What is birding therapy?
In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, many people are yearning for deeper connection — to themselves, to others, and to something greater. As a mental health therapist and avid birder, I’ve found that some of the most profound healing moments happen not in the office, but under open skies, surrounded by birdsong and the quiet wisdom of nature.
Birding Therapy is a guided therapeutic experience that takes place outdoors — in parks, trails, or other natural environments — where we walk, talk, and engage with the natural world. Along the way, we pay close attention to birds: identifying them by sight and sound, noticing their behaviors, and reflecting on their presence as metaphors for what’s going on in our own lives.
The skill of noticing and identifying birds requires a common therapeutic tool called mindfulness - where we pay attention on purpose with curiosity instead of criticism. While immersed in the grounding elements of nature, you will get to practice securing your connection to the world around you and within you.
Reach out to me to learn more about Birding Therapy and find out if it could be the right therapeutic fit for you!