Nurtured in the Garden
A Therapeutic Nature Group for Parents and their Children
Those early years of parenting are a bustling season! We’ve created a group to slow down and create meaningful memories with your child. At Summit Counseling Services, we believe that the most profound connections are often rooted in simplicity, connection, and the wonder of nature.
We invite you and your little one (or little ones!) to join our Nurtured in the Garden group. A unique, therapeutically-designed series for parents or caregivers and their children. Join us at Fauna Forest Farm, where you’ll both have the space to breathe, play, and grow together and with the rhythms of nature.
Build Connection and Create Emotional Skills
It’s an intentional space facilitated by one of our trained counselors to foster emotional resilience and deepen the bond between you and your child. Using the natural world as our co-facilitator, each 90-minute session is thoughtfully structured to support the social and emotional development of your child while providing you with a supportive, enriching community experience.
Each week, we will gather to explore a new theme related to emotional wellness through a gentle, engaging rhythm of:
Morning Circle
We begin by gathering together, sharing, connecting with the earth, and setting a warm, welcoming tone for our time together.
Storytelling
Our guide will bring social-emotional learning to life with enchanting stories and puppets by the “Story Tree” on the Farm.
Nature-based Activities
We’ll dig in the dirt with horticulture therapy, engage our senses, create nature-based art, and discover the world through guided exploration.
Mindfulness Skills and Connection
You’ll learn simple, useful skills like the “butterfly hug” or mindful movements to help co-regulate with your child and navigate big feelings together.
Community & Free Play
The session closes with time for children to play freely while parents connect, share experiences, and ask questions in a supportive environment.
A Space for You and Your Child to Thrive
This group is designed to provide lasting benefits that you’ll carry with you long after our sessions have ended.
For Your Child:
- Build Emotional Intelligence
- Spark a Love for Nature
- Enhance Sensory & Motor Skills
- Develop Social Skills
For You, The Parent:
- Add to Your Parenting Toolkit
- Build Your Community
- Reduce Stress and Parenting Worry Through Connection
- Deepen the Bond with Your Child
Program Details & Schedule
Our Parent & Me on the Farm group runs in seasonal series to allow for a consistent community to form.
Who: Parents/Caregivers and their children (ages 5 and under).
When: Fridays from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Fall 2025 Series: Runs weekly from October 10th to November 21st.
Spring 2026 Series: Dates coming soon!
Where: A beautiful and serene local farm in the Johnson City, TN area. [Exact location provided upon registration].
Investment: The fee for the series is $45 per session. We offer a tiered price to welcome families of all sizes. Please contact us for specific pricing details.
Meet Shae
Therapist Shae Keane, LPC/MHSP(T) will lead each session. Shae is a founding partner at Fauna Forest Farm and brings a vast experience and passion for integrating nature with personal growth.
You and your child are sure to feel welcome and safe working directly with Shae. We admire her warm spirit, visionary ideas, and excitement for nature-based practices.
In the News: Johnson City Press
Read more about Nurtured in the Garden & our friends at Fauna Forest Farm in the Johnson City Press!
Ready to Root Your Relationship In Nature?
Spots are limited to 13 families per series to ensure an intimate and connected experience for everyone. Register today to reserve your place in this unique and nurturing group.
Request More Information or Get Signed Up
FAQ
We hope you’ll find these answers to commonly asked questions helpful. Be sure to give us a call if you have other questions.
This group is designed for children aged 5 (as of October 1, 2025) and under. The activities are tailored to be engaging and developmentally appropriate for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Absolutely! We have discounted rates for parents bringing multiple children. Contact us to learn more.
We recommend dressing in comfortable layers that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Closed-toe shoes are a must for the farm environment. It’s also a good idea to bring a water bottle, snacks, and any personal care items you or your child might need (diapers, wipes, etc.).
We love all kinds of weather! We will meet in light rain and will provide guidance on how to dress. However, in the case of severe weather (like thunderstorms or extreme temperatures), the session will be canceled, and we will notify all participants with as much notice as possible.
No worries, we offer this program seasonally throughout the year. If you’d like to be notified of our next series beginning fill out this form and we’ll be sure to let you know!