80: Nature As Co-Therapist

Welcome to episode 80 of the Therapy Chat Podcast with host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C. This week's episode features Amy Sugeno, LCSW, PLLC.

If you listened to episode 79 with Dr. Gabor Maté, you’ll be interested in this interview with Amy Sugeno, LCSW of Marble Falls, Texas, who is a clinical eco-therapist. Amy talks about what Eco Therapy is, the research on its use and effectiveness with depression and anxiety, stress relief, ADHD, grounding and self-regulation for trauma survivors.

Amy explains that Eco Therapy can take many forms, including animal-assisted (for example, canine and equine) therapies, wilderness therapies, walk and talk therapy, horticulture therapy and clinical eco-therapy in an office, as well as many other possibilities. She explains that this is a depth-oriented type of psychotherapy which can be very powerful. Amy describes how she conducts an eco-therapy session what to wear and what a client can expect overall. She and Laura discuss the power dynamics of the therapy relationship and how Eco Therapy can help create a balance.

For the past 10 years, Amy has worked to help people heal from trauma. Most of her work has been with adults and teens affected by interpersonal violence and sexual abuse. Over the years, she has also worked with people struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, eating disorders, homelessness, chronic mental illness, and substance abuse.

In this episode, you will hear Amy talk about the positive benefits of Eco Therapy, forest bathing and the shared vulnerability Eco Therapy can create between Amy and her client.

Resources

Amy’s website: http://www.amysugenocounseling.com/

The Animas Institute www.animas.org

Episode 78 with Lanie Smith on Eco Art Therapy: http://traffic.libsyn.com/baltimoreannapolispsychotherapypodcast/EP78_LanieSmith.mp3

Episode 79 with Dr. Gabor Maté on the effects of traumatic stress during development:  http://traffic.libsyn.com/baltimoreannapolispsychotherapypodcast/TherapyChat_EP79_GaborMate.mp3

Amy’s previous interview on Therapy Chat on Attachment: http://traffic.libsyn.com/baltimoreannapolispsychotherapypodcast/Amy_Sugeno_final.mp3

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