At Loblolly Wellness Collective, we believe that healing doesn’t always happen within four walls. Sometimes it happens beneath pine trees, with soil on your hands, or by simply sitting still and watching the wind ripple through the grass. That’s why ecotherapy is an essential part of our holistic mental health services.

Ecotherapy—also known as nature-based therapy or green therapy—uses intentional interaction with the natural world to support emotional and psychological well-being. At Loblolly, this includes:

• 🌿 Walking EMDR on serene wooded trails
• 🐴 Animal-Assisted Therapy in outdoor pasture or wooded areas
• 🌼 Gardening therapy, where clients plant, tend, and grow alongside nature
• 🪑 Observation of nature from any of our quiet, peaceful seating areas
• 🌲 Mindfulness and grounding practices held outdoors

You don’t need to hike or garden to benefit—even quietly observing nature can be healing.

Nature isn’t just calming—it’s clinically effective. Research supports the following benefits:

Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression

Spending time in nature lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), eases anxiety, and reduces symptoms of depression.

“Being in nature can lower stress hormones, blood pressure, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.” — American Psychological Association (2020)

Boosts mood and emotional resilience

Connection with nature enhances feelings of peace, optimism, and meaning.

“People who spend time in green spaces report lower levels of stress and improved well-being.” — Mental Health Foundation (2021)

Improves focus, memory, and cognitive function

Nature restores attention and improves executive function, especially for those with ADHD or cognitive fatigue.

“Spending time in nature improves working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attentional control.” — Verywell Mind (2023)

Our gardening therapy gives clients a hands-on way to reconnect with life’s natural cycles. It’s not just therapeutic—it’s evidence-based:

“Gardening was found to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve life satisfaction.”— Soga et al. (2017)

“Gardening boosts mood, reduces stress, and encourages physical activity—all of which support mental health.”— Texas A&M AgriLife (2022)

Not every client wants or needs to be active. That’s why we created tranquil outdoor seating areas for clients who prefer stillness. Simply sitting and observing the natural world:

•   Promotes mindfulness
•   Encourages emotional regulation
•   Rebuilds a sense of internal safety

“Even viewing natural scenes can reduce anger, fear, and stress, while increasing pleasant feelings.” — American Psychological Association (2020)

Named for the strong, resilient Loblolly pine, our practice is rooted in the belief that nature holds space for healing. Whether you’re walking, planting, or quietly watching the world go by, we honor the therapeutic power of connection—to land, to self, and to others.

Whether you want to explore Walking EMDR, Animal-Assisted Therapy, gardening, or simply spending time outdoors in a supportive setting—we’re here to walk beside you.

Contact us today to learn more about ecotherapy at Loblolly Wellness Collective.
Let nature be your co-therapist.