Gina Strauss, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, discusses the power of nature in promoting mental and physical well-being. She explains that our disconnection from the natural world has had a profound impact on our health, and Nature Informed Therapy aims to reconnect us with nature as a co-therapist. Gina explains the science behind the calming effects of nature and the importance of intentionality in our relationship with the natural world. She also shares her vision for bringing nature informed therapy to children and families to help build resilience and provide healing.

About Gina Strauss:

For over 30 years, Gina has worked as an advisor, counselor and teacher in a variety of educational settings with children, adolescents, and adults. She currently works as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) at Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative and as the Program Coordinator and Senior Faculty Member for the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. In addition to her M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University, she has a M.A.degree in Applied Healing Arts from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) which adds a unique perspective to her clinical approach. In her personal life and through her professional experience as a certified nature informed therapist, Gina partners with the wisdom of Nature and inspires others to do the same. She enjoys working with children, teens, and adults and brings an awareness of cultural sensitivity to her practice.

natureinformedtherapy.com

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Episode Timestamps:

• (02:30) Nature informed therapy and its focus on reconnecting with nature
• (05:35) Developing a relationship with nature and its therapeutic benefits
• (10:30) Gina’s personal journey into nature informed therapy and the connection to animals and trees
• (12:20) Center for Nature Informed Therapy and its training program
• (14:35) The science behind nature's calming effects
• (20:00) Different ways nature informed therapy is being used
• (25:35) Nature informed therapy vs. regular outdoor activities
• (28:00) Qualifications for attending the training
• (29:30) Gina's vision for the future of nature informed therapy

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