Join Me In Nature
I believe that our wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of our nature relatives. The more separated we are from the natural world, the more our mental health suffers.
What would our ancestors do during times of distress?
They would spend intentional time connecting to the natural world and to our more than human relatives.
Our Indigenous Ancestors have been practicing “Ecotherapy” for thousands of years. Unfortunately, due to colonization and capitalism we have been deeply disconnected to our innate relationship with Nature and have forgotten that we are interconnected to all of creation.
We are a sacred part in the greater web of life. We’ve just forgotten how to live close to the natural rhythms of our Earth Mother.
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy is a form of nature-centered therapy that encourages, supports, and facilitated the human-nature relationship for mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
Ecotherapy can take place in any nature-based setting.
Ecotherapy-related techniques have been shown to be effective in supporting psychosocial conditions like
- Depression
- Stress Reduction
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperkinetic Disorder (ADHD)
- and adjustment disorders.
Contact with nature is associated with many benefits including
- Increases in Peace & Contentment
- A Sense of Well-Being
- Positive Social Interactions
- A Feeling of Meaningfulness in Life
What to Expect From Nature Centered Therapy with Emilia Ortega-Jara, LCSW
As an Ecotherapist, I guide you through your current emotional challenge with the support of Nature as our ally and teacher throughout our therapy sessions together.
I bring in Ancestral Indigenous Practices such as working with the 4 sacred elements through breathwork, movement, and visualizations.
My ecotherapy sessions take place mostly in Riverside, CA at the beautiful UCR Botanical Gardens.
Offerings include:
- 1:1 Sessions
- Group Sessions (3-4 people)
- Nature-Based Retreats for small groups (8-12 people in Southern and Northern California)