Nature therapy with Jenny Lee

Jen is a highly skilled therapist with twenty-five years experience; she works with her clients outdoors in nature . Jen’s clients all present with varied experiences of trauma. Some clients present with acute experiences of trauma: discreet, traumatic events. Other clients present with chronic trauma: a lifetime of fundamental needs which have not been met. Certain clients present with a combination of both acute and chronic trauma. No matter what the source of the trauma, Jen works from the premise that, at a fundamental level, every human being needs to feel safe, and trauma is the result of a not feeling safe.

In the early days of nature therapy work with Jen, a client may wish to share details of their trauma, and she holds a compassionate space for this sharing. However, Jen never asks probing questions regarding trauma, as to do so has the potential to keep the trauma fresh, and to keep a client stuck.

In order to feel safe, a human being needs to feel heard and seen, and Jen always listens attentively, and with the utmost patience, to what a client says to her. Jen maintains a gentle calm in the presence of what can often be powerful distress and, gradually, a client finds themselves gravitating towards Jen’s calm and grounded energy. Jen also observes body language, breathing, and the pace and timbre of speech. She will wait for a subtle softening in a client’s speech and physical presentation and then may make a very gentle, nudging observation, or may pose a very open-ended question. Jen’s aim is to encourage a client to reflect on their behaviour and life circumstances. Over time, a client becomes empowered to make changes in their life and to orientate themselves towards a safer, more secure situation, where they feel strong and independent.

The fact that therapy with Jen takes place outdoors in nature is a key element of her successful work. Human beings are inextricably linked with nature, we are nature. Nature therapy with Jen promotes the gentle memory within the body that our bodies are anchored in the home of mother earth. Over time, immersed in nature, and accompanied by Jen’s skilled and calm presence, clients become rested and they feel safer. Through the safety that they develop, clients begin to move away from defensive and destructive behaviours that have been adopted, due to trauma. Over time, work with Jen enables clients to connect with the authenticity of who they truly are, and to begin to  live a healthier life, both in mind and body.