Eco-Therapy
Eco-therapy is the practice of being in nature, or interacting with nature, in a therapeutic way. It is an umbrella term that includes many different types of therapies involving different elements of nature.
Luma Room presents guided small group eco-therapy experiences for anyone who is interested in connecting to the inner and outer worlds alongside others. Hosted by psychologist Dr Melanie Schuijers, sessions draw on evidence-based practices and are offered in a natural setting such as the bush, forest, or beach. They are designed as a practice of mindfulness, with nature becoming a co-therapist.
What yo expect in your first eco-therapy group session…
Typical sessions combine a slow bush or beach walk as well as nature-based activities for an intentional and embodied experience of nature. You will also recieve a take-home eco-therapy kit which includes materials for ongoing eco-therapy practice.
Meet Dr Melanie Schuijers…
Hi, my name is Melanie. I’m a registered clinical psychologist and the founder of Luma Room. I have she/her pronouns. I completed a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) and am a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi).
Typically I’m based in Brunswick, Victoria on Wurunjderi country where I work with individual clients and couples+, however I also step out of the therapy room and into our natural environments, which I find can be a meaningful setting for therapeutic work. I place value on our intrinsic and reciprocal relationship with nature and, in offering eco-therapy, hope to be able to guide experiences that perhaps deepen our connection to place.
Additional to my doctoral degree, I have completed specific training in clinical mindfulness and eco-therapy. I also have experience running therapy groups in both public and private settings including mood groups and trauma recovery groups. The idea of exploring the self alongside others resonates with me and, if you feel it may resonate with you too, I welcome you to come along. All my groups are LGBTQIA+ friendly and all cultural backgrounds are welcome.
Each unique person will have different preferences for how they like to explore wellbeing, so if you’d like to chat more about whether group eco-therapy is right for you, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Eco-therapy sessions run for two hours. One-off workshops are available as well as therapy programs that run weekly over six weeks.
While group therapy sometimes qualifies for Medicare or private health rebates, our eco-therapy workshops are currently run as community events open to the public and are therefore not eligable for rebates. Longer therapy programs may be eligable for rebates with a GP referral.
For those who have already attended an eco-therapy workshop and plan to re-use their eco-therapy kit, session costs are reduced. Sessions costs are also reduced for First Nations folk. Please contact us prior to booking in this case.
Group Therapy Program
Developed by Dr Melanie Schuijers, this six-week eco-therapy program is designed to offer both therepeutic skills and a weekly practice of mindfulness in nature. It draws upon a number of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindful Self Compassion Therapy (MSC).
Please reach out if you'd like more information about an eco-therapy experience or to book a private group experience.
Or, sign up below for more information about future small group eco-therapy events.
FAQ
How many people can attend a group experience?
Groups are limited to no more than eight people per group. There is one facilitator and one assistant facilitator also in attendance.
What should I wear and bring?
Please wear closed-toed shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and sunscreen if necessary. Please bring a water bottle as well as snacks if you’d like them.
Is eco-therapy for me?
Humans are a part of nature, so why not?
Of course, some people prefer the comfort of the therapy room as nature can be unpredictable and we may need to navigate things like weather, the terrain, and other creatures that share the eco-system. Others, however, find being in nature relaxing, meaningful, and healing. There is no right or wrong and the choice is up to you. If you’re not sure, you’re welcome to reach out to discuss eco-therapy further. Or, we invite you to try a session and find out!
Group sessions typically involve a slow bush walk, requiring mobility. However, if you have accessability requirements, please be in touch to discuss options.
What if the weather is bad?
Observing our inner and outer worlds across different seasons and weather conditions can be an important part of mindfulness practice. In saying that, your safety is paramount. If weather conditions are deemed dangerous or extreme, the event will be cancelled.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are held in various nature-based locations such as the forest, bush, or beach. These locations are public so there may be other people around.
Will I be asked to share in a group experience?
There will be time for group reflection and to chat over a cup of tea at the end of the group, however this is only an invitation. If you are not comfortable sharing, you do not have to.
Can I do individual or couples+ sessions in nature?
Existing individual and couples+ therapy clients are welcome to discuss having their sessions in nature in place of the therapy room.
