About
ConnectbyNature Therapy Services provides programs to promote biophilic health™ and optimize child development by fostering a deep connection between children and nature.
Program Details
Overview
Biophilic health™ is a way to describe a state of wellbeing where people exist and thrive in relationship with nature, the earth, and all living things. Our programs promote biophilic health™ and optimize child development by fostering a deep connection between children and nature. Through nature connection children can experience nature’s health benefits and learn from nature’s life strategies how to be resilient and live sustainably in a changing environment and climate.
Program goals
- To optimize child health and development through nature assisted therapy and nature assisted social emotional learning.
- To promote better health outcomes for Indigenous children and youth alongside their peers.
- To nurture empathy in childhood and a sense of belonging with the ‘more than human’ world.
- To learn from nature’s life strategies how to be resilient and live sustainably in a changing environment and climate.
- To develop relationships to the land and promote place-based learning and healing that brings attention to and shows respect for nature and its intelligence, Indigenous history, Indigenous peoples, and knowledge.
Community needs addressed by ConnectbyNature
We serve children, youth and families affected by a range of issues impacting upon their social- emotional health and well-being including:
- Neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD and learning differences, autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy)
- Sensory processing issues
- Problems with emotional regulation
- Anxiety and stress
- Grief, trauma, and loss
- Depression and hopelessness
- Climate anxiety
Contact Nancy Rushford, Director and Co-Founder n.rushford@connectbynature.ca (905) 630-1909 ConnectByNature
Future Plans for ConnectbyNature
Health Education and Health Promotion
To promote awareness of biophilic health™ through health education and health promotion activities, storytelling, writing and publication.
Clinical Services:
To co-create culturally appropriate programs with Indigenous partners, educators, and organizations to better serve Indigenous children and youth alongside their peers.
Professional Development
To deliver quality professional development resources and opportunities specific to biophilic health™ and the integration of nature into professional practice within health care contexts, both online and in person.
Research and Collaboration
To make connections and develop partnerships that bridge nature with health; to engage in collaborative and participatory research that respects diverse perspectives and ways of knowing and learning.
Other Details
List of Services Offered
- Nature assisted occupational therapy
- Nature assisted psychotherapy and social- emotional learning.
- Animal assisted psychotherapy and social emotional learning
- Culturally appropriate education and health promotion activities
- Spiritual/ social-emotional growth and wellness groups with Indigenous teachers, advisors, and community partners.
Staff Composition
Multidisciplinary (registered mental health providers/ psychotherapists, occupational therapists, Indigenous cultural advisor, physician, nature and equine assisted learning facilitators, and volunteers.
Cost to Participate
Individual therapy sessions $ 175 /hour (the cost may be covered in full or part under personal health insurance plans and government assistance programs).
Group sessions: cost varies; some programs are free/partially funded
