“We work at a university with so many beautiful green spaces, make use of them.” Student psychological counsellor Anna van der Steen and associate professor of Nature and Health Jolanda Maas demonstrate why outdoor therapy is effective and how VU staff can incorporate nature into their workdays.
No tree hugging
Outdoor therapy is not about mystical practices or hugging trees. The approach is just as professional and scientifically grounded as a traditional therapy setting, it simply takes place outdoors. “Almost any conversation you would normally have in a counseling office can also happen outside,” says Van der Steen.
During a session, what would normally take place indoors now happens while walking through nature, making use of the natural environment. “Sometimes nature does the work for me. A falling leaf appears as a metaphor, a looming cloud stirs emotions. It often helps get to the core of things faster.”
Researchers with writer's block
Simply going outside already helps, even if you're not in therapy. “It lowers stress and improves mood and concentration,” explains Maas. “Cognitive flexibility, the ability to think differently, also improves. That’s valuable in a therapy session, but just as beneficial for lecturers stuck on teaching challenges, researchers facing writer’s block, students cramming for hours in the university library, or policy staff stuck in mental loops.”
Van der Steen recognizes this too. “Being outside releases what often feels stuck inside,” she says. “You’re moving, literally and figuratively. We so often tell our students to take a walk when they’re stressed. But we, as staff, often sit inside all day behind our desks with the doors closed. That’s exactly why it’s so valuable to go for a walk ourselves from time to time. It also helps us, as psychological counsellors, to process the emotional weight that comes with our work.”
Brainstorming about education? Try it while walking
“We often think something is only ‘serious’ if it happens at a table,” says Maas. “But the conversations that stick with you often happen outdoors.” Whether you're a lecturer, study advisor, or policy officer, there are plenty of ways to add fresh air to your workday. “Got fifteen minutes? Head to the campus square. Need to brainstorm? Do it while walking. Online meeting? Turn off your camera and walk along.”
When walking during a meeting, you don’t have to look each other directly in the eye all the time. There’s a world around you. That often makes talking easier, even when the conversation is tough. “In our team, it’s become normal to ask during a one-on-one meeting, ‘Shall we take a walk?’” says Van der Steen.
“And we work at a university surrounded by so much greenery. There are so many places to just be outside, like the rooftop terrace, the green strip behind VU, the campus square, the Hortus, and the Amsterdam Forest. What a luxury,” adds Van der Steen.
Want to read more?
For those interested in exploring the power of green spaces:
- Curious what an outdoor session looks like in practice? Reading material from De Buitenpsychologen.
- De Groene GGZ: about a national initiative that integrates nature into mental healthcare.
- Nature & health factsheet: what does science say about green and your health?
- Listen to the podcast from the Loopbaancoach about outdoor therapy.
- Prefer a book? Read this book by Poleacov and Westgeest.
