My Research
My Masters Research study explored how seven people experience nature or nature-based therapy during bereavement. Key themes that emerged across the interview data included:
Movement
Many participants found walking or gentle movement essential in early grief, offering emotional release, space to reflect, and a less pressured way to talk to others.
Nature as a Guide
Participants often found that nature offered gentle insights, metaphors, or moments that supported their ability to grieve.
Nature's Core Conditions
Nature often felt accepting, non-judgemental and emotionally holding. Supportive people such as facilitators or attendees in group settings also contributed to these conditions.
Natural Approaches to Grief
Several participants called for an approach to grief that recognises its continuity and allows openness. Nature helped offer a space where they could grieve in their own way, free from societal pressures.
Yearning for Nature
Some described an instinctive pull or need to be outdoors.
Interconnection
A strong sense of belonging in natural spaces was often described, a connection both to 'something bigger', the wider natural world, and to the groups or individuals they shared these experiences with. Nature often provided a setting that strengthened these interpersonal connections.
Conclusion
Overall, the study suggests that nature can play a meaningful role in navigating grief, offering connection, a reflective space and even support and guidance.
Nature
- For me, nature is important for my self-care, significant to my identity and influences my work as a Counsellor. We are not only a part of nature, but we are nature - so there is a lot we can reflect on within the context of nature, even when indoors or working online.