What is wilderness therapy?

Wilderness therapy is a nature-based therapy which utilise an experiential connection with nature as a major part of the therapeutic process. In general wilderness therapy can be divided into two broad types, expedition-based and camp-based. Expedition-based wilderness therapy usually involves travelling from point A to B over a few days whilst meeting challenges and carrying out activities along the way. Camp-based wilderness therapy by contrast uses a fixed base camp with regular small expeditions to and from the camp in order to carry out activities and meet challenges.

Wilderness therapy along with a whole variety of other nature-based therapies fall under the more general umbrella term of ecotherapy.

Ecotherapy is a relatively new field of therapy, but one which has many ancient roots, and as such, it draws its ideas from both modern and ancients practices. Unlike us, our ancestors would have seen little or no separation between themselves and the natural world they lived in. Many native cultures today still live in a harmonious relationship with nature, interacting with nature's rhythms, to sustain and heal, physically, mentally and spiritually. In native cultures, the shaman would in effect be the equivalent of our modern doctor, counsellor and psychotherapist. The nature-based healing practices of many native cultures are now being heavily researched and integrated with modern therapeutic practices under the umbrella term of 'ecotherapy.'

It is a selection of these practices that will be used during my workshops, groups and one-to-one nature based therapy sessions.

Why do we need nature-based therapy?

Western society has become more and more industrialised and urbanised. People in industrialised nations now spend more than 90% of their lives indoors. Our time spent outside, surrounded by nature, is estimated at only 1% - 5%. As a modern society we have become increasingly disconnected from the natural world.

For millennia we have existed in a very close relationship with the natural world, and have been intrinsically connected to the rhythms of our natural environment, from our water and food, to the changing of the seasons. Human evolution has been so closely intertwined with our environment, that our need for a relationship with nature must reside in our very genes. Our genetic make-up has barely changed over the last 10000 years: an almost insignificant change of 0.005%. Therefore it would seem that despite our modern society and technological advancements, we are still genetically hard-wired to need to co-exist in close relationship with the natural environment.
As humans we seem to have an innate need to be close to nature and living things. We seem drawn, almost unconsciously, to activities which involve the natural environment. Research suggests human identity, emotional well-being, and personal fulfilment depend on our relationship with nature. Most people are already aware of the beneficial psychological effects of simply being on a beach, paddling in a stream, or walking in a forest or the mountains. I'm sure it is no accident that we are drawn to areas of natural beauty when taking our holidays. The human need for nature is not just linked to use of its resources but it also has an influence on our emotional state, thought processes and even spiritual well-being.

Many researchers now believe that conflicts can arise between our modern society's disconnection from the natural world and our in-built need to relate to it, creating a series of internal mental conflicts, which can give rise to emotional, behavioural and addictive problems.

Given our seemingly in-built requirement for interaction with the natural world for our physical and mental well-being, it would appear that there is a strong need for us to finds ways of re-integrating nature back into our lives, so that we can redress the balance.

A Solution

Mankind's use of nature to enhance well-being, physically, mentally and spritually, has been around probably as long as humans have existed.

Ecotherapy and Traditional Talking Therapies

Compared to many traditional talking therapies, ecotherapy is often focused much more heavily on experiential learning. Participants learn through engagement, and immersing themselves in the environment and activities, as well as by talking about and sharing their insights and experiences.

The aim is to help you to...

• challenge your perceived limitations and unhelpful thought patterns, and develop greater awareness of your own strengths, through the use of the natural environment and challenging nature-based activities.
• develop a deeper understanding of how you relate to others, yourself, and your life, by reflecting on any symbolic or metaphorical relationships between the nature-based activities and your own life
• process your new understandings and learnings through sharing thoughts and reflections in a relaxed, safe, constructive, supportive, non-judgemental and respectful environment
• integrate your new learnings and positive resources so that they become available in your everyday life

Just some of the benefits reported by previous participants: Building trust, both in yourself and others Promoting confidence and self-esteem Lifting mood and reduce depression Reduction of anxiety and stress Helping to deal with anger Enhanced motivation Promotion of respect for oneself, others and nature Improvement in communication skills Improvement in psychological and spiritual health and well-being Promotion of team building and relationship building skills Learning to be in the here and now Connecting to a sense of wonder Putting your life into perspective Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own actions Developing independence and creativity Improved problem solving and life skills Learning that you can and do achieve things you never thought possible

Who might ecotherapy be suitable for?

people who...

• like the outdoors
• have an interest in nature
• are perhaps interested in bushcraft, survival, or native skills
• have an interest in environmental issues
• enjoy camping / walking / biking / climbing / other outdoor activities
• want to learn to feel more relaxed, balanced and centered
• perhaps wish to develop more awareness of their thoughts and behaviours
• need to develop trust and belief in themselves or others
• would like to learn to change how they relate to nature, themselves and others
• would like to develop their natural intuition / listen to their heart / gut instinct
• want to develop a connection with the spirit of nature (spirit in a non religious sense)
• already feel a deep connection with the sprit of nature
• maybe follow a nature-based spiritual path (druidry, pagan or shaman)
• wouldn't normally feel comfortable visiting a counsellor
• prefer to learn by doing and being
• want to try something different

The Approach

The approach is highly experiential and integrates elements of different ecotherapies with more traditional therapies. It including Natural Awareness Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, Contemporary Psychotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Self Relations Psychotherapy, Counselling, Hypnotherapy, Shamanism, and Life Coaching which are individually recognised as successful ways of changing thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and I'm sure you can imagine the amazing benefits of combining these powerful approaches.

I am a professional and experienced Solution-Focused Integrative Psychotherapist, Ecotherapist, Life Coach, Licensed NLP Master Practitioner and Advanced Hypnotherapist. I was trained by some of the best trainers in the United Kingdom. I combine all my skills and experience to produce a treatment that is tailored to meet your personal needs.

Don't see exactly what you are looking for? Then do please get in touch to discuss your requirements. My extensive training and years of experience has given me the flexibility and knowledge to help you deal with many psychological issues.

All treatment is carried out in a completely confidential, highly constructive, relaxed, supportive and non-judgemental environment.

When you are committed to make the inner changes you need, simply phone me on 0161 881 4333 or to make an appointment now.

Please consider joining the email mailing list to be kept up to date with upcoming events.

Just how much is your health and well-being worth to you?

Fees

1-2-1 Sessions:

Fees are paid at the time of booking.

See the consultation fees page for session prices and discounts.

Workshops:

Payment in full or deposit paid at the time of booking, with any remaining balance paid before the start of the workshop.
(The Deposit is £60 or one-third of the full fee, whichever is greater. The first £60 of any fee paid is considered a non-returnable deposit)

You may pay by cash, cheque, Debit Card, credit card or online via PayPal.

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Booking is easy

NOTE: Before booking it is very important that you get any physical symptoms diagnosed by a GP or medical practitioner.

For 1-2-1 sessions: I recommend booking an Initial Consultation/Assessment Session first. This gives us the chance to begin to explore your issues and your requirements further, describe nature-based therapy in more detail, give you honest answers to any questions you might have, give you a realistic estimate of the number of sessions you may require and help you to begin the process of change.

For the regular group sessions: I recommend you contact me first to discuss you issues, requirements and suitability. I may recommend that you first attend a 1-2-1 Initial Consultation/Assessment session.

Group/Organisation/Corporate: Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

I am available for outdoor nature based therapies and group activities either at the local nature reserve in Chorlton, or in some beautiful woodland in North Wales, or at a suitable location of your choice.

I also practice from a consulting room in my home located in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in South Manchester, close to junction 7 & 8 of the M60 and the end of the M56.

When you are ready to make the inner changes you need, simply phone me on 0161 881 4333 or to make an appointment now.

Please consider joining the email mailing list to be kept up to date with upcoming events.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Natural Awareness

Nature awareness has many facets. It is a form of camp based Wilderness Therapy. There are games that can be played simply for fun, or they can be used as a tool for raising our level of awareness by drawing our attention to our relationship with ourselves and others while in nature. The benefit of using nature awareness as a possible intervention for addicts has been recognised; and now its effectiveness for treating other behaviours, like ADHD and Asperger’s syndrome, is appreciated.

Nature has been used as a healer around the world, from the spiritual journey taken by Shamans to the physical treatments of Western medicine. More recently our young people are being asked to look at their behaviours through programmes like Brat Camp, where they are exposed to the wilderness and wilderness therapy.

The objective of nature awareness is to get participants to connect with their heart and to transfer the lessons learnt from nature (be it connecting with a tree, an animal, plant or another human being) into an opportunity to change established behaviour. This creates the potential for a new, healthy approach to be adopted by becoming more self-aware

Nature awareness is ‘Learning with the Heart’. It is known that Native Americans, and other 1st Nation cultures use an awareness based on a belief that there is a power greater than ourselves and that we are not separate from, but rather an integral part of nature. The American 1st Nation calls this ‘The spirit that moves through all things’.
In essence, it’s about our relationship with self, our fellow wo/man and ultimately with the Creator (or a Higher-Power) in nature. It provides us an opportunity to look at the bigger picture both externally/internally by connecting with our heart, allowing us perhaps for the first time to explore our feelings, behaviours and relationships by using our five senses and connecting with our so-called sixth sense or our spiritual awareness.

(the above Natural Awareness description borrowed from Pathfinder UK. If you are looking for excellent tracking and bushcraft training then I recommend you contact Geoffrey McMullan at Pathfinder UK and mention I sent you.)

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Credits

Photographs by Rachael Magowan Professional photographer.
Specialist fields: live music, events, landscape, portfolio shots, fine art prints.

Nigel Magowan

Nigel Magowan BSc(Hons) UKCP(CIT) DABCH MCAHyp GHR SQHP MHA AMPM
Solution-Focused Integrative Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Licensed NLP Master Practitioner, Advanced Hypnotherapist, Wilderness Therapist, Accredited Supervisor and Natural Awareness Practitioner

About Nigel Magowan

Nigel Magowan is a professional and experienced Solution-Focused Integrative Psychotherapist, Life Coach, a Licensed NLP Master Practitioner, an Advanced Hypnotherapist and Wilderness Therapist. Nigel has trained with some of the best trainers. He combines all his training, skills and experience to produce a treatment that is tailored to your exact needs. He uses an integrative solution focused approach to his work which can bring about results in a much shorter time than traditional counselling or psychoanalysis. He has also received additional specialist training in working with addictions, treating IBS, controlling pain, stress management techniques, and ecotherapy. Nigel is also a fully trained and accredited supervisor and offers supervision to other therapists.

Nigel holds an enhanced CRB certificate.

He has busy Psychotherapy, Counselling, Life Coaching, NLP and Hypnotherapy practices in Chorlton, South Manchester, and Harley Street, London. Within easy traveling distance of Altrincham, Ashton, Bolton, Buxton, Didsbury, Fallowfield, Gatley, Glossop, Hyde, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Manchester City Centre, Oldham, Preston, Rochdale, Sale, Stretford, Wilmslow, Withington and other towns in Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and the Greater Manchester and the North West area.

He specialises in helping people with anxiety, panic attacks, stress management, addictions, IBS, pain control, confidence and self esteem, insomnia, public speaking and performance anxiety, fears, phobias, smoking cessation, weight loss, and study and sport performance enhancement.

He is a a UKCP Candidate in Training; a member of the Community for Contemporary Psychotherapy; the General Hypnotherapy Register, the Hypnotherapy Association; the Corporation of Advanced Hypnotherapy; the Association for Neuro-Linguistic Programming (ANLP); the NHS Directory of Complementary & Alternative Practitioners; the UK Register of IBS Therapists; the National Register of Practitioners in Smoking Cessation

He practices according to the Community for Contemporary Psychotherapy, General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, ANLP and Hypnotherapy Associations code of ethics, and has full Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Qualifications & Training

Continuing Professional Development
Current and on-going training and supervision, keeping my skills fresh and at the cutting edge

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Clients come to me from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

See below for a list of local areas covered:

Greater Manchester: Chorlton ~ Didsbury ~ Fallowfield ~ Flixton ~ Eccles ~ Irlam ~ Salford ~ Swinton ~ Pendlebury ~ Worsley ~ Walkden ~ Cadishead ~ Bury ~ Bolton ~ Farnworth ~ Little Lever ~ Kearsley ~ Wardley ~ Monton ~ Orrel ~ Barton ~ Boothstown ~ Dumplington ~ Baguley ~ Benchill ~ Burnage ~ Blackley ~ Beswick ~ Clayton ~ Crumpsall ~ Levenshulme ~ Longsight ~ Northenden ~ Rusholme ~ Sharston ~ Withington ~ Woodhouse Park ~ Wythenshawe ~ Westhoughton ~ Blackrod ~ Kearsley ~ Horwich ~ Prestwich ~ Ramsbottom ~ Radcliffe ~ Tottington ~ Whitefield ~ Whalley Range ~ Carrington ~ Victoria Park ~ Old Trafford ~ Cheetham Hill ~ Tamesdie ~ Ashton under Lyme ~ Denton ~ Reddish ~ Stalybridge ~ Hyde ~ Oldham ~ Royton ~ Saddleworth ~ Rochdale ~ Heywood ~ Littleborough ~ Castleton ~ Milnrow ~ Middleton ~ Wardle ~ Wigan ~ Ashton-in-Makerfield ~ Golborne ~ Billinge ~ Winstanley ~ Leigh ~ Standish.

North Trafford: Davyhulme ~ Firswood ~ Flixton ~ Gorse Hill ~ Lostock ~ Old Trafford ~ Stretford ~ Trafford Park ~ Urmston.

South Trafford: Altrincham ~ Ashton-on-Mersey ~ Bowdon ~ Broadheath ~ Brooklands ~ Carrington ~ Dunham Massey ~ Hale ~ Hale Barns ~ Oldfield Brow ~ Partington ~ Sale ~ Sale Moor ~ Timperley ~ Warburton ~ West Timperley.

Stockport: Adswood ~ Bramhall ~ Bredbury ~ Brinnington ~ Cheadle ~ Cheadle Hulme ~ Compstall ~ Davenport ~ Edgeley ~ Gatley ~ Heaton Moor ~ Heaton Norris ~ Heaton Chapel ~ Heaton Mersey ~ Hazel Grove ~ Heald Green ~ Heavily ~ High Lane ~ Marple ~ Offerton ~ Poynton ~ Reddish ~ Romiley.

Cheshire: Alderley Edge ~ Adlington ~ Ashley ~ Bucklow Hill ~ Handforth Dean ~ High Legh ~ Knutsford ~ Mere ~ Mobberley ~ Ollerton ~ Plumley ~ Tatton ~ Pickmere ~ Wilmslow ~ Warburton ~ Woodford ~ Lymm ~ Dunham ~ Massey ~ Chester ~ Crewe ~ Northwich ~ Daresbury ~ Warington ~ Winsford ~ Widnes ~ Wirral ~ Nantwich ~ Sandbach ~ Middlewich ~ Congleton ~ Alsager ~ Macclesfield ~ Prestbury ~ Goostrey ~ Pickmere ~ Mottram St.Andrew ~ Mobberley ~ Chelford ~ Tytherington ~ Bollington ~ Alsager ~ Tarporley ~ Davenham ~ Great Appleton Thorn ~ Budworth ~ Little Budworth ~ Frodsham ~ Holmes Chape ~ High Legh ~ Disley ~ Grappenhall ~ Appleton ~ Croft ~ Thelwall ~ Penketh ~ Glazebury ~ Winwick ~ Culcheth ~ Saint Helens ~ Over Peover ~ Lower Peover ~ Church Lawton ~ Cranage ~ Stockton Heath.

Cumbria ~ Lancashire ~ Merseyside ~ Derbyshire ~ Staffordshire ~ Peak District ~ North Wales ~ North West.

If you are looking for a therapist in the UK outside of the above areas try clicking a link below to search the General Hypnotherapy Register:

Bath | Birmingham | Bradford | Brighton | Bristol | Cambridge | Canterbury | Carlisle | Chester | Chichester | Coventry | Derby | Dundee | Durham | Exeter | Gloucester | Hereford | Kingston-upon-Hull | Lancaster | Leeds | Leicester | Lichfield | Lincoln | London | Newcastle upon Tyne | Norwich | Nottingham | Oxford | Peterborough | Plymouth | Portsmouth | Preston | Ripon | Salford | Salisbury | Sheffield | Southampton | St Albans | Stoke-on-Trent | Sunderland | Truro | Wakefield | Wells | Westminster | Winchester | Wolverhampton | Worcester | York

bushcraft courses ~ nature therapy ~ adventure therapy ~ green space ~ john muir ~ wilderness therapy uk ~ nature awareness ~ anxiety ~ depression ~ anger management ~ relationship issues ~ stress ~ spritual ~ spirit ~ eco

Natural Development Weekend Workshop: Using the natural environment for personal growth and healing 24-26 September 2010 (Ecotherapy / Wilderness Therapy / Natural Awareness Therapy)

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