Cultivating Mindfulness Through Use of Nature in Play Therapy
The 9th chapter of Nature-based Play & Expressive Therapies is authored by one of our editors, Lynn Louise Wonders, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS. Recent research on the positive and impactful effects of mindfulness practice supports the premise of this chapter which weaves together the benefits of being in and with nature along with the therapeutic powers of play for children and families in therapy. This chapter demonstrates how the combination of nature and play therapy provides an ideal vessel for the cultivation of mindfulness practice in supporting the learning, healing and growth of children and families. The framework of the therapeutic powers of play illustrate the impact of combining these three elements harmoniously. This chapter provides a descriptive case study which demonstrates specific expressive nature-play interventions that facilitate the cultivation of mindfulness using playful nature-based interventions for a young child client and her divorced parents.
Upon reflecting on why this chapter feels so important, Lynn Louise Wonders says, "In the 20+ years I've dedicated to working with children and families, I've realized there is nothing more powerful than the moments of BEING in connection with Self and Others. Nature and play combined are the perfect mechanisms for facilitating this powerful and healing experience of being-with and connection."
Lynn Louise Wonders, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS has provided counseling for children and families for over 20 years. She is a licensed professional counselor, certified counselor supervisor and registered play therapist supervisor and Director at Wonders Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC. She is the author of When Parents Are at War: A Child Therapist’s Guide to Navigating High Conflict Divorce & Custody Cases, the Miss Piper’s Playroom therapeutic book series and a mindfulness activity and coloring book for children called Breathe. Learn more at her website RIGHT HERE.
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