Rural life can worsen mental ill health – but therapy in nature helps people feel grounded

I live on a small but magical island off the west coast of Scotland called Bute. I was born and raised here and recently returned after spending the best part of 20 years living in Glasgow. I then started working in suicide bereavement, and in primary and secondary schools as a counsellor. I also run a private practice where I’ll take clients into nature for Walk & Talk sessions.

My day starts in a frenzy. My two boys have their morning moan about getting out of bed; our wee dog Angus will be needing his morning chase around the house with the boys’ socks. Finally, my wife will rally the clan to get out the door. Anxiety levels rise during this golden hour, yet it would be hard to remain in that state of mind for long when you look out of the window to see the views – hills, woodlands, sea.

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Sometimes I’ll remind my boys about this as we drive to school, that it’s OK to feel these ‘things’ that come up within us: anger, anxiety and annoyance of getting out of bed for school. It’s also OK to let them go again. Is that easier said than done? Yes! But like most things in life, it comes with practice.

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When I arrive at school I see three clients one-on-one in the mornings and two in the afternoon. We need to be creative in our approach. This can sometimes be through arts and crafts, having fidget toys or items that can support neurodiverse clients who may feel anxious during their initial sessions. We also use Lego and Play-Doh, as not everyone has the words to describe what they feel. Clients might want to draw what their anxiety looks like or create a shape that feels relevant to their anger.

Working with all age ranges, there are many common issues people bring to their session. With teenagers there is often an added intensity, a fear of being stuck like this forever. Anxiety and self-harm can be common. Perfectionism and feelings of not being good enough are also common with young people who are more likely to compare themselves to their peers.

Exams can be a huge trigger. Eating disorders, suicidal ideation or storing internal tension within them to the point it turns into an uncontrollable panic attack.

Behind every behaviour is a feeling, a need that’s not being met. By meeting that need rather than focusing on the behaviour, that’s when I notice things start to change. To get to that point, I need to go with them on the journey, understanding what it is that they are feeling and experiencing. It takes time.

When a young person steps through that door in distress disclosing self-harm, it can be incredibly difficult to sit with them in their pain. Many people would naturally and understandably jump straight into ‘rescue’ mode or ‘fix it’ mode. It’s important to listen to the client’s experience, understanding the ‘why’. Once we understand the feeling behind the behaviour, we can start to turn self-harm into self-care.

These issues aren’t unique to rural communities or just to young people, although what can be unique is the notion that everyone knows everyone and their business, which can be incredibly difficult for the young person who may already feel trapped. Adults bring similar issues, although for the best part they will have formed some pattern of ingrained behaviour: masking, dissociation, attachment issues or an unhealthy crutch.

I want to support young people before the unhealthy coping mechanisms take hold. These issues often stem from adverse childhood experiences which is why I feel privileged to potentially support the young person as they navigate a difficult chapter in life.

Through patience, empathy, unconditional positive regard, clients start to understand their own emotions – empowering them to realise that life isn’t static, that life will move and flow. Yes, there will be hard times, but equally there will be good times. We celebrate the small wins along the way.

In the afternoon I’ll start my Walk & Talk sessions, taking clients into nature. It’s an opportunity for those who struggle to engage with traditional sit-down therapy. It offers an opportunity to slow down, a means to reconnect with the outdoors and become grounded. Being in nature helps release serotonin, the hormone that impacts wellbeing.

The remoteness, stillness and the wildlife we encounter on treks is inspiring. It starts by walking along the coast, before entering into woodlands, ending with a gentle track overlooking the Kyles of Bute. The view is stunning, rain or shine. We can do wellness activities such as meditations, forest bathing and, if you bring a towel, even some cold-water immersion.

The one deal with nature therapy is that we go out in all weather, ensuring we wear the right clothing. That’s how we experience the elements, taking shelter under a tree as we listen to the rain sing as it falls, feeling the heat of the sun and embracing the opportunity for some shade.

Back home, I’ll tour the garden with a coffee to process the day. As winter draws in, the flowers wither; by spring the new growth will come forth.

Contact Matthew at mc.counselling@outlook.com.

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