ECOTHERAPY MINDFULNESS GROUP
This 8-week therapeutic group integrates evidence-based practices (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy mindfulness skills, somatic grounding, and behavioral activation) with ecotherapy interventions including forest bathing, nature-based mindfulness, and creative re-storying using “nature spirits” as metaphors for symptoms. Participants learn practical tools to decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, increase emotional regulation, and reconnect with meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging through the natural world.
Sara Kunz
Sara Mishina Kunz, is a Graduate Student at Southwestern College Masters Degree Program in Counseling Psychology, studying Ecotherapy & Psychedelics. Sara grew up in Hawaii, where early exposure to outdoor adventure and ancestral wellness practices shaped her understanding of how our well-being is deeply connected to our inner and outer environments. She integrates her outdoor expertise, offering practical & science-backed ways to guide clients (and practitioners) toward self-discovery, healing, and grounded wellbeing.
GROUP FACILITATOR, MA
Dawn Martin
LICENSED SUPERVISOR, LMHC, CSAC, CCS
Dawn Martin brings over two decades of experience in behavioral health, specializing in addiction recovery, trauma-informed care, and integrative healing. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and families through evidence-based and holistic approaches to healing. As a passionate educator and advocate, she is deeply committed to public psychoeducation around plant medicines and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
Her work continues to bridge clinical excellence with compassionate, culturally grounded care in service of community healing.
GROUP OUTLINE & GOALS
8-week therapeutic group integrates Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, somatic grounding, and behavioral activation with Ecotherapy interventions:
WEEK 1
Orientation & The Medicine of Nature
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Themes: Safety building, group agreements, introduction to ecotherapy.
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Evidence-Based Focus: Psychoeducation on anxiety/depression; basics of MB-CBT + DBT mindfulness.
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Nature Practice: Sensory grounding outdoors (“5 Senses Nature Scan”).
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Re-Storying: Introducing the idea of nature spirits as compassionate re-frames for symptoms.
WEEK 2
Mindfulness in Nature: Training Attention
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Themes: Understanding the wandering mind, overthinking, worry cycles.
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Evidence-Based Focus: MB-CBT: Noticing automatic thoughts; DBT: Wise Mind.
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Nature Practice: “Sit Spot” meditation & mindful observation.
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Re-Storying: The Spirit of the Breeze (ADHD/anxious mind as moving wind).
WEEK 3
Behavioral Activation & Nature as a Co-Regulator
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Themes: Low motivation, shutdown states, feeling stuck.
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Evidence-Based Focus: Behavioral Activation for depression; somatic awareness.
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Nature Practice: Gentle walking meditation + mood monitoring.
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Re-Storying: The Spirit of the Roots (depression as the slow rooting process).
WEEK 4
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) & Nervous System Regulation
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Themes: The science of nature-based stress reduction.
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Evidence-Based Focus: Polyvagal basics; DBT distress tolerance.
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Nature Practice: Guided forest bathing immersion.
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Re-Storying: The Spirit of the River (emotion flow & gentle movement).
WEEK 5
Cognitive Reframing in Nature
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Themes: Challenging rigid, anxious, or hopeless thought patterns.
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Evidence-Based Focus: MB-CBT thought tracking + reframing; gratitude practice.
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Nature Practice: “Stone & Stream” exercise — releasing unhelpful thoughts.
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Re-Storying: The Spirit of the Mountain (stability, perspective).
WEEK 6
Emotions as Elements
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Themes: Understanding emotional intensity, shutdown, or dysregulation.
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Evidence-Based Focus: DBT emotion regulation & naming emotions.
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Nature Practice: Elemental meditation: earth, air, fire, water.
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Re-Storying:
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Fire Spirit → intense emotions, passion, transformation
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Water Spirit → grief, fluidity, cleansing
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Earth Spirit → grounding, slowness, stability
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Air Spirit → thoughts, creativity, restlessness
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WEEK 7
Reconnecting with Purpose, Community, and Belonging
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Themes: Depression often comes with disconnection and anhedonia.
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Evidence-Based Focus: Values clarification (ACT), small-step goal setting.
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Nature Practice: “Medicine Walk” with intention.
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Re-Storying: The Spirit of the Forest (interdependence, support, community).
WEEK 8
Integration, Personal Ecology & Closing Ritual
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Themes: Integrating tools for future resilience.
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Evidence-Based Focus: Personalized safety + wellness plan; relapse prevention.
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Nature Practice: Group closing ritual, intention setting, and eco-art reflection (nature mandalas, leaf journaling).
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Re-Storying: Participants choose a personal “Nature Spirit Identity” that honors their lived experience and strengths.