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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Cheryl Fisher, PhD, NCC, LCPC, ACS,  is a licensed clinical professional counselor and counselor-educator with 30 years of clinical and educational experience with individuals, families and children. She is a certified trauma professional and an abuse and domestic violence specialist with extensive clinical experience working with trauma survivors of all ages. Dr. Fisher was awarded the Governor’s Award for her clinical work in trauma. She has deployed with the American Red Cross Mental Health Team both locally and nationally. Dr. Fisher is often assisted by her co-therapists, Max and Lily- golden doodle therapy dogs and a beta fish named Olive.

An international presenter, Dr. Fisher conducts research in the areas of nature and mental health, in addition to spirituality and meaning-construction. She is a columnist- The Counseling Connoisseur- for Counseling Today Online. Dr. Fisher has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with an emphasis in the integration of psychology and spirituality, and an M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. She is certified in Jungian Sandtray work and play therapy. Dr. Fisher’s writing projects include Homegrown Psychotherapy: Nature-Informed Counseling and the Dr. Sophia children’s book series that connect children to nature in healing ways.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Cheryl Fisher maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Alliant International University. She 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, the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, and The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. 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