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Portland Hiking Therapy

An Outdoor Approach to Mental Wellness

If you're looking for a different approach to therapy, you have found it. Hiking Therapy takes place outdoors on the trail and involves partnering with nature as an aid in developing mental wellness. Rather than meet at the office and sit, we meet at the trail where we walk and talk.

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In a Hiking Therapy session we often focus on personal goals, similar to what we might do in the office or via telehealth, and we get the added benefits of physical activity and time in nature. Many individuals find that walking while talking makes the therapy process feel less formal and more approachable. Hiking Therapy is also offered in the group format. Check out the Hiking Therapy Group for Mental Wellness here. 

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Nature-Based Stress Reduction

During a hiking session we may implement Nature-Based Stress Reduction techniques, a term coined by Dr. Thomas Doherty, which may include:

  • mindfulness

  • grounding skills

  • observing plants and animals

  • expressive exercises

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Why Take a Session on the Trail?

Research shows that time in nature benefits our mental well-being by:

  • decreasing anxiety and stress

  • calming the nervous system

  • improving mood

  • increasing self esteem

  • improving a sense of connection to the natural world

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Before We Go...

Are you excited about this format of therapy? Before we meet outdoors, we will complete a brief screening (completed within an intake or regular therapy session) to ensure that this format is a good match. In the screening we will go over your comfort level in the outdoors, and have a conversation about the pros and cons to this type of therapy so that you can choose to give informed consent after receiving all of the details. See more FAQ's below.​​​​​​

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  • Do I need to commit to attending every group session?
    Yes, this is ideal for the group to build trust and to have enough participants to run smoothly. You will be informed of the time commitment before you sign up.
  • What do I need to bring to Pacific Crest Trail Prep Group?
    This is an online group and you will need to have access to stable internet and be present on the screen using a phone or computer. Most weeks you will not need to bring anything, although occasionally it may be helpful to have a pen and paper to take a few notes and participate in some reflective activities.
  • What are the benefits and risks?
    The benefits include: processing your expectations of the upcoming hike, gaining social support, identifying areas of anxiety to proactively prepare for them, processing your intentions and the meaning you assign to this experience, and practice skills for managing mental health while on trail. The risks include: Discomfort with processing, emotional vulnerability.
  • How long has this group been around?
    The Pacific Crest Trail Prep Group is being piloted in 2025 for the first time. Have no fear- Aimee has been leading various therapy groups, including hiking therapy, since 2020, and working with groups outdoors since 2009.
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