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Nature-Based Group Therapy
for Education Workers Experiencing Stress & Burnout
Discover how the healing power of nature and the strength of community can support our ability to navigate challenging experiences.
Wednesdays 9:30-11:30
July 9, 15, 23, 30 & August 6, 13, 20
Chubtown Country Retreat | 3015 Ritson Rd N, Oshawa
$160 per session*
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*(may be covered under extended health benefits as group psychotherapy)
People experiencing burnout often tell us...
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I wake up in the morning already wanting to call in sick to work
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I hope for a minor injury or event that could prevent me from going to work for a few days
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I find myself resenting all the roles that I have in my life (parent, caregiver, employee, partner...) and immediately feel guilty for feeling that way
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I can't go to sleep because of my spinning thoughts about all the things I have to do and then wake up exhausted thinking about it all again
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I don't feel joy in my life anymore
​Taking place on Wednesday mornings this summer, join us as we come together in community to access the healing power of nature to address our stress and burnout symptoms. Group forest therapy sessions will take place in a small group no larger than 6 participants. In this intimate group, we will experience healing in nature and with each other, to find relief and renewal.
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Facilitated by Registered Psychotherapist and Forest Therapy Guide, Randi Micklewright, we will examine the parts of us asking for healing through somatic and mindful practices in nature to heal our mind, body and spirit.
What is Nature-Based Group Therapy?
Nature-Based Group Therapy is a series of group psychotherapy sessions that take place in a forest setting. It involves walking short distances and sitting in an outdoor location, such as a nature trail, while engaging in talk therapy and healing processes in a small group.
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In this group therapy experience, there will be a maximum of 6 participants and we will meet for seven, 2-hour sessions on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:30 through July and August. Nature-based group therapy takes place at Chubtown Country Retreat which is on 5-acres of cedar forest on private property in rural Oshawa.
This group will follow an intentional flow over the summer, starting with a one on one consultation call (at no charge) to see if this group is the right fit for your needs. Before meeting in person with the whole group, we will have one virtual group call on July 9th to meet everyone before we start and set the stage for what is to come. Then, we will meet in person in nature for 6 consecutive weeks, accessing the healing power of nature and community.
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To summarize, the whole process will look like this:
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Consultation Call (20 mins - virtual - no charge)
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we will set up a time to connect to see if this group is the right fit for you and your needs at this time and answer any questions you may have. ​
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Pre-group Whole Group Session (2 hrs - virtual)
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before meeting in person we will meet virtually once as a whole group to orient to the group process, learn about nervous system regulation and set intentions
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Six-week Group Therapy (2 hrs - in person)
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Each week will have a specific topic around stress and burnout that we will explore using somatic and nature-based techniques. Each week will follow a similar flow - beginning with grounding practices, discussing the theme of the week, engaging in therapeutic nature-based experiences in the forest, sharing our experiences with others, and having time for self-reflection.
Who is Facilitating?
Randi is a trained forest therapy guide and registered psychotherapist who will be holding a safe and connected group healing experience while holding space for your individual process. Before becoming a psychotherapist, Randi was a teacher for 15 years, and understands the demands of working in education.
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To learn more about Randi and her approach to healing, click here.
HOW GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY WORKS
A SAFE CONTAINER
When you are sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings, you want to make sure that you feel safe doing so. Together, we will strive to create a space that allows for you to be your truest, most authentic self, without fear of judgement.
LEARNING TO LISTEN TO OUR BODIES
Our bodies store an immense amount of stress and trauma. Our bodies also store an immense amount of wisdom! Through somatic and holistic approaches, we can foster healing across various aspects of our lives, including the physical, emotional and spiritual.
CONNECTING
WITH NATURE AND COMMUNITY
Our environment has the potential to heal us in powerful ways. The healing power of nature has been proven over and over again in research and through lived experiences. Our ability to be witnessed and to bear witness of others' suffering in community is one of the most human and compassionate things we can do.
Group Forest Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN THE GROUP?
The intention is for this group to be more of an intimate setting with a maximum of 6 and a minimum of 4 participants.
DO YOU ACCEPT EXTENDED HEALTH BENEFITS?
Many insurance companies cover group psychotherapy as part of their extended health benefits. It depends on the specific plan that you have, if you have one.
It is highly recommended that you check with your individual benefit and insurance policy before engaging in group therapy if you think psychotherapy services are covered.
Also, according to the Canadian Revenue Agency, receipts for psychotherapy can be submitted as medical expenses on your personal income tax.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Nature-based therapy takes place rain or shine. There are exceptions, however - for example, very low or high temperatures, poor air quality, high winds or lightening. In these cases, we are fortunate to have a comfortable indoor space that we can access, or that we can pulse in and out of if it is cool or raining slightly. Being a part of the elements, even if they are uncomfortable, is all part of the sensory experience of nature-based therapy. It is highly recommended that you dress for the weather - wearing layers will likely keep you most comfortable.
WHAT DO I DO IF I MISS A WEEK?
It is recommended that one does their best to attend all sessions, however it is understandable that a week may need to be missed due to illness or emergency. Missing a week may result in missing key learnings or group experiences that build on top of each other as the weeks progress. If you know that you cannot attend all of the weekly sessions, your experience in the group may not meet its fullest potential.