Ecotherapy ~ Outdoor Therapy

Ecotherapy can come in many forms, such as (but not limited to):

Physical exercise in a natural environment: such as walking, jogging, cycling, or doing yoga in a park. These types of activities foster increased awareness of the natural world and are sometimes recommended for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. Walk & Talk Therapy is a form of outdoor therapy and nature therapy that is growing in popularity. Spending time in nature can help reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, improve emotional well-being, and it can feel more comfortable to share when moving. Additionally, getting outside can serve as exposure for individuals struggling with specific types of anxiety.

Horticultural therapy: The use of plants and garden-related activities can be used to promote well-being. Activities may include digging soil, planting seedlings, weeding garden beds, and trimming leaves.

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT): One or more animal(s) is introduced into the treatment process. Two forms of animal-human interaction have been scientifically supported. First, routine pet ownership is associated with lower blood pressure, stronger immunity to illness, and increased exercise compared to non-pet owners in the general population. Second, Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) demonstrates favorable results for mental health and medical patients. AAT is a goal-oriented, planned, structured, and documented therapeutic intervention directed by health and human services providers as part of their profession. AAT has been applied for many clinical problems, such as medical conditions, physical problems, Autism-spectrum disorders, psychiatric disorders, emotional difficulties, and undesirable negative behaviors. Animals in AAT have been found to act as social facilitators, social modulators, and illuminate emotional reactivity.

ECOTHERAPY SERVICES OFFERED BY DR. POLLOCK:

(1) Walk & Talk Therapy

(2) Walk, Talk, & Jog Therapy

(3) Sitting session held outside 

(4) Outdoor based child or teen sessions as a hybrid with Telehealth.

* All outdoor-based therapy is currently held at Centennial Park in Paso Robles, CA. Additional Ecotherapy Consent Form is required to participate.

COMING SOON: Animal-assisted therapy, check back for updates!