Outdoor therapy

What is it?

Outdoor therapy is any activity that takes the talking, that we often do in a room or online, into the outdoors. This can have many different guises. The important part is that the outdoor experience enriches and complements the therapeutic one, and vice versa. I’ll tell you more about how I work below!

My outdoor approach

What are the benefits?*

Outdoor therapy is an evidence-based approach, with benefits including:

  • A more informal and relaxed space to talk

  • More opportunity for you to own the space, or decide the route

  • An escape from every day routine, allowing you to be more you!

  • Physical movement and fresh air

  • Restorative effects of connecting with nature

* BPS: The Use of Talking Therapies Outdoors

I'm in - give me the details!

Is it for me?

Outdoor therapy is for everyone (within reason, of course!) and has been shown to be effective for a varying range of issues*.

However, to ensure that this approach is right for you, I ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire before we start, and then we meet once online to discuss what you need in order to get the most from this and to feel comfortable and safe. For example, if you have a fear of dogs, we’ll explore the best location to meet and how we will respond if we do meet a dog during our session.

Things for you to consider:

  • How comfortable to I feel in outdoor spaces?

  • Would I be easily distracted or made uneasy if we passed other people during a session?

  • Do I have the energy and time to meet outside, rather than online?

My nature story & skills

Outdoor therapy sessions are my real passion because nature has also been my therapy. When I’m going through a difficult time, feeling trapped by the rules and constraints of modern society and just feeling a bit meh, being in and with nature ALWAYS offers me something. Fresh perspective, a reminder of the beauty of the world rather than just the ugly, a rest from the demands and a chance to breathe!

And so I want you to help you find out what nature can do for you!

I’m a qualified Mountain Leader, trained to take individuals (and groups) into the moors and mountains - keeping you safe, aware of your surroundings and location and, most importantly, enjoying yourself. I am Outdoor First Aid trained too and fully risk assess all the locations we use. And I have 30 years of experience navigating and journeying natural environments.

Let me be your guide

Locations and options

A woman with brown, curly hair tied in a bun, wearing a red T-shirt and colorful floral pants, is walking on a dirt trail through a green forest surrounded by lush trees and bushes.
A woman with brown, curly hair tied in a bun, wearing a red T-shirt and colorful floral pants, is walking on a dirt trail through a green forest surrounded by lush trees and bushes.

Sheffield outdoor therapy

60 or 90 minute sessions in a wild space in the North West / West of Sheffield. Available on Thursdays, from £65.

Peak District therapy

90 minute sessions in quiet Peak District spots on the edge of Sheffield, available from £90. Longer sessions possible on request.

Peak District therapeutic adventures

Longer sessions (2 hours+) in the Peak District to explore an issue more fully and/or to learn basic map-reading and outdoor planning skills.

Get in touch

Email me at lucygray.therapy@gmail.com or fill out the form below.

For urgent help: call NHS 111 or the Samaritans call 116 123 or text ‘Shout’ to 85258.