Katie Asmus is a licensed psychotherapist with three decades of experience in therapeutic nature-based interventions. She joined me today on the TGO podcast to discuss the essential role of rituals and ceremonies in nature-based therapy, particularly for neurodivergent children. Tune in to hear ways you can help ease transitions, address challenging behaviors, and open and close your group sessions using meaningful rituals to give children a positive experience in your nature-based therapy sessions.

Connect with Katie on IG @somaticnaturetherapy or her website https://www.somaticnaturetherapy.com/

00:00 Introduction

01:29 Meet Katie Asmus

01:45 Understanding Rituals and Ceremonies in Therapy

01:57 The Importance of Rituals for Neurodivergent Kids

02:39 Practical Rituals for Therapy Sessions

06:25 Beginning Rituals: Setting the Tone for Therapy

08:28 Engaging Group Activities to Start Sessions

19:23 Closing Rituals: Ending Sessions with Purpose

27:16 Handling Challenging Behaviors with Rituals

31:02 Final Thoughts and Resources

32:03 Bonus: Free Nature-Based Therapy Activities

This week I'm sharing some of my favorite fall activities for outdoor therapy sessions with kids. Check out the activities below and you can do them, too!

Rainbow leaf hunt - arrival activity Leaf confetti with hole punchers or shape punchers (from scrapbooking supplies)

Leaf sewing with yarn and needles

Find the color - match to cut out on cardboard with picture of something to match the color (red heart, orange sun, yellow banana, green frog, blue water, purple flower, brown tree trunk)

What are your favorite activities for therapy sessions in the fall? Weigh in in the Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community here.

https://tgo.circle.so/home

(P.S. If you're down under, here's the listener-feature episode where we shared favorite SUMMER activities.)

https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/podcasts/therapy-in-the-great-outdoors/episodes/2148704557

00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors

01:00 Fun Fall Activities for Nature-Based Therapy

02:03 Rainbow Leaf Hunt

02:50 Leaf Confetti Party

05:23 Leaf Sewing Craft

06:18 Color Matching Scavenger Hunt

09:09 Join the Therapy in the Great Outdoors Community

10:39 Get Your Free Big Huge List of Nature-Based Activities

In this episode we discuss the often chaotic and challenging first day of a new nature-based therapy group for kids. Everything from clear drop-off procedures and engaging children with meaningful tasks to preparing for social anxiety and ensuring smooth transitions. I also talk about my Nature-Based Therapy Certification and Mentoring Program, designed to support practitioners in building successful, nature-based practices. Join me as I provide actionable tips to make your first day and beyond a success.

01:00 The Reality of the First Day in Nature-Based Therapy

01:34 Challenges and Reflections from a Chaotic First Day

02:34 Strategies for a Smooth First Day

08:05 Effective Drop-Off Procedures

13:20 Connecting with Children on the First Day

19:40 Handling Social Anxiety and Transition Issues

22:10 Conclusion and Support for Nature-Based Therapy Practitioners