Nature-Based Psychotherapy for Youth Ages 12+, Adults, and Couples
Step away from the traditional therapy office and into a space where healing feels more comfortable and natural. Nature-based psychotherapy sessions offer opportunities to sit in a cozy paddock-side office, breathe in the fresh air, and connect in a calm environment surrounded by trees, farm animals, and horses.
The natural environment can help therapy feel less formal while supporting greater comfort, openness, and engagement. Sessions offer a safe and supportive space to explore emotions, develop coping skills, strengthen self-esteem, and work through anxiety, stress, grief, peer relationships, family changes, and school-related challenges.
Research suggests that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and support emotional well-being. Practices such as forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, highlight the restorative effects of slowing down and being present in nature. By combining psychotherapy with the calming influence of the outdoors, this approach supports meaningful reflection, emotional well-being, and personal growth at each client’s own pace.
Cecilia Bonnevie
MSc, Registered Social Worker & psychotherapist
Cecilia is a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist with more than 15 years of experience supporting teens, adults, couples and families.
Her approach is warm, compassionate, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. Cecilia helps clients feel safe, understood, and empowered while developing practical coping skills, emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence. She is passionate about offering nature-based psychotherapy as a gentle, engaging, and less clinical path toward healing and growth.
Cecilia brings eight years of school counselling experience to her current work with teens, supporting them as they navigate anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, self-esteem challenges, emotional regulation, peer relationships, family changes, and school-related concerns.
Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a Registered Social Worker (RSW). Sessions are provided by Cecilia Bonnevie, a licensed Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
Please check with your extended health benefits provider prior to your first session to confirm your coverage for services provided by an RSW. Payment is due in full at the time of your appointment, and an official receipt will be provided for reimbursement, where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s this service suitable for?
This service is available for youth (12+), adults and couples, and is suitable for anyone looking for a supportive, welcoming space to explore their mental health and well-being.
What times are available and how do I get started?
Our facilities allow us to operate year-round. While weather may influence the structure of each session, we have access to indoor spaces to ensure continuity and comfort. You can view Cecilia’s availability and book directly through the Jane App using the “Book Now” button above.
What’s the difference between Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Nature-Based Psychotherapy?
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) focuses on personal growth through hands-on experiences with horses, building skills like confidence and communication. Nature-based psychotherapy is a clinical service led by a licensed therapist, offering traditional talk therapy in a calm, outdoor setting. Both take place on the farm, but one is focused on learning through experience, while the other supports mental health through professional therapy.
Do we get to interact with the horses?
Nature-based therapy sessions do not include interaction with the horses directly. We will be offering Animal Assisted Psychotherapy in the near future.
What should I wear?
Sessions take place outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend wearing layers to ensure you stay comfortable as conditions may change.