Naturally cultivated from a lifelong love of the outdoors, Kit Kline has emerged as a transformative leader in the field of therapy. As the Founder and Director of Nature Based Therapy, Kline taps into the profound healing power of nature to foster holistic well-being. Her innovative approach invites individuals to reconnect with the natural world, emphasizing that true healing occurs when we address the root causes of our struggles rather than just the symptoms.
With a combination of empathy and expertise, Kline inspires clients to see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem, guiding them on a journey of self-discovery and growth through the wonders of nature.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Can you share your journey and what inspired you to establish Nature Based Therapy?
I have always had a deep understanding and connection to nature since childhood. Nature has been a way for me to connect with myself and to ground myself when feeling unsettled and anxious. I intuitively started implementing nature into my work practice as a counsellor and could see the benefits it was bringing to the people I was working with. I would provide opportunities for connection people with nature and using metaphors that explained how nature worked and applying that same knowledge to people’s problems and experiences.
What are the core principles of Nature Based Therapy, and how do they differ from traditional therapeutic approaches?
Nature Based Therapy, much like nature itself, is holistic, interconnected, flexible and adaptable. There is no one way to work with nature and it is adaptable to people’s needs. The core principle of nature-based therapy is the holistic approach that looks at the eight dimensions of well-being which include mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, occupational, financial, social and environmental. Nature based therapy works with the root cause of all presenting disease.
Traditional therapeutic approaches will often separate the parts of wellbeing and are more aligned with a bio-medical approach excluding the personal from their environment. It also works at working with the presenting symptom and managing these responses rather than address the root cause. We cannot stop a weed growing unless we pull it out from the root. The same goes for our presenting symptoms.
How do you integrate your background as a social worker into your practice of nature-based therapy?
I integrate my practice as a social worker into my practice at nature-based therapy by looking at our society as an eco-system. If our eco-system is out of balance, then nothing existing in that eco-system is going to be well and it will be a struggle to sustain itself. It is much like our society. I believe the root cause of all ill-health is the dysfunction of our current society.
A functioning society is well resourced and works in connection with each other. There is connection, community and collaboration. Each part of the system is supporting the function of the other part so that they all remain in balance. As a social worker I aim to find the balance and functionality of each person’s eco-system to support them to thrive and lead sustainable lives across all wellbeing dimensions. I also aim to increase self-awareness around the fact that as humans we are nature, we are not separate from the natural world and are in fact part of the functioning ecosystem and environment. Therefore, we must have a relationship with the natural world to maintain the wellbeing of both us and the planet.
Can you describe a typical session or workshop that you conduct? What can participants expect?
An example of a session or workshop might involve the use of nature reflection cards which I have developed. There are 26 images of nature, and a participant is invited to choose one card. The participant is then invited to describe what they see in that image and talk about what they see. What is nature doing? They are then invited to explore what nature is teaching them and how might they apply that teaching into their personal situation or state of mind. This is good if you can’t take people outside.
This activity can also be used through nature journaling outside in nature. The same questions are reflected on. What are you noticing, what is nature teaching you and how can you learn from this teaching.
What challenges have you faced in promoting nature-based therapy, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in promoting nature-based therapy is that people do not know exactly what it is. Sometimes they think it is using essential oils and crystals. Yes, they can use these resources in enhance their connection to nature however nature is much more than this. I work with Nature Based Therapy as a psychotherapy that allows us to understand ourselves more when we see ourselves as not separate from nature.
Another challenge is the myth that there is no evidence-based research. There is a lot of evidence-based research on the benefits of connecting with nature. The issue is that it is not as well funded as other mental health interventions including pharmaceuticals. I also invite people to connect with nature when they are feeling stressed, then they will experience the evidence!
How do you measure the effectiveness of nature-based therapy for your clients?
I measure the effectiveness of nature-based therapy by checking in with people before and after a session. Most people present with mental block, suppressed emotions and physical tension. After a session they report that they feel more connected, clear on solutions and relaxed. I also work with a holistic health assessment tool that can monitor the changes that happen over the course of treatment addressing the 8 dimensions of wellbeing.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in nature-based therapy?
I would advise someone who is interested in pursuing a career in nature-based therapy to start the journey of connecting to nature themselves and then decide was kinds of nature connection experiences they enjoy. There are many ways we can do nature-based therapy and provide opportunities in our programs and services to work with nature as co-therapist. It is important to choose a method that the therapist enjoys too!
