My Recess Nature-Based Therapy
Helping Your Child Thrive – One Step, One Leaf, One Adventure at a Time
What Is Nature-Based Occupational Therapy?
Nature-Based Occupational Therapy (OT) blends the evidence-based practices of pediatric OT with the powerful, restorative benefits of being outdoors. Instead of a traditional clinic, therapy sessions take place in natural environments—parks, forests, gardens, or even trails—where your child can explore, play, and grow.
This approach nurtures your child’s development while fostering a deep connection to nature—building confidence, independence, and joy in movement.
Why Choose Occupational Therapy in Nature?
The Benefits of Nature for Therapy Goals
- Sensory-rich environments: The natural world is full of diverse sounds, textures, sights, and smells that gently challenge your child’s sensory systems, helping them process input more effectively.
- Engagement through play: Nature is the ultimate playground. Climbing logs, balancing on rocks, and exploring trails naturally incorporate fine and gross motor skill development.
- Emotional regulation: Green spaces are calming by design. Nature helps lower stress, improve mood, and support attention and focus—making therapy more effective and enjoyable.
2025 Summer Camp
CHECK OUT our BACKYARD BUDDIES PROGRAM led by Occupational Therapists!
Take a step outdoors with my recess therapy!
How Nature Supports OT Goals
Occupational Therapy helps children gain independence and confidence in everyday activities like dressing, feeding, handwriting, socializing, and emotional regulation. Nature enhances this process by:
- Boosting executive function: Outdoor problem-solving builds planning, organization, and flexible thinking.
- Encouraging natural movement: Uneven terrain strengthens muscles and coordination better than any gym.
- Building resilience: Facing new challenges—like climbing a tree or navigating a trail—develops confidence and perseverance.
- Fostering creativity and connection: Unstructured play in nature inspires imagination and helps kids feel more connected to the world around them.
Why this matters for your child
If your child struggles with:
- Sensory processing issues
- Fine or gross motor delays
- Emotional regulation
- Social skills or attention challenges
- Anxiety or low confidence
Then a nature-based OT program may be the perfect fit.
Outdoors, your child isn’t confined by walls or artificial lighting. Instead, they’re given space to move freely, try new things, and feel successful in a safe, nurturing environment. Therapy feels more like play—and that’s where the magic happens!
Are you interested in learning more? Email [email protected] and check out our Backyard Buddies Summer 2025 program
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