Nature-Based Therapy
Step outside the office and into the medicine of the mountains. Our nature-based therapy sessions combine the benefits of professional counseling with the healing energy of Appalachia.
Reconnect with yourself, the earth, and what truly matters.
Ancient Healing in Appalachia
Here in Northeast Tennessee, the ridges and forests of the Appalachian Mountains have long been partners and teachers in the healing process for humans.
When you walk among trees, hear the rhythm of a creek, or sit in stillness, something shifts inside. The world quietens and your perspective broadens. The spirit remembers its place in the larger web of life.
Our nature-based therapy honors this relationship, blending modern therapeutic approaches with the wisdom of nature.
Our specific services include various forms of movement, mindfulness, art, meditation, ceremony, and rituals.
A Collaboration Rooted in Healing
We’re proud to collaborate with Fauna Forest Farm to bring natural healing to our community. The team at The Farm has created the perfect peaceful and restorative site to foster both personal and community growth. All of our nature-based services are offered at Forest Fauna Farm.
Why Choose Nature-Based Therapy?
Our nature-based services can be combined with traditional therapy options. Many of our clients utilize traditional therapy and supplement with nature-based experiences.
Clients choose nature-based services for benefits of:
- Fresh air and earth help regulate and calm the mind
- Sunlight and movement support the body's natural rhythms and resilience
- The mind, body, and spirit find alignment in natural settings
- Our beautiful Appalachian landscape reminds us we are not separate from nature but a part of it
Our Approach
At Summit Counseling Services, we practice with respect for both evidence-based therapy and ancient understandings of nature as healer.
Movement & Walk-and-Talk
Sessions feature walk-and-talk therapy as well as intentional movement including dance, Tai Chi, Yoga, and more to help you ground in your body.
Mindfulness & Breathwork
Incorporating breathwork and present-moment awareness to help regulate the nervous system and quiet the active mind.
Trauma-Informed Care
Grounding in the earth enhances modalities such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and trauma therapies like EMDR
We integrate modalities in a way that honors your body, your spirit, and the land we’re on.
Our specific services include various forms of movement, mindfulness, art, meditation, ceremony, and rituals.
Choose Your Experience
Learn about our nature-based services below, then reach out to get started!
Individual Therapy
Therapy doesn’t have to happen solely in the office. Join us at Forest Fauna Farm for traditional one-on-one sessions combing access to our Farm office and the Farm’s natural spaces.
Resilient Hearts
A weekly nature-based group program for tween girls to build confidence, emotional awareness, and expressive skills.
Men's Nature Connection
A nature-facilitated group to build connection, improve regulation, and increase distress tolerance.
FAQ
Accordion Content
Nature-based services are currently private pay only with the exception of walk & talk therapy for which you may use insurance.We have therapists in-network with most major carriers including BCBS, Anthem, Optum/UHC/UMR, Aetna, Cigna, and Magellan for our traditional office-based therapy options. We are not in-network with any medicare or medicaid plans.
Visit our FEES page for more information
Nature-based services are priced depending on the format of each service. Typically you can expect most services to costs around $40 per hour for group style offerings and around $100 per hour for one-on-one offerings.
Learn more by reviewing the full description of each service above.
We adapt. Sometimes that means rescheduling, sometimes it means meeting under shelter, and sometimes it means leaning into the wisdom of the weather itself. Your comfort is always the guide.
Not at all. Sessions can be as simple as sitting outdoors or as active as a gentle walk. We adapt to your needs and abilities.
This is one of the great things about our nature-based services and group work in general. It’s often more affordable, deeply powerful, and almost always has availability within a week or two of reaching out.
By calling or using our contact log, you’ll be connected directly to our intake coordinator. It’s very important that we connect with all inquiries within the business day! Our coordinator will ask questions to understand what you’re looking for and connect with an available counselor based on your needs.
From there, she’ll send you our new client paperwork which can be completed online and help you feel confident before your first session.
Summit is a practice built on values. We’re locally owned and deeply rooted in the Tri-Cities. We hire good clinicians, treat them well, provide good service, and sincerely take pride in helping neighbors like you.
A team of 12 highly experienced therapists
Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, with easy access to restorative natural spaces
🌈 Inclusive and affirming of all adults and life paths
A balance of evidence-based counseling and holistic, nature-connected healing
Respectful of indigenous traditions of earth-based wellness and the wisdom of the land