all moments, big and small
• How last year was about reorganizing and creating new products, and why this year is about maintaining stability
• My business revenue and profits from 2022, and financial lessons I’ve learned about managing and analyzing your numbers
• My goals for 2023, and how I’m continuing to build on and structure my businesses to be more streamlined

Resources from this episode:

Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat by Michael Masterson

Grab my FREE e-book: The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP

Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO course

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

When it comes to hiring, you have to make sure that potential employees are the right fit for your business. It takes time to know what you’re looking for and to find them, but it’s worth it in the long run to have systems in place that help make hiring a smooth process.

In today’s episode, I share five practices I use in my business to hire great people. Building a team that aligns with the values of your business is crucial to the success of the business. When you have that alignment, you know that your team is carrying out those values, supporting your approach to nature-based practice, and delivering consistent services to the families you serve.

I hope that the tips in this episode help you to get clear on what you want in an employee. And if you’re looking for more in-depth business coaching and a supportive community, the doors to TGO Business Hive open at the end of this month. We’d love to have you.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• An update on my business numbers from last episode, and the importance of asking questions of your accountant to better understand your numbers
• Choosing 3-4 business values so that you know who you are looking for when you hire, plus what my business value are and how they inform my hiring process
• Writing your application and interview guide in alignment with your business values, and why you want job applicants to pay attention to details and reply thoughtfully
• How asking for work samples can help you further investigate the quality of an applicant’s work
• How doing a working interview allows you (or your employees) to see that person in their true work environment
• The importance of relying on your therapists and employees to give you honest feedback about potential hires
• Details on the TGO Business Hive—our year-long group coaching program for nature-based business owenrs. The doors are opening next week if you’re looking for community and a business coach to help you grow your practice—and the outcomes you can expect from the program.

Resources from this episode:

Sandy York - Fit Money Coach (my accountant)

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature-based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature-based practice or program.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

If you’re serious about starting and growing your own nature-based business, join The TGO Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling nature-based business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

A nature-based practice that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, that is accessible, and that is representative of all kinds of people and abilities—this is how to make sure that nature is available to everyone. 

In today’s episode, I’m talking with Mya Zavaleta about the importance of DEI (or IDEAR, as she refers to it) within nature-based practices, ways to increase social accessibility, being open and honest about being inclusive in your practice, and how to engage with communities of a socioeconomic status who might not be able to afford your services.

When it comes to IDEAR, one of the most important things you can do, especially as a white person, is truly listen to people in communities that are not your own. Take the time to understand their needs, their history, their desires. Taking small steps to help people feel like they belong in nature yields big rewards.

We’ll discuss:

• What diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) means, why representation is important, and why Mya emphasizes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA)
• Considering social accessibility when it comes to nature-based therapy, and ways to introduce nature to kids who aren’t familiar it and get them comfortable in the environment 
• The importance of land acknowledgment (honoring the land and the Native Americans who inhabited it) and inclusive images on your website if you desire to be more inclusive
• Mya’s perspective on the difficulty of socioeconomic inclusion when running a cash-based business, and other ways that she engages with broader communities who are not her clients
• Why Mya focuses on the resilient promoting aspect of her services
• The importance of observing, listening, and asking questions as a white person working in communities of color and taking the time to build a relationship of trust

Connect with Mya:

Mya’s website

Follow Mya on Instagram

Resources from this episode:

The Nature Gap: Confronting Racial and Economic Disparities in the Destruction and Protection of Nature in America

Birding as a Therapeutic Tool for All Children with Freya McGregor

Children & Nature Network Research Digest: Inequitable Access to Nature—Awareness and Action

Resource for writing a land acknowledgment statement

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you focus (and avoid costly mistakes!) as you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

When growing your nature-based therapy practice, it’s important to think of all the ways that you can connect with parents and teachers in your community. Partnering with schools is a great way to connect with families that could benefit from your services. Even better: if there are forest schools in your town, that’s an obvious environment to build long-lasting relationships.

In today’s episode, I’m doing a live coaching call with Erin Wilke, who is a member of the TGO Business Hive. She’s sharing how she has connected with the forest schools in her area to cultivate relationships that can bring forth new clients. She has great ideas on how to fill her daytime hours, and I’m sharing some ways that she can expand on her ideas and make them a reality.

The benefit of having a coach means that you can have brainstorming sessions, such as this one, that help you to understand your options, gain insight from an experienced mentor, and build the confidence to grow your business in a way that works for you.

We’ll discuss:

• Erin’s ideas for how to fill the daytime hours in her business, including screening or in-services that could lead to new patients
• The benefits to having outdoor and indoor space for your practice
• How an O.T. can be helpful in a forest school
• How you can use free or low-cost services as marketing tools for long-term business
• My advice for how Erin can add benefits to her services, and how she can build out her offerings into a system
• Things to consider when setting your prices, including setting expectations
• Erin reminds us not be afraid to put yourself out there
• The support Erin has found in the TGO Business Hive, why she joined, and why she thinks others should join

Resources from this episode:

N/A

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you focus (and avoid costly mistakes!) as you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

Homeschooling, unfortunately, comes with a lot of stigmas from those who aren’t familiar with it. On the flip side, it’s also becoming more and more common as parents want to find more individualized ways of learning for their kids.

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Sarah Collins of Homeschool OT, who provides consultation services for occupational therapists and homeschoolers. She’s sharing practical ideas for both homeschoolers and OTs, best practices for OTs on how to approach conversations with homeschoolers, and three homeschooling philosophies and how they’re beneficial to nature-based therapy.

Nature-based therapy practitioners can benefit from understanding the ecosystem of homeschooling, and homeschoolers can benefit from integrating nature-based OT practices into their daily lives. I hope this episode inspires you to learn more about how you can work with homeschooling communities as an OT.

We’ll discuss:

• How homeschooling her kids led Sarah to transition to specifically working with homeschool communities/parents and occupational therapists as a homeschool consultant with OT experience
• What to say and what not to say as an OT working with homeschool parents and communities, and debunking stigmas about homeschooling
• Finding the balance between letting homeschool kids develop at their own pace and catching any needs early so they can be addressed, and how to approach providing support to homeschool communities as an OT
• The Charlotte Mason method of education; the beauty and importance of living books; how the science of relations works in narration, and how it teaches us to listen
• How unschooling lends itself to nature-based therapy, how traditional school subjects are innately built into the learning, and how you can build therapy into the child’s interests
• How COVID gave a lot of people the confidence to homeschool
• The Waldorf philosophy, and how form drawing can be beneficial in nature-based therapy

Connect with Sarah:

Homeschool OT website

Follow Sarah on Instagram

Join Homeschool Therapy Ideas Facebook group

Resources from this episode:

Perspectives of Homeschool Educators on Occupational Therapy: A Pilot Study

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (a great example of a living book for middle schoolers!)

Simply Charlotte Mason podcast episode: How to Spot a Great Picture Book

Karla the UNschooling Mama

John Holt, unschooling proponent

National Home Education Research Institute

Coastal Connections Pediatric Therapy

Angela Lord’s book on form drawing

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join our free Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com. The TGO community is a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners. We have loads of resources there to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you focus (and avoid costly mistakes!) as you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. You'll get clarity & confidence to grow a profitable and personally fulfilling business that runs on auto-pilot as much as possible. 

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? The ConTiGO Approach Online Course will open for registration soon: visit www.ConTiGOapproach.com to join the waitlist.

My 10-Minute Takeaway series is back, and I’m diving into a recently published article on the effect of using nature-based rehabilitation on adults. While my practice is primarily for pediatrics, seeing an article like this in a major journal is so exciting, because it might mean that nature-based therapy is becoming more mainstream.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into this article and sharing my biggest take-aways including further affirmation for the theory of nature-based therapy, previous studies down laying the ground-work for incorporating nature into therapy, and why we need a solid framework to inform our practice, especially in pediatric-nature based therapy.

We’ll discuss:

• Why I’m so excited to see a new nature-based therapy study
• Previous articles which explored adding nature into the therapy process
• How nature can help clients on four different dimensions related to OT
• How time in nature led to clients enjoying therapy more than previous sessions
• Why it’s so important to have a therapeutic rationale and framework in nature-based work and especially for pediatric clients
• Why I’m so passionate about my nature-based framework and why more frameworks are needed

Resources from this episode:

Article from this episode: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists experiences of using nature-based rehabilitation

Ulrich article: View through a window may influence recovery from surgery

Ronan Berger’s article: Theory and Practice of Nature Therapy

Wilcock & Hocking (2015) An Occupational Perspective of Health, 3rd edition. Published by SLACK.

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course.

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join the free TGO community, a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. 

Today’s guest is an occupational therapy masters student who has already made waves by applying her OT lens in a unique way. Inspired by a life full of nature and travel with her family as well as her siblings who have disabilities, Ashlyn Southard recognized the lack of accessibility in the national parks system and wanted to do something about it.

In today’s episode, she’s sharing how she landed a paid internship working at Grand Teton, the resources she created both for families visiting and for staff to be more informed on accessibility, and how therapists can offer support to families specific to their vacations. 

Ashlyn’s passion for bringing more awareness and accessibility into the national parks is something that is so needed. I can’t wait to see what Ashlyn contributes to the nature-based therapy space in the future and hope that her work in the national parks system lives on.

We’ll discuss:

• The nonprofit process I’m starting to help fund and support children attending nature-based therapy services
• How Ashlyn’s siblings with intellectual developmental disabilities and her family’s affinity for travel (particularly to national parks) influenced her interest in nature-based therapy
• How Ashlyn pitched her OT services to the National Park Service and got a job working for the Grand Teton Association
• How she helped prepare parents for the sensory experiences to expect when visiting the park with their kids as well as learning opportunities she created for kids
• Barriers that parks and outdoor spaces have when it comes to disabilities and the environment
• How therapists can support families with children who have special needs that are going on vacation/interacting with nature
• Ashlyn’s passion for sibling support, and the importance of groups and community in this work 

Resources from this episode:

Connect with Ashlyn on LinkedIn

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course.

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join the free TGO community, a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners to support you as you start or grow a nature based practice or program.

Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive. 

Today’s episode is a little bit different! I’m writing a book on nature-based pediatric therapy and after reviewing the outline, I realized I’d love to know what YOU would like to see in this book. What are the things that would help you the most if you’re interested in this topic or in running a nature-based practice?

In the episode, I share a little history on how and why I’m writing this book, but I mainly want some feedback from you. I’ll be focusing on my ConTiGO approach and my ECO-Therapy model (from my dissertation research). The intended audience will be occupational, physical, and speech therapists, and also mental health counselors and social workers.

I’m really looking forward to your comments and I’m excited to get this book written and out into the world. 

We’ll discuss:

• [00:00] My request for your feedback and a little background on my publishing journey so far
• [03:55] What the book will be about and my rough outline
• [07:08] The ConTiGO approach I developed in 2019 and my eco therapy model
• [08:41] Who this book is primarily geared towards
• [10:36] My desire for this book to be equal parts practice and business and why

Resources from this episode:

• Book: Nature-Based Therapy: A Practitioner's Guide to Working Outdoors with Children, Youth, and Families by Nevin Harper, Kathryn Rose, David Segal
• Book: Nature-Based Allied Health Practice: Creative and Evidence-Based Strategies by Amy Wagenfeld and Shannon Marder (Oct 2023)

Are you a pediatric therapist interested in taking your work with children out into nature? Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course.

If you're ready to take the next step in this adventure, join the free TGO community, a private space just for nature based pediatric practitioners to support you as you start or grow a nature-based practice or program.

Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

If you’re serious about taking your nature-based practice to the next level, come join the Business Bedrocks Group Coaching Program in The Business Hive.

I’m really excited because today’s guest is the first one who isn’t in the field of occupational therapy. Carolyn Parker is a speech therapist from the Mount Pleasant, Michigan area who grew up loving the outdoors, but actually came to nature-based therapy slowly and unintentionally by incorporating outdoor time and natural materials into her therapy.  

In today’s episode, Carolyn shares how she started her practice, what exactly nature-based speech therapy entails, especially for the children she works with who have complex communication needs, and the need for more research on the benefits of nature and speech therapy. We also discuss our vision for the future of nature-based therapy and what interdisciplinary collaboration between OT, PT, SLP, and mental health fields could do for the future of pediatric therapy. 

Carolyn’s passion for nature and making it accessible to her patients is wonderful to see and I can’t wait to witness how she grows her practice and what her contributions to her field will be going forward. 

We’ll discuss:

• [01:42] Carolyn’s background in speech therapy and how she came to the idea to take speech therapy outdoors
• [06:27] The dismissiveness and confusion Carolyn has faced from other colleagues about doing therapy outside
• [11:13] How Carolyn runs her speech therapy practice and why having a small practice works for her stage of life
• [20:10] What a nature-based speech therapy session entails, especially with children who have complex communication needs 
• [29:14] Why having good clinical reasoning skills and being able to reflect and pivot is important in a therapy practice
• [40:10] How nature-based speech therapy is a small, but growing field
• [47:26] The value in collaborating and co-treating across the SLP, OT, PT, and mental health fields

Connect with Carolyn:

Stepping Stones Speech Therapy, PLLC

Follow Carolyn on Instagram

Follow Carolyn on Facebook

About Stepping Stones Speech Therapy:

Stepping Stones Speech Therapy, PLLC offers in-home speech and language therapy for pediatric clients within the Central Michigan area. Carolyn has over 10 years of experience working with children and specializes in the areas of speech sound disorders, early language acquisition, and augmentation/alternative communication (AAC). Stepping Stones prioritizes nature-based learning and time outside as a therapeutic tool for language learning. We also offer parent education, play groups, and educational consulting.

References of interest to nature-based speech-language pathology professionals:

Responding to nature: Natural environments improve parent-child communication

The importance of play in natural environments for children’s language development: an explorative study in early childhood education

The Impact of Time Spent in Natural Outdoor Spaces on Children’s Language, Communication and Social Skills: A Systematic Review Protocol (This is a published protocol for a systematic review that is likely being conducted at time of this podcast publication. May want to check back on the author's names in the future by using scholar.google.com to read the systematic review when it is eventually published.)

Nature-Based Therapy: Its Potential as a Complementary Approach to Treating Communication Disorders

💚 Work with me! Here's how I can support your nature-based practice or business:

 🌎 Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors (TGO) Community to get free support as a nature-based pediatric therapist.

🥾 Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

🌈 Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course if you want to be an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy (+ get mentoring from expert nature-based therapists & free marketing of your practice on our ConTiGO Certified® directory of practitioners).

 🐝 Join the waitlist for the TGO Business Hive if you want help starting and growing your nature-based BUSINESS.

Today’s guest, Hannah Burke, is a Ph.D. candidate at Colorado State University who recently, along with her co-authors, had an article published about nature-based pediatric occupational therapy. It was a scoping review of the literature that’s out there in our field and the outcomes are fascinating.

In this episode, Hannah shares why they chose to do a scoping review, what gray literature is, what her research uncovered, and the struggles around trying to solidify a definition of nature-based OT. We also discuss the importance of interdisciplinary work with other allied health professionals in nature-based therapy.  

What struck me the most, though, was Hannah’s reminder that while research is incredibly valuable in our field, the research is just a tool to guide you in your practice and that a holistic approach will always serve us best and create the best outcomes for our clients.

We’ll discuss:

• [03:04] Hannah's article and how she got her research published and out into the world, plus the difference between a scoping review and a systematic review
• [10:05] Hannah's research and review process for the article
• [20:12] The struggle of trying to define nature-based occupational therapy without getting too specific, and what Hannah hopes the definition will include going forward
• [32:40] The theories informing the work of nature-based practices
• [39:22] Hannah shares some of the outcomes from the review on natured-based OT and intervention
• [48:51] Why interdisciplinary work with other allied health professionals is so important in nature-based therapy
• [53:13] The unique considerations that we need to make in our skill sets, knowledge, and competencies as therapists in order to do work outdoors
• [01:00:38] How research is a tool and guide to use in our practices and not necessarily the be-all and end-all

Connect with Hannah:

Follow Hannah on Instagram

Resources from this episode:

• Abstract of Hannah’s article: Nature-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review
• Textbook: Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice by Anita C. Bundy & Shelly J Lane
• Nature Contact and Children's Health: A Systematic Review by Amber L. Fyfe-Johnson et al., Pediatrics, 2021
• Nature-Based Speech Therapy for Children with Carolyn Parker M.A. CCC-SLP
• Book: Nature-Based Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide to Working Outdoors with Children, Youth, and Families by Nevin J. Harper, Kathryn Rose, and David Segal

💚 Work with me! Here's how I can support your nature-based practice or business:

🌎 Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors (TGO) Community to get free support as a nature-based pediatric therapist.

🥾 Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

🌈 Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course if you want to be an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy (+ get mentoring from expert nature-based therapists & free marketing of your practice on our ConTiGO Certified® directory of practitioners).

🐝 Join the waitlist for the TGO Business Hive if you want help starting and growing your nature-based BUSINESS.

Today’s episode is a bit different from what you’re used to hearing from me, but I thought this was a great time to give you my life and business updates.

I have a trip and a speaking engagement to share with you, plus updates on my Business Hive and ConTiGO courses, Therapy in the Great Outdoors community (we’re almost at 400 members, come join us!), and The Therapy in the Great Outdoors Foundation.

Lastly, I want to remind you all (and in turn, remind myself) to be gentle with yourself and give yourself grace. You can’t do everything all the time, you can only do the best you can.

We’ll discuss:

[00:00] Why I decided to do an update on my life, plus my upcoming dual purpose trip to California
[07:10] My takeaways on gaining and losing staff members in your business and the importance of documenting your business processes
[12:09] What’s going on with the Therapy in the Great Outdoors community
[16:18] Updates on my Business Hive and ConTiGO courses
[25:45] Focusing on strategic marketing and speaking at a conference in the fall
[26:39] A reminder to be gentle with yourself and give yourself grace
[28:47] A quick status update on The Therapy in the Great Outdoors Foundation, a non-profit that I’m starting to provide scholarships for children to attend nature-based therapy services.

Resources from this episode:

• The Healthy Rebellion Radio

💚 Work with me! Here's how I can support your nature-based practice or business:

🌎 Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors (TGO) Community to get free support as a nature-based pediatric therapist.

🥾 Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

🌈 Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course if you want to be an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy (+ get mentoring from expert nature-based therapists & free marketing of your practice on our ConTiGO Certified® directory of practitioners).

🐝 Join the waitlist for the TGO Business Hive if you want help starting and growing your nature-based BUSINESS.

Today’s episode is a live business coaching call for Jenna Miller, OT, owner of Well and Wild Child OT. Jenna is deep into the start-up phase of her nature-based practice in New York. If you’re thinking about nature-based practice or just getting started, this episode is for you!

Jenna and I discuss a variety of topics, including why it’s so important to have a community around you as a nature-based business owner, Jenna’s feelings of overwhelm, the cash pay model and generating super bills, the difference between nature-based therapy and enrichment services, and so much more. 

Jenna was also really honest about deciding whether or not to join the TGO Business Hive (spoiler alert, she obviously did!) and if you’re in need of community as well while running your nature-based business, this is your invitation to join the waitlist. Hope to see you there. 

We’ll discuss:

• [00:00] The importance of having a community as a nature-based business owner, and an invitation to join the waitlist for the TGO Business Hive
• [07:46] An introduction to Jenna Miller, OT, and how she partnered with local nature-based organizations to get started, plus the difference between nature-based therapy vs. enrichment services 
• [17:53] Jenna’s questions about the start-up phase and her feelings of overwhelm and discomfort (which are totally normal!)
• [21:05] Generating superbills for clients in a cash-pay model, how to offer above-and-beyond services that people will pay cash for, and documentation for nature-based services
• [30:09] The fear of doing something wrong as you get started, but also the joy of having a community where you can be honest about your entrepreneurial struggles
• [38:41] Things to consider when deciding to offer individual or group therapy services when you’re starting out
• [44:37] Jenna’s decision making process on whether to join the Business Hive and who she thinks the community is best for (HINT: almost anyone running a nature-based business!)

Connect with Jenna:

Well and Wild Child OT

Follow Jenna on Instagram

💚 Work with me! Here's how I can support your nature-based practice or business:

🌎 Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors (TGO) Community to get free support as a nature-based pediatric therapist.

🥾 Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

🌈 Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course if you want to be an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy (+ get mentoring from expert nature-based therapists & free marketing of your practice on our ConTiGO Certified® directory of practitioners).

🐝 Join the waitlist for the TGO Business Hive if you want help starting and growing your nature-based BUSINESS.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jillian Blount, OT, owner of WildFree Kids OT in Alaska. Jillian has a lot of experience working with children who display challenging behaviors during nature-based therapy sessions and we had a long and enlightening conversation on this topic. 

Jillian and I discuss some of the challenging behaviors we might see as therapists and our approaches to those situations, how to manage groups of children with challenging behaviors, and the importance of creating a safe environment for the kids we work with. Safety is always a concern, especially in the outdoors! 

Jillian also offers really great insight into therapeutic holds, how to use them safely, and where to receive training in this area if you’re interested to learn more. 

We’ll discuss:

• [00:00] A quick update on what’s been going on in my work life, mainly I’ve been prioritizing rest, plus registration opens for The Hive at the end of July
• [11:38] An introduction to Jillian and her nature-based business, plus defining what the term “managing behavior” means
• [17:16] Some of the challenging behaviors we might see as therapists, and our approach to handling those behaviors, plus how to broach this subject with parents and steer them to change their own behaviors
• [35:32] How to manage groups of children with challenging behaviors, especially in an outdoor setting
• [47:07] Jillian shares her thoughts on the clash between behaviorism and a therapeutic/relationship-based approach
• [53:40] Strategies to help kids feel safe in our sessions with them, and what to do when children don’t have the language/cognitive capabilities for collaborative problem solving
• [01:16:40] Jillian shares whether therapeutic holds are appropriate and if there’s a proper way to do them when it comes to children’s safety 

Connect with Jillian:

WildFree Kids OT website

WildFree Kids OT on Facebook

WildFree Kids OT on Instagram

Resources from this episode:

• Book: Behavioral Challenges in Children with Autism and Other Special Needs: The Developmental Approach by Diane Cullinane
• Therapeutic Crisis Institute
• Crisis Prevention Institute
• Life Space Crisis Intervention
• Australian Childhood Foundation

💚 Work with me! Here's how I can support your nature-based practice or business:

🌎 Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors (TGO) Community to get free support as a nature-based pediatric therapist.

🥾 Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

🌈 Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course if you want to be an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy (+ get mentoring from expert nature-based therapists & free marketing of your practice on our ConTiGO Certified® directory of practitioners).

🐝 Join the waitlist for the TGO Business Hive if you want help starting and growing your nature-based BUSINESS.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the “fail-learns” and wins from my first year inside the Business Hive. In addition to my reflections on how the program went, I offer you takeaways that you can apply to your nature-based practice. 

I’m sharing about how I learned to hold people accountable, to charge what I’m worth, why I think longer programs are the way to go, and so much more. I’m so excited to celebrate the end of this first year with the program members and also kickstart the new cohort in August. It’s been a valuable experience for both me and everyone in the program and I can’t wait to see where it takes us in the future. 

Enrollment for the Business Hive is open now through July 28th, 2023 at 12:00PM CST. If you’re a nature-based therapist and business owner, send in your application ASAP. You won’t want to miss out on this incredible yearlong program. 

We’ll discuss:

• [00:00] The Business Hive is open for enrollment right now until July 28th, 2023. Join us!
• [03:39] My “fail-learns” from the first year of the Business Hive, including holding people accountable, ending on a high note, charging what you’re worth, etc. 
• [13:04] The wins from Business Hive year one, including holding longer programs, using technology that will make your life easier, creating helpful resources for your community, and more
• [18:53] An exciting addition to the Business Hive this year

Resources from this episode:

• Join the Business Hive

💚 Work with me! Here's how I can support your nature-based practice or business:

🌎 Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors (TGO) Community to get free support as a nature-based pediatric therapist.

🥾 Download my free guide The Nature-Based Practice ROADMAP to help you start or grow your nature-based pediatric therapy practice.

🌈 Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Approach Online Course if you want to be an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy (+ get mentoring from expert nature-based therapists & free marketing of your practice on our ConTiGO Certified® directory of practitioners).

🐝 Join the waitlist for the TGO Business Hive if you want help starting and growing your nature-based BUSINESS.

In this episode, I share the findings from my PhD research and introduce the Ecology of Change in Outdoor Therapy (ECO-Therapy) Model developed from my research. The ECO-Therapy Model is a grounded theory to explain the mechanisms of change at work in the nature-based therapy process with children. The model was developed in the field of occupational therapy but may inform any pediatric therapist's work with children outdoors in nature. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you listen!

It may be helpful to SEE a picture of the model while you listen to this episode. I describe a bit of what it looks like but a picture says a thousand words. You can find the image pinned at the top of my Instagram profile @lauraparkfig and it is also the thumbnail for this episode. (You may have to zoom in to see the details...)

Here's what you'll learn:

00:01:27 The funny story about how I decided to share the model on this podcast episode.

00:02:42 Background of my research; what grounded theory is.

00:06:11 Why I named it The Ecology of Change in Outdoor Therapy (ECO-Therapy Model)

00:08:42 Names of the actors in the nature-based therapy process: Nature as the Continual Context and Blameless Co-Therapist; Child as the Motivated Adventurer; Therapist as the Attuned Analyzer and Modulator; Caregivers as the Contributing Beneficiaries

00:12:42 Six iterative phases in the nature-based therapy process: Longing for Freedom, Embarking on Adventure, Dancing with Nature, Claiming Self-Agency, Braving Real-Life Challenges, & Growing Adaptive Capacity.

00:29:09 The concept of hormesis and the hormetic effect of real-life challenges in nature

00:30:54 Real-life challenge compared to just-right challenge

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts after listening to this episode. There is a lot more I could share from my research (there were 3 research questions and lots of data other than what I shared here)...so if this is interesting to you, please let me know! You can share your thoughts inside the Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community here. I always want these episodes to support your work with children to help you grow a thriving nature-based practice! xoxo Laura

🏄🏽‍♀️ Naomi Matanick, OTR/L started a nature-based therapy practice utilizing SURFING as her therapeutic modality! 🌊

Tune in to learn:

00:01:57 How Naomi discovered surf therapy.

00:06:43 The challenges Naomi encountered early on in her practice.

00:11:22 How her first surf therapy session taught her valuable lessons.

00:13:08 Nature-based therapy practice requires business know-how

00:17:55 How Naomi made changes after her first session

00:19:10 Invoicing and billing for surf therapy sessions as an OT

00:20:23 Leading with your professional licensure; keeping the lens of your profession when treating outdoors ("nature-based therapy" is not a licensed profession)

00:22:24 Goal writing for surf therapy

00:23:53 Determining if a child is a good fit for surf therapy sessions

00:25:42 How Naomi supports children's autonomy in sessions

00:26:09 Naomi's intake process

00:27:40 Logistics of growing the business

00:34:38 What Naomi charges per session

00:36:43 Using an EMR and when you might need one (versus using Google for notes)

00:38:54 What she plans to do during colder winter months

Connect with Naomi on Instagram @hang_ten_therapeutics or her website https://www.hang-tentherapeutics.com/

Want advice as you start or grow your nature-based pediatric practice? Get Laura Park Figueroa's free e-book The Nature-Based Practice Roadmap. You'll learn the 4 stages of nature-based practice, what to focus on (and mistakes to avoid!) in each stage, and get a checklist of specific action steps to take at each stage of the process. Go to therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/roadmap

This week's TGO Podcast is an honest share of my attempt to implement an evidence-based method directly within a nature-based therapy session. The CO-OP approach is a simple system for helping children to achieve their own goals, and it strongly aligns with the philosophy of my nature-based therapy framework, the ConTiGO (Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors) Approach. In this episode, I share a real-life story from my practice last week. I think you'll have a few key takeaways that you can do TODAY in any practice setting with children. 

2:00 Background - why I'm sharing this real-life story to help you in your nature-based practice.

3:15 What the CO-OP approach is and how it is an evidence-based method aligned with the ConTiGO (Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors) Approach to nature-based therapy

6:30 Having children set their own goals

7:45 A real-life story of how I applied CO-OP in a session today

11:30 How we often rob children of the opportunity to problem-solve

12:20 Letting children come to solutions on their own

14:45 Reflection questions used in the ConTiGO Approach (Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors)

Resources to learn more about Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP):

https://icancoop.myshopify.com/pages/the-co-op-approach

OT Potential podcast episodes on CO-OP:

https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/ot-coop-celebral-palsy

https://otpotential.com/ceu-podcast-courses/coop-and-occupational-therapy

Alexa Ambrosino is an occupational therapy doctorate student at Duquesne University. As part of her capstone project, she requested an interview with me to discuss nature-based practice and advocacy…and I agreed on the condition that we could have the conversation publicly on the podcast to share with all of you! So this was a reverse interview where Alexa became the host and I had to answer all the questions. Here’s everything we covered in this interview:

0:00 Introducing Alexa & her capstone project work

1:20 What is my professional background? (Summing up 23 years in 1 minute!)

4:20 How is nature-based therapy different than outdoor play?

6:05 How Alexa structured her social groups using her OT knowledge

6:36 What is the process for starting a nature-based business?

8:35 What are the benefits (& challenges) of nature-based therapy for children?

11:30 Alexa shares a great story about a real-life challenge that happened during one of her camp groups

12:31 Does my nature-based practice offer individual or only groups?

13:15 Why a group is not always best for a child & why it is hard for Americans to understand a group therapy model

12:15 What diagnoses does my practice see most often?

16:53 Would my practice ever expand to seeing adults in nature? (And why I said “Nope” really quickly.)

18:22 Have I noticed a difference in kids who spend more time outdoors? What about technology? (And my embarrassing confession)

22:40 Can nature-based therapy be covered by insurance in the US? Does my practice take insurance? What about other nature-based practices? Challenges of insurance reimbursement & different funding sources to consider in a cash-pay practice.

30:00 What does my practice charge for nature-based sessions? + Ways to price services using an equity-based pricing model.

34:30 What do I think deserves the most advocacy in nature-based practice?

37:47 What have I done to advocate for nature-based programming? (Here I admit something I'm kind of insecure about.)

41:33 How do I recommend promoting nature-based therapy to parents and other people who aren’t therapists?

47:00 What do I think are the drawbacks or negatives of nature-based therapy?

51:22 Do parents ever worry about safety in nature-based therapy?

52:30 What is my biggest piece of advice for new nature-based therapists?

📖 Want help as you start or grow your nature-based practice? Get my free e-book: The Nature-Based Practice Roadmap. It is a guide to help you focus and avoid costly mistakes as you start or grow your outdoor work with children. In it, I share the four stages of nature-based practice, plus a checklist of specific action steps for you to take at each stage in the process. Get it at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/roadmap

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about goal writing in nature-based practice. You’ll learn:

📝 The standardized format my nature-based practice uses for writing specific goals.

✅ The 4 step goal-writing process we use with families to ensure we’re getting them the outcomes they want for their children as a result of our services.

💵 How different payor sources may impact your goal writing.

📖 Want help as you start or grow your nature-based practice? Get my free e-book: The Nature-Based Practice Roadmap. It is a guide to help you focus and avoid costly mistakes as you start or grow your outdoor work with children. In it, I share the four stages of nature-based practice, plus a checklist of specific action steps for you to take at each stage in the process. Get it at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/roadmap

Today we’re discussing using KNIVES in nature-based therapy sessions!

You’ll learn:

• Age-ranges for starting knife use in therapy sessions.

• Types of wood that work well for whittling

• My go-to simple treatment activity to start teaching whittling to children

• The exact type and brand of knife to get and why

• 3 things you must teach children when introducing knives in nature-based therapy sessions

• The safest positioning and carving technique for beginning whittling with children If you have questions or comments about whittling with children, share them in the Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community and let’s discuss!

P.S. ConTiGO enrollment will open Nov. 1-7, 2023!

ConTiGO (Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors) is a comprehensive program to help you start your nature-based therapy work with children. In ConTiGO, you’ll learn the how-to’s of nature-based practice based on evidence, plus get time-saving done-for-you resources AND ongoing mentoring for support as you grow your nature-based work with children. You can check out everything included at www.contigoapproach.com

I only open enrollment to people who are on the waitlist. Join the waitlist at www.contigoapproach.com to get the link to enroll during the last enrollment period for 2023: November 1-7, 2023.

In this episode, you’ll learn 4 activities to do with kids outdoors in nature-based therapy sessions during the fall season, plus hear some of my reflections on WHY these activities are engaging for children. Thank you to Jenna Miller, Jillian Blount, & Kim DeLaura for sharing your ideas!

If YOU want to share your favorite WINTER activities for nature-based therapy sessions, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/TGO and leave me a message to be featured on our upcoming winter activities episode!

📣 Announcement! 🌳 ConTiGO (Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors) is open for our last 2023 enrollment from Nov 1-7.

ConTiGO is a nature-based therapy certification and mentoring program that gives you all the resources and community you need to become an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy.

If you feel a tad overwhelmed, a little uncertain, or just kind of ALONE in your nature-based work with children, ConTiGO will give you a specific framework, evidence, done-for-you resources, and expert mentoring to help you grow as a nature-based therapist and bring about true transformation for the children & families you serve.

(Also: we’re in the early stages of planning an in-person retreat next year to gather ConTiGO trained therapists together for in-depth training with experts in nature-based work with children…so if you join now, you’ll be invited when we nail down all the details.)

You MUST be on the waitlist to be notified when enrollment opens, so join the waitlist at www.contigoapproach.com to be sure you get the link to enroll. 💚

🚌 Kristin Park, MS, SLP is here to share all about the creation of her business, the Magic Speech Bus! In this episode, you’ll learn:

[03:39] How Kristin got started

[09:00] How much it costs to build out a van to use for nature-based therapy services (you might be surprised!) 💰

[18:02] How Kristin considers weather when offering mobile nature-based therapy services

[22:41] Kristin’s marketing strategies and her first few months in business

[29:25] Kristin’s challenges and successes with targeting different speech language skills outdoors

[37:46] Kristin’s advice for overcoming imposter syndrome and having courage to take the leap into nature-based therapy!

[39:47] Why Kristin joined the Business Hive, my group coaching program for nature-based business owners.

[43:31] The key reasons I think have been critical to Kristin’s early success in her nature-based practice

Connect with Kristin on Instagram @ magicspeechbus or on her website at www.magicspeechbus.com. She also offers consult for anyone who wants to get started using a bus for mobile therapy services- you can book on her website.

On NEXT week's episode, Kristin will be back for a live business coaching call with yours truly- so you'll get to hear how she thinks strategically about her business and see behind the scenes as we work on her business together.

📖 Want help as you start or grow your nature-based practice? Get my free e-book: The Nature-Based Practice Roadmap. It is a guide to help you focus and avoid costly mistakes as you start or grow your outdoor work with children. In it, I share the four stages of nature-based practice, plus a checklist of specific action steps for you to take at each stage in the process. Get it at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/roadmap

In this Nature-Based Business Coaching Call episode of the TGO Podcast, speech therapist Kristin Park, owner of the Magic Speech Bus (and previous guest on episode 40!) joins me to get clarity on the best next steps right now for her to GROW her nature-based business in the near future. You’ll learn:

[02:21] Kristin’s 6-12 month dreams for her business

[03:34] Why hiring is important for her to achieve her business goals

[05:49] Kristin’s current caseload…and why it may be too low for a full-time employee caseload

[08:18] Finding ideal clients & considerations with niching a practice (is the niche too small?)

[13:24] What to include on your website to speak to your ideal client

[19:10] How Kristin has found clients

[20:02] The ONE most important thing to get clients to commit to working with you

[25:49] Why an email list is essential to grow your practice

[31:54] How to decide whether to hire admin staff or another therapist for your very first hire

[44:56] Things you should consider when hiring part-time employees

[47:57] How to decide what to pay employees (+ a bit about employees vs. contractors)

[52:49] Kristin’s top 3 takeaways from this business coaching session

Resources mentioned in this episode: TGO Podcast episode 20 - How to Hire Great People

📖 Want help as you start or grow your nature-based practice? Get my free e-book: The Nature-Based Practice Roadmap. It is a guide to help you focus and avoid costly mistakes as you start or grow your outdoor work with children. In it, I share the four stages of nature-based practice, plus a checklist of specific action steps for you to take at each stage in the process. Get it at therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/roadmap

Lots of people dream about nature-based therapy practice. Far fewer actually start and grow a successful nature-based therapy practice that is profitable and sustainable over the long haul. I just finished reading Dorie Clark’s book, The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World…and I couldn’t help thinking about how everything she shared related to my experiences starting and growing my nature-based pediatric therapy practice. In episode 42 of the TGO Podcast, I’m sharing the lessons I learned from this book and highlighting 6 things you must do to be successful in nature-based pediatric practice.

You’ll hear my thoughts and stories on:

[04:33] Setting high goals.

[07:20] Sticking with things even when they’re hard.

[09:59] Understanding that growth is exponential, not linear.

[11:51] Remembering why you do the work you do.

[12:55] Learning from the right role models.

[18:03] Never underestimating the amount of work it will take.

If you want support in starting and growing a profitable nature-based therapy practice, I’ve got you covered!

Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community - Free & low-cost resources and networking for nature-based therapists

The ConTiGO Approach™ - Nature-Based Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program

Business Hive - Year-Long Group Business Coaching Program for Nature-Based Business Owners

Yes, you can do nature-based therapy outdoors in WINTER!

In this listener feature episode, you'll hear from 4 different TGO Podcast listeners (and yours truly) about our favorite activities to do with children outdoors in winter. ⛄️

I also share some updates from my own businesses...and what you can expect from me in the coming year in 2024.

Have fun out there in the cold! ❄️⛄️

Resources mentioned in this episode:

-->Alexis Filippini's nature-based literacy activities at Words in the Wild: https://www.wordsinthewild.org/educator-resources

-->The ConTiGO Approach™ Nature-Based Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program: https://www.contigoapproach.com

You must have a plan to grow a successful nature-based business. (I've learned this more and more as my practice has grown!) In this episode, I'm sharing my yearly business planning guide to help you plan for your best year yet in your nature-based practice.

In my coaching program, the Business Hive, I teach a curriculum I developed years ago called the Business Bedrocks. The Business Bedrocks are the 4 essential areas that every business owner needs to master in order to thrive: Mindset, Operations, Finances, & Marketing.

There are 10 yearly planning areas in the broad "business bedrocks" categories:

MINDSET

1. Mindset and personal growth

FINANCES

2. Financial growth

3. Diversifying revenue streams

4. Financial systems / organization

OPERATIONS

5. Product development and growth

6. Team and culture

7. Physical resources (supplies, space, etc.)

8. Systems (productivity, efficiency)

MARKETING

9. Visibility and growth

10. Customer satisfaction

If you feel like you're flying by the seat of your pants in your business, listen to this episode to make a YEARLY PLAN so you can have your best year ever in your nature-based business next year!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Business Hive Group Coaching Program for nature-based business owners

This is the 2023 Year-in-Review episode where I take you behind-the-scenes of my nature-based pediatric practice, Outdoor Kids OT. In this episode, you’ll get a feel for what it takes to hit 370k+ in revenue in your nature-based therapy practice.

You’ll learn:

-What my total revenue was this year in the business

-What I paid myself

-If the business was profitable

-What it takes to manage a large(ish) nature-based therapy practice

-Why systems are KEY (big surprise, I know)

-Tips for forming a great team

-What I’ve learned about leading a team this year

ANNOUNCEMENT: The ConTiGO Approach™ nature-based therapy certification & mentoring program will open for enrollment from Jan 15-19, 2024. It includes all the essentials you need to become an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy. Join the waitlist at contigoapproach.com

This is my 2023 Year-in-Review episode (part 2) where I’ll focus on sharing behind-the-scenes of my online business: Therapy in the Great Outdoors, where I help pediatric practitioners start and grow nature-based practices or programs.

You’ll learn:

• How I developed the suite of offers that I currently have.
• Exactly how much money I brought in with my online programs this year.
• How much I paid myself (you will be shocked)
• Mistakes I made so you can avoid them in your nature-based practice.
• Why you MUST control expenses!
• Why the advice to “outsource” or “delegate” is not always the best advice
• How to be confident in the face of competition in a market
• Goals for the TGO business in 2024

🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT: The ConTiGO Approach™ nature-based therapy certification & mentoring program will open for enrollment from Jan 15-19, 2024. It includes all the essentials you need to become an expert in nature-based pediatric therapy. Join the waitlist at contigoapproach.com 

In this episode, I share the answers to frequently asked questions about starting a nature-based pediatric practice.

You’ll learn:

🌱How I started Outdoor Kids OT (OKOT), my nature-based pediatric practice, and how it grew.

🌱How the ConTiGO (Connection & Transformation in the Great Outdoors) Approach was developed. 😁

🌱Start-up logistics: finding a location, getting liability insurance, and grouping children for services.

🌱Structure of our nature-based OT groups at OKOT: length of sessions and the different activities we include in each group. You can get a bunch of treatment activities to try in my book.

🌱Systems needed for nature-based therapy: Nature-based therapy is not just nature play. There is a therapy process behind nature-based therapy in which you individualize the support for children based on their needs as you carry out your therapy services as a co-facilitator with nature.

Next week on the podcast, we'll delve into the topic of the differences between nature-based learning/enrichment/education versus nature-based therapy. So stay tuned!

Link to download my 2020 article on the ConTiGO Approach™

ANNOUNCEMENT: The ConTiGO Approach™ Nature-Based Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program will open for enrollment next week January 15-19, 2024. If you want to truly develop expertise as a nature-based pediatric therapist, this is for you. Check out the program and join the waitlist at www.contigoapproach.com to be notified when enrollment opens. We open enrollment only 3 times per year.

As a pediatric therapist, there are 2 different ways you can provide nature-based services to children. One is enrichment, the other is therapy. Each of these has certain purposes, principles, processes, and precautions to consider. In this episode, I break down the differences between these two types of nature-based services so that you can decide which one is right for you to offer in your practice. I also share some of the reasons for the decisions I made in my own practice, in case it can be of help to you in yours.

Here is a visual I made that you can screenshot or print if you'd like an easy reference for the distinctions between the 2 types of services -https://t.ly/OInSc 

If you decide you'd like to offer therapy services in your nature-based practice, there is no better place to learn than in the The ConTiGO Approach™ Nature-Based Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program! We are NOW OPEN for enrollment this week only, January 15-19, 2024. This program gives you all of the essentials you need to become an expert nature-based pediatric therapist. Go to www.contigoapproach.com to join until 5pm CST on January 19. (There will be only 2 more cohorts in 2024.)

This episode could save you thousands of dollars. 💵   Listen in to hear details and my stories about making these mistakes so you can avoid them!

1. Imposter syndrome and perfectionism paralyzing you from getting started. I had to have a friend command me to make a website and start my business. 🤣
2. Not focusing on a specific niche.
3. Being unaware of your negative mindset around money.
4. Charging too little. I charged $40 for 2 hours of outdoor therapy when I started in 2015! Don't do this.😆 Research the going rate for therapy for your area and charge at least that much.
5. Comparing yourself to others on social media.
6. Not prioritizing SEO on your website. I recently learned there are specific, simple things to do to make sure your website shows up on the first page of Google when people search. Make sure you have words that describe the type of services you provide, your location(s), and common diagnoses of clients throughout your website. And make sure to fill your headers on your website with those descriptive words as well.
7. Not setting up a lead magnet on your website (and also: not having an email service provider).
8. Waiting too long to hire.
9. Not having good financial systems in place.
10. Not investing in business training and support. This is one mistake I haven't made, but I think is common among us DIY therapist-types. It has served me well to invest in training, coaching, consulting, and support at every step along the way...even before my business was bringing in any revenue!

  ANNOUNCEMENTS: Free business trainings this week inside the free TGO Community (replays available if you're reading this later):

Jan. 23: First Steps to Start Your Nature-Based Business

Jan 24: Kickstart Your Nature-Based Business Growth

Jan 25: Becoming Boss of Your Nature-Based Business  

🐝 The Business Hive, my year-long group business coaching program for nature-based business owners, will open on Jan 29-Feb 2 for our first 2024 cohort. Get all the info & join the waitlist here.  

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  

Get Rich Lucky B*tch by Denise Duffield Thomas  

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill  

Flodesk affiliate link to get 50% off Flodesk email service for your first year  

ep 5 Email Marketing for Your Nature-Based Practice  

ep 41 Live Coaching

Call with Kristin Park where we discuss who to hire first in your nature-based therapy practice

In this episode, Devin Hatch, OTR/L, CSRS, joins me for a live business coaching call. Devin is the co-owner of 509 Therapy Hub in Spokane, Washington.

Devin and I discuss:

-Ways to make your website CLEAR for your potential customers so they know the value you can offer to them in your services.

-Strategies for gathering more clients to form nature-based therapy groups (Hint: YOU NEED AN EMAIL LIST!)

-Tips for generating ideas for a lead magnet to grow your email list

-Valuable lessons Devin learned in his early days working with a contractor

-Logistics for working with contractors (and if you even can hire contractors. See info here on employees vs. contractors from the IRS for US business owners. Also check your state laws.)

-How simplifying your systems across your business will help limit your overwhelm

-How much revenue should go to payroll in your practice

-How to communicate with your team about the intangible benefits of working in your practice

-Why hiring someone for more hours may be a smart idea (rather than just a few hours a week)

-How no one really knows what they're doing when they first hire!

-The importance of having a bookkeeper

-Considerations for salaried vs. hourly pay for employees

-Taking metrics on your marketing efforts in order to know if your marketing is effective and worth the money you are spending.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Flodesk affiliate link to get 50% off Flodesk email service for your first year

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Business Hive is open for enrollment! The Hive is a year-long business coaching program to help you run a PROFITABLE nature-based business. Inside the Hive, you'll get access to:

-My popular Business Bedrocks curriculum to help you set up effective systems in the areas of mindset, operations, finances, and marketing so your business will run itself as much as possible.

-LOADS of nature-based treatment resources

-Done-for-you business forms & templates

-Weekly group coaching calls with me & Hive mentors & members

We open enrollment for the Hive only twice yearly in January and July. Join us and make 2024 the year you get serious about your nature-based business! Doors close Friday, Feb. 2 at 5pm CST!

On episode 51 of the TGO Podcast, social worker Tammy Thielman, BSW MSW RSW EMDR-CT EFW-MHP, joins me to talk about her nature-based therapy practice, Town & Country Counselling in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada. You will feel so encouraged & inspired after listening to this episode!   We discuss:

• Tammy's transition into nature-based practice (and why she did)
• How Tammy created her office in a cabin and things she considered in the design of her indoor nature-based therapy space on her property
• Resources Tammy used to get started in her nature-based work and what she's learned about nature-based practice along the way
• Types of children she works with in her counseling practice as a social worker
• How Tammy takes care of herself while working with children who have experienced trauma
• Differences between different professions working in nature-based therapy with children
• Tammy's favorite nature-based therapy activities for children
• How Tammy uses EMDR in her practice

Connect with Tammy on Instagram @townandcountrycounselling or check out her website at www.townandcountrycounselling.com  

Resources mentioned on this episdoe: The ConTiGO Approach Nature-Based Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program

In this Ask-Me-Anything episode, you'll hear my answers to TGO Podcast listeners' questions about:

-Using swings and sensory equipment in nature-based therapy sessions

-Renting land from local businesses or private land owners - how to figure out what is fair to pay for rental of the land.

-Doing school observations as a nature-based therapist

-How we can show parents that nature-based therapy is effective and makes a difference

-Parent involvement in nature-based individual therapy sessions with a child

Want 120 ways to get kids outdoors for therapy? Get your copy of the FREE BIG HUGE LIST of 120 Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy Activities right here.

Kate Glennon MS, CCC-SLP, Certified Nature Educator came on the show this week for a live coaching call. She has a GREAT problem of lots of growth in the early days of her nature-based speech therapy practice! On this live coaching call, we discussed:

-Ways to get focused time to work on your business while raising a young family in a small house (without spending extra money on an office space)

-How to boost your productivity by pairing something positive with the negative business stuff that we all have to do (like taxes)

-Thinking about who to hire & when, once your own schedule as the business owner is full to the brim

-Why bookkeeping is one of the best things you can spend money on early in your business (& recommendations for how to find a good bookkeeper)

-Considerations when hiring employees vs. administrative help for your first hire (there are pros and cons of each)

-Ways to know when you're ready to hire another employee Connect with Kate @outdoorsyslp on Instagram or on her website at outdoorsyslp.com

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Profit First Professionals website to find a bookkeeper who is familiar with Profit First

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Get the BIG HUGE List of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy Activities here!

In this episode, I share results from a recent systematic review examining the effect of exposure to nature on children's psychological well-being. You'll learn what the literature says about this topic (it's good news but also NOT as great as we might wish for...more research always needed). Plus, I pull out a few practical takeaways for your work as a nature-based therapist. I also give a little mini-lesson on Attention Restoration Theory, and realized I've never done an episode on the topic of ART so stay tuned for that coming next week! See ya then!

References from this episode:

Liu, J., & Green, R. (2023). The effect of exposure to nature on children's psychological well-being: A systematic review of the literature. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 81, 127846. 

Bang, K.-S., Kim, S., Song, M., Kang, K., & Jeong, Y. (2018). The effects of a health promotion program using urban forests and nursing student mentors on the perceived and psychological health of elementary school children in vulnerable populations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(9), 1977.  

Get the free BIG HUGE List of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy Activities here.

Jenny Gill is an OT-turned-copywriter focused on website copy and brand strategy. She's worked with lots of nature-based businesses. She came on the podcast today to talk about all things websites! Your nature-based business website can be a way for potential customers to get to know, like, and trust your business and believe in your expertise. But that doesn't matter if no one can find your website online! Jenny's here to help you learn how your nature-based business website can show up on the first page of google in your area. You'll learn simple strategies that you can do TODAY to optimize your website and connect with your ideal clients locally.

Expect to learn:

- How your practice can show up on the first page of google when people search for therapy in your area.

-What search engine optimization (SEO) is and why you should care about it for your nature-based business

-Easy (FREE!) ways you can optimize your website content

-Why the words matter on your website and which words you need to make sure you have on your nature-based business website

-How to structure your website for ease of use by customers as well as optimizing for SEO

-Why you should start with the WORDS on your website first and use images to illustrate the words

-How your website can be a conduit for connection with families and create safety and trust for the children you see

-Considerations when marketing your business on your website (hint: focus on the outcome for your client, rather than the product/service)

Connect with Jenny:

Website: www.jennygillcopywriting.com

Instagram: @jennygill_ot

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennyGillCopywriting

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-gill-ms-otr-263a2515a

Get Jenny's FREE Hooks, Headlines, and Subject Line Idea Guide.

 Get the Free BIG HUGE List of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy Activities here!

In this episode, I review the basics of Attention Restoration Theory (ART), which was developed by Rachel & Stephen Kaplan in the late 1980s. It is a widely cited theory today among nature-based therapists. You'll learn:

-How ART explains the concept of nature as an environment that restores attention

-The 4 components of a restorative environment, according to ART

-How ART can help you choose an optimal therapy site for your sessions with children, especially those who have ADHD.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective by Rachel & Stephen Kaplan, 1989.

Get the free BIG HUGE List of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy Activities here.

A short-but-sweet episode for y'all today. I'm sharing a story about how sometimes the plans we adults have for the therapy session don't end up being the most therapeutic parts. Children have their own ideas about how to use materials in nature...and that's part of the beauty of nature-based therapy. One child created a super-fun activity during our group therapy session and I'm sharing it with you here...because it is SO easy and all you need is a rubber band to do it!

Have fun out there! And if you want 120 ideas for nature-based therapy sessions, get the Big Huge List of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy Activities here.

Marianna Ayers Sordille, OTD, OTR/L, owner of Whole Child Pediatric OT in Clayton, CA, joined me for a live coaching call to get some help with her nature-based business.

We discussed:

-Niching DOWN in your nature-based practice (but not TOO niched-down) & why it is SO important now to do so

-Communicating value to your potential clients (which is especially important when you're offering therapy services which can be perceived as "expensive" by families)

-Considerations when packaging your services and how to get paid for all your time spent working -Ways to save time when offering packaged services for clients

-Assessing children for therapy services

And along the way we also touched upon some mindset issues commonly experienced by nature-based therapists. They never go away...but with time you learn to recognize them more quickly...and simply having awareness of them helps you to overcome those mindset challenges!

Connect with Marianna on Instagram @wholechildpediatricOT or visit her website at wholechildpediatric.com

Get the Free BIG HUGE List of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy Activities here!

This systematic review and meta-analysis found nature-based interventions have positive associations with behavioral and emotional outcomes for autistic children. The full article and supplemental materials are available here.

Reference: Fan, M., Li, W., Ho, L., Phiri, L., & Choi, K. (2023). Nature-based interventions for autistic children. JAMA Network Open, 6(12), e2346715. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46715

The ConTiGO Approach Nature-Based Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program will open in 2 weeks for a May 2024 cohort. Join the waitlist here to get notified when we open.

When life gets crazy, it is HARD to keep going as a business owner...even when you have an amazing nature-baed business. This episode is an honest share from the heart about my own lack of motivation lately and lessons I've been learning in the midst of the messiness of life and business.

Some things I'm learning:

-Don't believe the lies you tell yourself so that you can be free to show up for others.

-Personal connection with the people you serve can give you meaning when you don't feel motivated.

-Our feelings may not reflect (in fact, usually DON'T reflect) reality

-Saying NO to really good or even great things is a necessity in entrepreneurship.

And at the end I share some practical things happening in my businesses right now and some recent decisions I've made to pivot after a setback.

I hope this episode encouraged you if you are feeling like you lack motivation right now!

It is normal to have these ebbs and flows of energy in our business ownership and I'm right there with you! xoxo

Laura

Register for the Nature-Based Business Retreat here.

Join the waitlist for the ConTiGO Nature-Based Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program here.

In this episode the dynamic duo Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS join me to talk all things sensory and primitive reflex integration. Rachel and Jessica are Harkla's in-house Certified OT Assistants and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists. Harkla is a company that provides products, courses & community for sensory, autism & ADHD families. They offer loads of helpful tips and strategies on their podcast All Things Sensory and in their courses and workbooks for therapists available through Harkla.  

In this episode, you'll learn:

-SIMPLE sensory strategies to suggest to families to get children outdoors more!

-How we can motivate children to engage more in therapy sessions by fostering their autonomy and encouraging healthy risk in play

-How slowing down during a session might be the best thing you can do for a child's nervous system

-What primitive reflexes are and how they may impact function in children who have retained primitive reflexes

-Simple activities you can do outdoors (even with GROUPS!) that will help children who may have retained primitive reflexes   

Connect with Rachel and Jessica on Instagram @allthingssensorypodcast and follow Harkla @harkla_family   

Resources mentioned in this episode: @myoutdoorsymom account on IG  

The ConTiGO Nature-Based Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program is OPEN for enrollment April 22-30 for our May 2024 cohort! Enroll now to get training, resources, community, & ongoing mentoring to become an expert nature-baed pediatric therapist.

This week I'm sharing some of our favorite creative snack ideas from my nature-based therapy practice.

1. Color changing tea (find it in the TGO community here)

2. Apple pizzas (find it in the TGO community here)

3. Fun with the apple peeler (in Laura's book)

4. Apple crisp (in Laura's book)

5. Pasta packets (in Laura's book)

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Therapy in the Great Outdoors: A Start-Up Guide to Nature-Based Pediatric Practice with 44 Kid-Tested Activities

Johnny apple peeler

Spiralizer

ConTiGO™ Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy Certification & Mentoring Program

Jillian Blount is back for a live coaching call here on the TGO podcast! She needed help sorting through options when planning for her summer programming in her nature-based practice. There are LOTS of ideas here to help you when thinking through logistics in your own practice.

[2:11] How you can do nature-based therapy anywhere: ALASKA! Public parks. People's homes. Or your own private land in Alaska like Jillian's family just bought!

[5:30] Navigating extending offers to employees as a very small practice

[6:48] How many logistics there are in owning land to offer nature-based therapy services.

[9:00] How to prioritize what you need to focus on in your business at the right time, even when you're in overwhelm

[10:54] Planning for summer services in your nature-based practice...it doesn't have to look like everyone else's offers!

[12:45] Naming services so that parents understand what they are.

[14:40] How to decide what to charge for your summer services and how to structure them as enrichment or therapy, based on payor sources (Medicaid, private insurance or private pay)

[18:00] Doing the math to determine what to charge, based on what reimbursement or rates are in your area and how much time you spend for yourself or staff to provide the service

[22:00] Important considerations when marketing any outdoor service that is run by a therapist (enrichment or therapy services)

[27:26] The importance of your EMAIL LIST and giving DEADLINES to people Connect with Jillian on Instagram @wildfreekidsot and check out her practice at www.wildfreekidsot.com Other episodes featuring Jillian as a guest:

31: How to Respond to Challenging Behaviors in Nature-Based Therapy Sessions with Jillian Blount, OT

43: Favorite WINTER Nature-Based Therapy Activities for Children

If you're a nature-based business owner in the United States, you NEED this information to avoid fines and penalties from the government! This short episode could save you a lot of hassle down the road. I explain the new Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and the requirement that all businesses submit their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI). Don't worry - it is quick and easy. Takes less than 10 minutes and you only need to do it once (or after any ownership changes in the future).

Go to https://www.fincen.gov/boi to report your BOI for your business. If you existed before 1/1/24 you have till 1/1/25 to report. If you start your business in 2024 or later, you must report within 30 days!

You can get more information at this helpful blog post from my trusted local attorney's office here in Madison: https://www.athenalegalsolutionsllc.com/post/breaking-down-the-corporate-transparency-act-what-business-owners-need-to-know

In this episode, you'll learn strategies for effectively managing and leading a team in your nature-based business. Occupational therapist Shannon Rolph from Guelph, Ontario, Canada joined me for a live business coaching call. She is the owner of Shannon Rolph OT, and runs Kids in the Woods, a nature-based branch of her business. She has hired her first employees and had questions around how to lead well while growing her business.

You'll learn:

-How to establish policies and procedures up front with employees, while maintaining your autonomy as the business owner to make changes in the future if needed

-Strategies for establishing financial incentives for employees

-Ways to foster team community and engagement in the business priorities and goals

-Why it is important for nature-based business owners to have other nature-based business owner friends

Learn more about Shannon's business at www.shannonrolph.ca or connect with her on Instagram @shannon.rolph.ot

ANNOUNCEMENT! The Business Hive, my nature-based business group coaching program, will open for enrollment on May 27 for a June-December cohort. If you want to set up automated systems so that you can work less and earn more as your nature-based business grows to serve more people, check out the Hive & join the waitlist at https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/hive

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

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

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

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

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

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!

1. Make giant bubble wands for giant bubbles.
2. 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.)
3. Make a mud kitchen using kitchen supplies from thrift stores. Play the Great Nature Baking Show game.
4. Balloon ball volleyball game
5. Make ice cream in the ice cream ball

What 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.)

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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 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

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, 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

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 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

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

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

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

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 you’re offering outdoor enrichment groups, creating multi-month therapy packages, or thinking outside the box with retainer fees, there’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

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

Key Takeaways from this episode:

1. 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.
2. Try not to over-explain when telling people what you charge. Say your price and SHUT UP and wait for them to respond.
3. 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.
4. Raise your prices for new clients after you have a established a proven concept and have raving testimonials from previous clients.
5. 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

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 we’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

Welcome back to our series on money and pricing! Today, we’ll dive into the psychology of pricing—a topic that fascinates me!

Key Takeaways from this episode:

Understanding Pricing Psychology:

Pricing psychology is about presenting your prices in a way that’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 isn’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 don’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 Buyer’s Remorse:

After a client commits financially, it’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!

Hello, friends! Welcome to the final episode of our series on money and pricing. Today, I’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 they’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

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

We're diving back into research after a long break! In this episode, we explore the article titled Theory of Affordances to Understand Environment Play Transactions: Environmental Taxonomy of Outdoor Play Space Features- A Scoping Review by Morgenthaler, Lynch, Loebach, Pentland, and Schultz, published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2024.

This article examines how various outdoor environmental characteristics influence children's outdoor play. The authors developed a taxonomy (a HUGE chart!) that allows practitioners to evaluate the "affordances" of outdoor play spaces...in other words: what do different types of features of the outdoor environment invite children to DO in that environment?

The Environmental Taxonomy of Outdoor Play Space Features categorizes physical environments, their functional qualities, and the play activities they support. This helps us as occupational, physical, and speech therapists, social workers or mental health professionals, to:

🌳 Consider ways we may change the environment to support different types of play in sessions

👀 Discover types of play that may be absent or happening infrequently in our sessions and consider ways to increase the variety of play experiences for children we see in therapy.

✅ Evaluate outdoor play spaces when providing consultation for schools and local governments

Find episode 94 of Therapy in the Great Outdoors wherever you get your podcast fix! And tell me: do you think you'll use this taxonomy in your work?

00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy  

01:00 Research Review Episode Introduction  

02:37 Understanding the Theory of Affordances  

03:49 Developing the Environmental Taxonomy  

09:02 Applications and Implications for Therapy  

22:36 Practical Takeaways and Conclusion  

28:34 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Thanks to Layna Lovelady for posting the question that inspired this episode in the TGO community!

In this episode, I share my top 12 favorite gift ideas for outdoorsy kids. Plus a few embarrassing/funny stories from my own childhood and young parenting days... :)

1. Morakniv Pocket Knife - fixed blade (not folding) with ledge for protecting hand.

2. Wooden sling shots

3. Bow and arrow from Two Bros Bows

4. Waldorf sack doll

5. Hearthsong outdoor swings

6. Ribbon sticks or playsilks from Sarah’s Silks (Or Dharma blank silks that you can dye yourself.)

7. Tegu blocks (expensive but truly an heirloom quality toy- I still have my kids’ from when they were little and pull them out every time we have young kids over to our home)

8. Wood play food/dishes or mini-kitchen from Etsy (also pricey but beautiful quality)

9. Any book from the Living Books list I made a while back (ep 68). Get the list at https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/list

10. Potholder Loom 

11. River rock blocks

12. Nightbuddy beanie headlamp

13. Bonus family gift idea: This firewood splitter is SO FUN to use. Would be a great family gift for an outdoorsy family who lives in a place with cold winters where fires are commonly built during the season. (Make sure to include a mallet or sledgehammer with it!)

Announcement:

We'll be opening the ConTiGO Nature-Based Pediatric Therapist Certification for the final time at 2024 prices for our February 2025 cohort. The price will go UP in 2025. Get on the waitlist to be notified! contigoapproach.com. Last 2024 enrollment will close December 31 at 5pm.