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Today, I sit down ("outside") with Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan — a clinical mental-health expert and pioneer in nature-informed therapy. We explore the underestimated power of nature on mental, emotional, and even spiritual health. Dr. Schreiber-Pan explains the science behind how spending time outdoors can lower anxiety, reduce stress, and restore focus by activating the body’s rest-and-relaxation response. We talk about why sounds like running water, bird songs, and wind can calm the nervous system — and why humans were never meant to live their entire lives indoors.

Dr. Schreiber-Pan shares the story behind her dissertation on nature’s psychological benefits and how it led to developing programs like Peace in the Wild, outdoor yoga, and campfire retreats designed to help people reconnect with themselves and with God through the natural world. We discuss how therapists are beginning to bring sessions outside — walking, kayaking, or hiking — to create a space where clients can open up more naturally, free from the pressure of traditional clinical environments.

We also talk about her mission to revolutionize the mental-health field by training professionals to integrate nature into their practice. Dr. Schreiber-Pan and her team have already trained over 250 counselors, chaplains, and pastors in this new approach. 

https://www.cmhcweb.com/naturetherapy

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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.