Nature Therapy: An Untapped Medicine Surrounding Us

/Jeremy Whitworth/Last Updated March 23, 2023

More and more studies are coming out in support of nature therapy. This is good news because nature happens to be all around us–the park, in your backyard, or on that relaxing hike you love so much. PsyBlog recently published an article discussing the immense research showing the many benefits nature therapy has to offer not just the average person, but someone struggling with mental health issues.

How nature therapy works

The healing power of nature has been observed for hundreds and thousands of years. But now we actually have proof. We have proof that being in nature relieves stress, makes us calm, and betters our overall health. Nature therapy can influence depression, anxiety, ADHD, cardiovascular issues, and more.

Dr. Ming Kuo and his team reviewed many studies concerning the effects of nature on our bodies–what he found just confirmed what we already know.
He explained:

“If you are absorbed and relaxed, chances are your parasympathetic system is happy and your immune system is going to get a boost. That said, these enjoyable indoor activities don’t provide the phytoncides, mycobacterium vaccae, negative air ions, vitamin D-producing sunlight, and other active ingredients found outdoors. So we’d expect a smaller boost than you’d get from being in nature.”

This has also been shown in studies of children growing up in urban vs rural environment. Children in settings with more nature involved were overall happier and had less anxiety.
All of these studies exemplify why nature therapy is so effective for teenagers struggling with mental health issues.

Trails Carolina can help your family

Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program for struggling youth, ages 10-17. Our students commonly deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral challenges. We use outdoor learning and nature therapy to improve the lives of young people.
For more information about how Trails Carolina’s nature therapy can help, please call 800-975-7303 today

Posted in Troubled Youth Program, Wilderness Therapy

Jeremy Whitworth

As Executive Director at Trails Carolina, a leading wilderness therapy program for youth and teens, I oversee operations and collaborate with our leadership team. Since 2022, I've also hosted the Common Ground Podcast for parents: https://trailscarolina.com/common-ground-podcast/ With a background in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, I've managed adventure-based therapeutic programs across the US and Canada. My experiences in competitive athletics and adventure sports have honed my leadership, risk assessment, and decision-making skills, which I apply to running a successful business like Trails Carolina.

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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.

Margot Lowman August 2022

Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.

Winnifred Wilson July 2022

Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.

Kristin Brace June 2022

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