Nature Therapy for Children: A Multisensory Approach to Better Mental Health

CPD

Handouts

Speaker

Cheryl Fisher, PhD, NCC, LCPC, ACS Related seminars and products

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Dr. Cheryl Fisher is a counselor educator, and licensed clinical professional counselor, certified in trauma and ecopsychology with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is an international speaker, former columnist for Counseling Today Online, and author of Mindfulness and Nature Based Therapeutic Techniques for Children. Dr. Fisher’s most recent research examines Ancestral Wisdom and Intergenerational Trauma Recovery.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Cheryl Fisher maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Alliant International University. She receives royalties as a published author. Cheryl Fisher receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Cheryl Fisher serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma and the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and several other professional organizations. For a complete list, please contact info@pesi.com.

Objectives

1. Design the multisensory approach for overall wellness. 
2. Determine the role of vestibular and kinesthetic development in behavioural and mental health. 
3. Create 3 ways being in nature promotes a mindful presence. 
4. Apply 2 nature-based activities to promote sensory integration. 
5. Determine at least three ethical considerations for integrating nature-informed therapies into clinical practice. 

Outline

Multisensory Approach to Mental Health 
Promote vestibular and kinesthetic development 

Nature - A Multisensory Experience (Whole Brain/Whole Body) 
Reduce anxiety, sensory disorganization and tactile defensiveness   
Increase attention and a calm state  

Cognitive Development and Emotional Regulation 
Improve sensory integration and focused attention   
Enhance emotional states, promote confidence & creativity 
Increased emotional intelligence and empathy   
Improve posture, strength, endurance, balance, body awareness, immune system, and sleep 

Bring the Outdoors In 
Create natural lighting, integrate natural elements 
Animal-assisted therapy 
Tools for teaching mindfulness 

Venture Outside 
Promote listening, focused attention, cooperative interaction, problem-solving, creativity 

Inclusion 
Plan and create green and blue space areas inclusive to ableness, cultural diversity, accessibility 

Additional Nature-Informed Tools 
Ethical Considerations 

Target Audience

• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Counselors
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• School Administrators
• Teachers/School-Based Personnel