Mental health professionals are invited to reconnect, as clinicians and as people, with the restorative strength of the natural world in this experiential training. Using a trauma-informed lens, we look at how mindfulness in nature supports the integration of grief, regulation of the nervous system and renewal from within. Guided exercises, poetry and reflective conversation help participants treat nature as a co-facilitator and find usable tools for clinical work and self-care. The practices work in person or online, including where outdoor space is scarce.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the therapeutic benefits of nature-based mindfulness for addressing grief and trauma.
- Demonstrate somatic grounding practices using natural elements and imagery.
- Apply nature-informed interventions to support nervous system regulation and presence in clinical work.
- Develop a personalized, nature-connected self-care plan for clinical sustainability and renewal.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Describe the therapeutic benefits of nature-based mindfulness for addressing grief and trauma.
- Evidence-informed outcomes of nature connection on mental health.
- Intersections of ecopsychology, mindfulness, and polyvagal theory.
- Reflection: Noticing how nature has served as a resource in your own grief or recovery.
Objective #2: Demonstrate somatic grounding practices using natural elements and imagery.
- Sensory-oriented and movement-based practices (e.g., hand-to-earth, breath and tree visualization).
- Poetry and metaphor as somatic tools (e.g., “strong as stone, soft as moss”).
- Live Guided Practice: Nature-infused body scan and breath awareness.
Objective #3: Apply nature-informed interventions to support nervous system regulation and presence in clinical work.
- Adapting practices for clients in both outdoor and indoor settings (including virtual care).
- Case examples: Supporting grief and trauma clients with earth-based metaphor and movement.
- Chat-Based Case Discussion: Adapting a mindfulness-in-nature practice for a specific client.
Objective #4: Develop a personalized, nature-connected self-care plan for clinical sustainability and renewal.
- Gentle exposure to nature as a regulation strategy for providers.
- Nature access beyond the forest: windows, images, sounds, textures.
- Creative Exercise: Designing your own nature-based replenishment practice.
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Kristin Whiting-Davis, LCSW-C
Recording Date: September 6, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com