Resources for Therapists Working Outdoors
Resource listings have been gathered to streamline your search. You are responsible for reviewing the details, costs, and usefulness of the resources for nature based therapists shared here. If you have questions about a specific resource, contact the author directly. Resource listings are updated once a month. If you have a resource that supports therapists working outdoors to add, click HERE.
Sponsored Listing
The Nature Based Observation System offers a streamlined process and low-tech tools to elevate your occupational therapy evaluations outdoors. Know what to do, what to look for, and how to quickly record it. This frees up space in your brain for your work with your client— without compromising your ability to produce a quality report at the end. Developed by Angela Rosenburg of Treeline Enrichment.
Sponsored Listing
Grab essential therapy supplies plus supplemental gear to level up the opportunities in your therapy sessions. When you purchase from one of these Amazon Storefront links, you help to support the cost of maintaining and updating this website. As an Amazon Associate, Treeline Enrichment (the host of this website), earns from qualifying purchases. If you have additional gear recommendations that you love, submit your recommendations to be added to these lists!
Resources to Elevate Your Work as a Nature Based Therapist
Core Board Template to Support Communication Access
Communication is for everyone. Snag this FREE Canva Template to quickly customize your own core communication board for nature-based therapy sessions. Resource from Angela Rosenburg at Treeline Enrichment
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Hang Swings Without Branches
Check out this short video showing you exactly how to hang swings in the forest WITHOUT accessible branches! FREE access. Resource from Angela Rosenburg at Treeline Enrichment.
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Make Your Own Lycra Layers for Ouside
Check out this short video showing you how to make your own lycra layers to use outdoors. FREE access. Resource from Angela Rosenburg at Treeline Enrichment thanks to mentorship from Emily Bryce at Little Fern Forest.
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5 Activities for OT Sessions in the Dark
Sessions don’t have to end when the sun sets. Embrace the therapeutic opportunities outdoors in the dark with these tips to get you started. FREE download. Resource from Marika Austin at Bearfoot OT.
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Benefits of Nature for Kids Infographic
An evidence-based handout that describes in a, caregiver-friendly way, what the benefits are to being outdoors. Resource from OTGraphically.
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Therapy in the Great Outdoors Podcast
This podcast is about the business & practice of nature-based pediatric therapy of all kinds. Hosted by Laura Park Figueroa of Outdoor Kids OT
Listen to the Podcast
Integrative OT Podcast
Integrative OT’s podcast about all things OT; special topics covering sustainability, nature based therapies and lots more! Hosted by Magan Higgins Gramling, OTR/L, CLT, CRP, CFNIP, OTDs
Listen to the Podcast
Lycra Play Tube
Large lycra tube (~128″ circumference) for cooperative activities, connection and sensory input, including sheet with ideas for use. Handmade by Ann Kumpf, a nature based therapist at Go Skipping Stones
Buy the Tube
Let’s Get Outside Activity Cards
Set of 10 laminated outdoor activity cards on a carabiner – each card includes instructions, developmental benefits and bonus tips. Designed and produced by Go Skipping Stones.
Buy the Cards
Nature Based Superhero Network for OTs YouTube Channel
This is a space where you can learn more about nature based therapy. There are many interviews highlighting the work of other Nature Based Therapists on this YouTube Channel. Content hosted by Lisa Haverly of Rainbow Tree Therapies.
Learn More
120 Nature Based Pediatric Therapy Activities
A free list of 120 ideas for nature-based therapy sessions + nature-based pediatric practice tips offered by Laura Park Figueroa of Outdoor Kids OT.
https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/list
Books
Lyons, K. (2021). Nature, sensory integration, and pediatric occupational therapy. In N. J. Harper & W. W. Dobud (Eds.), Outdoor therapies: An introduction to practices, possibilities, and critical perspectives (pp. 134–145). Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429352027-13
Purchase from these links to support the cost of this website. As an Amazon Associate, Treeline Enrichment (the host of this website), earns from qualifying purchases. If you have additional book recommendations, please submit your recommendations to be added to these lists.
Journal Articles
Burke, H. K., Burke, L. M., Hacker, C. G., & Lane, S. J. (2024). Nature-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review. Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics, 44(1), 96–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2023.2204924
Resources for Your Nature Based Therapy Business
Nature Based Therapy Service Rates
Compare your current outdoor therapy service rates regionally or nationally as of February 2024. FREE download. Resource from Angela Rosenburg at Treeline Enrichment.
Get the Resource
Move from 1:1 Hour Rates to Package Pricing
OTs Get Paid Podcast Episode featuring Marika Austin of Bearfoot OT
Listen to the Resource
How Package Pricing Will Increase Profit
Mind Your OT Business Podcast Episode featuring Marika Austin of Bearfoot OT
Listen to the Resource
Building an Intentional Nature-Based Business
Therapy in the Great Outdoors Podcast Episode featuring Kim Wilson of Nature’s Path OT
Listen to the Resource
Referral / Affiliate Links to Level Up Your Work
YNAB (You Need a Budget) is helps you to take control of your income, giving you the power to tell your money how to work for you in your business. It’s incredibly easy to use, syncs with your phone, and you can also use it for your family too. Click HERE to get a FREE month!
Flodesk makes email marketing a breeze! The simple platform, beautiful templates, and intuitive system has made the monthly cost a no-brainier. It will save you hours of time, provides a better customer experience, and simplifies your automations. Get 50% OFF by clicking HERE.
Sticker Mule is incredible for business swag like buttons, magnets, & stickers. Super easy to use, quick turn-around, and great quality. Sign up for their e-mails to get regular discounts. Click HERE to get a $10 CREDIT towards your first order!
JotForm is a robust but user friendly platform for all online forms, intake paperwork, evaluation reports, product purchases, staff contracts, and more. It has a HIPAA compliance option and integrates with many other platforms, including Google Workspace and payment platforms like Stripe and Paypal. Click HERE to streamline your systems with JotForm.
Plainly Legal is a brilliant and easy-to-use resource for all business owners. It helps you to create smart, customizable legal documents and it helps you to know what steps you need to take to protect your business. It is extremely affordable when you compare it to hiring an attorney. Click here to get 15% off your first year.
Gusto is a no-brainer for payroll. This super user friendly platform takes care of payroll taxes, offers direct deposit for your employees, manages tax forms, and more. You can literally run payroll in minutes and have confidence you are staying up to date with payroll taxes and regulations. This is one business system you don’t want to skip. Use this link to get your account started and get a Visa gift card to celebrate.
