The Role of Nature in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
How does a relationship with nature affect an individual’s psychological well-being? Many people can identify with the notion of encountering peacefulness in nature and consequently experiencing nourishment. We will review current research on the relationship between nature and mental health. In addition, attendees will learn how eco-separation has magnified current mental health challenges, such as stress and anxiety. Lastly, this seminar will introduce you to the pioneering field of nature informed therapy or eco-therapy and conclude with five experimental invitations to sample the healing properties of the more-than-human world.
Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Ph.D., LCPC, NCC, is a licensed professional clinical counselor and clinical director of the Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative (CMHC) in Towson, Maryland and founder of the newly launched Center for Nature Informed Therapy. Dr. Schreiber-Pan specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, stress reduction and occupational burnout.
Her workshops and seminars are offered all over the United States. As an affiliate and former faculty member of Loyola University, Maryland, her past research has focused on resiliency, psychological well-being and nature informed therapy.
Dr. Schreiber-Pan has worked with various organizations, schools and corporations to reduce stress on a communal level and to increase organizational well-being through training in positive psychology as well as integration of nature into mental health.
She is the author of the successful self-help book: Taming the Anxious Mind.