Therapy in the Great Outdoors: The Business & Practice of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy

Dr. Laura Park Figueroa
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Therapy in the Great Outdoors: The Business & Practice of Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy

This podcast is about the business & practice of nature-based pediatric therapy of all kinds. If you are an outdoor-loving practitioner in the field of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, behavioral health, or mental health counseling, THIS is for you! You'll how you can take your therapy work with children outdoors into nature and cover exactly what it takes to run a successful and profitable nature-based pediatric practice that changes children's lives (and yours!) forever. On this show, you'll get answers to questions like: What does nature-based therapy look like? What types of activities work well in outdoor therapy sessions? How can nature-based therapy be a profitable business? What evidence is there for nature-based pediatric therapy? What does research say about getting children out into nature? What kinds of different business models exist for offering nature-based services for children? How can I ensure the success of my nature-based business? What systems do I need to grow a nature-based practice?

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    94: Research Review - The Environmental Taxonomy of Outdoor Play Space Features

    We're diving back into research after a long break! In this episode, we explore the article titled Theory of Affordances to Understand Environment Play Transactions: Environmental Taxonomy of Outdoor Play Space Features- A Scoping Review by Morgenthaler, Lynch, Loebach, Pentland, and Schultz, published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2024.   This article examines how various outdoor environmental characteristics influence children's outdoor play. The authors developed a taxonomy (a HUGE chart!) that allows practitioners to evaluate the "affordances" of outdoor play spaces...in other words: what do different types of features of the outdoor environment invite children to DO in that environment?   The Environmental Taxonomy of Outdoor Play Space Features categorizes physical environments, their functional qualities, and the play activities they support. This helps us as occupational, physical, and speech therapists, social workers or mental health professionals, to: 🌳 Consider ways we may change the environment to support different types of play in sessions 👀 Discover types of play that may be absent or happening infrequently in our sessions and consider ways to increase the variety of play experiences for children we see in therapy. ✅ Evaluate outdoor play spaces when providing consultation for schools and local governments Find episode 94 of Therapy in the Great Outdoors wherever you get your podcast fix! And tell me: do you think you'll use this taxonomy in your work?   00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy   01:00 Research Review Episode Introduction   02:37 Understanding the Theory of Affordances   03:49 Developing the Environmental Taxonomy   09:02 Applications and Implications for Therapy   22:36 Practical Takeaways and Conclusion   28:34 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    29 min

  2. NOV 25

    93: The Magic of Regenerative Agriculture with John Arbuckle

    Today on the podcast, I interviewed John Arbuckle, a passionate regenerative agriculture farmer and owner of Singing Pastures. He shared his inspiring journey from conventional to regenerative farming, how regenerative animal farming can offer significant environmental benefits, and the crucial role of grazing animals in nurturing healthy ecosystems. Our conversation also dove into the impact of our food choices on ecological health.   Follow Singing Pastures on Instagram and Facebook @singingpastures or check out singingpastures.com. Use code Wilderness20 to get 20% off your first order!   Other resources mentioned in this episode: Joel Salatin's website and books: polyfacefarms.com Watch the Sacred Cow documentary here: Amazon Get the Sacred Cow book here: sacredcow.info/book   00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy 00:59 Interview with Farmer John Arbuckle 04:13 John's Journey to Regenerative Agriculture 07:02 The Philosophy and Practice of Regenerative Farming 10:51 The Role of Animals in Regenerative Agriculture   20:55 The Impact of Regenerative Farming on Wildlife and Ecosystems   22:49 Introduction to Sacred Cow   24:15 The Importance of Hoofed Animals   25:14 Personal Dietary Choices and Health   26:42 The Role of Grazing Animals in Ecosystems   28:39 Photosynthesis and Carbon Sequestration   30:17 Grazing Practices and Soil Health   35:14 Supporting Local Farmers   37:27 Singing Pastures: Products and Philosophy   39:03 Upcoming Travel Adventures   42:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    44 min

  3. NOV 18

    92: 3 Easy Ways to Raise Your Prices (Without Losing Clients)

    Hello, friends! Welcome to the final episode of our series on money and pricing. Today, I’m sharing three easy strategies to help you raise your prices so you can make more with the same amount of effort and work!             Offer installment payments. If your service costs $1,000, break it into smaller payments to make it more manageable for clients.             Add upsells. Offer additional services that enhance your primary offering. For instance, if you offer therapy visits, an optional monthly parent consultation call could be a valuable upsell that increases your revenue per client.             Use package pricing. This involves bundling services into a flat monthly rate, which helps clients understand the value they’re receiving and gives you more control over your time. Many of my coaching clients have successfully transitioned to this model, allowing them to work smarter, not harder.   Connect with me on Instagram @lauraparkfig or visit therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com for more updates!   00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors   01:00 Series Finale: Money and Pricing   01:09 Three Easy Ways to Raise Your Prices   01:51 First Strategy: Offer Installment Payments   03:22 Second Strategy: Add Upsells   04:05 Third Strategy: Package Pricing   07:39 Recap and Final Thoughts   08:44 Upcoming Episode Preview   09:00 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

    10 min

  4. NOV 11

    91: The Psychology of Pricing

    Welcome back to our series on money and pricing! Today, we’ll dive into the psychology of pricing—a topic that fascinates me!   Key Takeaways from this episode:   Understanding Pricing Psychology: Pricing psychology is about presenting your prices in a way that’s most appealing to potential customers, increasing the likelihood of them purchasing your services. For instance, have you ever noticed prices often end in .99 instead of rounding up to a whole number, like $2.00? This is because our brains anchor to the leftmost digit; $1.99 feels much cheaper than $2.00. NOTE: this isn’t about "tricking" customers, but is simply understanding how the human brain perceives prices so you can present your prices in a way that is most psychologically pleasing to a potential customer. (Check out Nick Kolenda's website at Kolenda.io for extensive resources on pricing psychology.)   Payment Timing Matters: It can be psychologically easier for clients if they don’t pay at the time of service. Think about structuring your payment systems so clients pay upfront or at a different time than their service. By doing this, you can ease the sense of loss associated with paying, allowing clients to focus on the value they are receiving at the time of your service.   Combatting Buyer’s Remorse: After a client commits financially, it’s vital to reassure them that they made the right decision. This can be as simple as sending a follow-up email filled with valuable information that excites them about the upcoming service. In my nature-based practice, we send a welcome packet shortly after families sign up their child for services. This welcome packet includes essential details about what to expect and introduces their therapist, helping clients perceive value from our upcoming services and feel good about their investment right from the start.   TL;DR: Check out Kolenda.io for more on marketing and pricing psychology, consider structuring your payment processes to ease the psychological burden on clients, and always aim to reassure and provide value immediately after clients pay for services.   Connect with me on Instagram @lauraparkfig or visit therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com for more resources!   00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors   00:59 Series on Money and Pricing   01:37 The Psychology of Pricing   06:21 Practical Tips for Pricing   10:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    11 min

  5. NOV 4

    90: The Mindset Shift You Need to Raise Your Prices

    Are you charging enough for your services? In this week's podcast, I'm sharing the mindset shift you need to confidently raise your prices.   You need to move away from the traditional per-hour thinking that often limits our earning potential.   Instead, focus on the true value you're providing to your clients and the expertise you bring to the table.   Then, communicate that value clearly and get comfortable discussing money with potential clients.   Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for a while, this episode provides valuable tips to help you embrace your worth and take those necessary steps toward raising your rates.   Repeat after me: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MAKING MONEY WHILE HELPING PEOPLE!!!!!   My nature-based business coaching program, the Business Hive, will open in January. If you're ready to set your nature-based business up for success, join us in the Hive, where we’ll focus on creating systems that allow you to work less and make more while your business grows. https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/hive   Connect with me on Instagram @lauraparkfig or visit therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com for more resources and to stay updated!   00:00 Introduction to Therapy in the Great Outdoors 00:59 Excitement for Upcoming Retreat and Travel Plans 02:46 Mini-Series on Business Topics 07:43 Mindset Shift for Raising Prices 08:45 Practical Tips for Pricing and Value 15:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

    16 min

  6. OCT 28

    89: How To Price Your Nature-Based Services

    In this episode, we kick off a mini-series on pricing your nature-based therapy services. Key Takeaways from this episode: Research what is average for your area and charge a similar amount for your services. Don't set your prices too high or too low at the start because either can be detrimental to your business. Try not to over-explain when telling people what you charge. Say your price and SHUT UP and wait for them to respond. If you are a cash pay business, you can offer scholarships for families to expand the reach of your services to lower-income clients. Always have a system in place before offering scholarships. Raise your prices for new clients after you have a established a proven concept and have raving testimonials from previous clients. Think about VALUE. Offer add-ons that add value for families so they see why they are paying versus going to a standard non-nature-based provider (for example: a weekly update, progress notes, consult minutes, on-call PRN services, home programs, etc.).   Stay tuned for more episodes in this series on pricing, and consider joining my Business Hive group coaching program, opening for enrollment in January, to help you build a successful nature-based practice! You can join the waitlist at https://www.therapyinthegreatoutdoors.com/hive   00:00 Introduction and Series Announcement 00:52 My Upcoming Trip to Nepal and Indonesia 02:18 Gratitude and Life Reflections 04:35 Introduction to Pricing Your Services 05:46 Setting Initial Prices for Your Services 07:02 Understanding the Value of Pricing 07:24 The Importance of Silence After Stating Your Price 07:48 Handling Objections and Offering Scholarships 08:47 Investing in Yourself and Your Business 09:59 Researching Funding Options 11:07 Adjusting Prices Based on Cost of Living 12:27 Adding Value Through Additional Services 13:50 Final Thoughts on Pricing and Valuing Your Services

    16 min

  7. OCT 21

    88: 3 ways to make your first $1000 as a nature based therapist

    In this episode, we dive into how to make your first $1,000 as a nature-based pediatric therapist. I share actionable strategies and business insights to help you hit this milestone, from focusing on one key service to pricing your offerings effectively. Whether you’re offering outdoor enrichment groups, creating multi-month therapy packages, or thinking outside the box with retainer fees, there’s a method that fits your style and your market.   I also introduce my Business Hive group coaching program for nature-based practitioners, which opens for enrollment in January. Join me for a deep dive into business success and get ready to start building meaningful income in your practice!   00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy 01:00 Making Your First $1,000 as a Nature-Based Therapist 02:13 Business Coaching and Community Support 04:28 Key Advice for Starting Your Practice 05:24 Market Research and Pricing Strategies 06:04 Low-Cost Offer for Group Sessions 07:03 Multi-Month Therapy Packages 08:06 High Monthly Retainer Fee 08:54 Upcoming Episode on Pricing Services 09:29 Enrollment for Business Hive Program 09:58 Free Big Huge List of Nature-Based Activities

    11 min

  8. OCT 14

    87: Rituals for Nature-Based Group Therapy, with Katie Asmus, MA, LPC, BMP

    Katie Asmus is a licensed psychotherapist with three decades of experience in therapeutic nature-based interventions. She joined me today on the TGO podcast to discuss the essential role of rituals and ceremonies in nature-based therapy, particularly for neurodivergent children. Tune in to hear ways you can help ease transitions, address challenging behaviors, and open and close your group sessions using meaningful rituals to give children a positive experience in your nature-based therapy sessions.     Connect with Katie on IG @somaticnaturetherapy or her website https://www.somaticnaturetherapy.com/   00:00 Introduction 01:29 Meet Katie Asmus 01:45 Understanding Rituals and Ceremonies in Therapy 01:57 The Importance of Rituals for Neurodivergent Kids 02:39 Practical Rituals for Therapy Sessions 06:25 Beginning Rituals: Setting the Tone for Therapy 08:28 Engaging Group Activities to Start Sessions 19:23 Closing Rituals: Ending Sessions with Purpose 27:16 Handling Challenging Behaviors with Rituals 31:02 Final Thoughts and Resources 32:03 Bonus: Free Nature-Based Therapy Activities

    33 min
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5
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27 Ratings

About

This podcast is about the business & practice of nature-based pediatric therapy of all kinds. If you are an outdoor-loving practitioner in the field of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, behavioral health, or mental health counseling, THIS is for you! You'll how you can take your therapy work with children outdoors into nature and cover exactly what it takes to run a successful and profitable nature-based pediatric practice that changes children's lives (and yours!) forever. On this show, you'll get answers to questions like: What does nature-based therapy look like? What types of activities work well in outdoor therapy sessions? How can nature-based therapy be a profitable business? What evidence is there for nature-based pediatric therapy? What does research say about getting children out into nature? What kinds of different business models exist for offering nature-based services for children? How can I ensure the success of my nature-based business? What systems do I need to grow a nature-based practice?

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