Filtering Light Counseling’s backyard ecotherapy site!
Kim’s Geodesic Dome Ecotherapy Backyard Office has been open to in-person client support since Mid-April 2023.
This therapeutic outdoor setting provides emotional wellbeing naturally derived from nature though experiencing the glamping style office that is close to the outdoors yet protected by the elements. At the one year anniversary of its opening, I sent out an anonymous survey to current clients. Some of the reflections included that the space is “cozy”, “peaceful” and inviting in a unique way as it is in a home setting. The space has been a great fit for those who have not been able to access therapeutic benefit due to feeling uncomfortable in a medical or overly structured environment
See below for pictures with specific reflections and testimonials, including how the space supports the Autistic experience and decreases suicidal states.
You can also follow day to day backyard farm events on Instagram @NDecotherapy!
The Garden Space:
There are several areas of seating clients are able to choose to sit at for each session. Often choices are made considering mood, activities, and weather.
One of the top 5 reflections of enjoyment of the space was experiencing all types of weather and seasons. A client stated “Watching the ebb and flow of life in the gardens, reminding me that life is always in flux and there is a time for every season”.
The Dome windows:
Seating inside the dome purposefully faces the window to the gardens and animals. Working with a lot of Autistic clients, this is designed to have less social pressure on direct eye contact and allow gaze to flow in directions that are helpful.
A client reflected that, “Being able to look outside and at the animals is a lot easier then having to look at walls or force myself to maintain eye contact. I think the "openness" of the dome makes me feel more relaxed and less trapped or boxed in.”
Spending time with the animals:
All of my current clients who replied to the survey about the ecotherapy setting, marked that “looking at the gardens and animals while talking” is an aspect of the office that they enjoy and find helpful.
This space is a good fit for those who increase in comfortability with engaging in challenging topics when animals are present. Clients will interact with cats, goats, chickens, and an occasional wild animal/insect.
When asking about how the environment supports suicidal ideation, a client stated, “It's hard to feel this way when the goats are snacking and reminding me that all life is pretty basic (and lovely) if you take a step back to the fundamentals.”
New experiences in life:
Clients are able to engage with all aspects of a growing backyard urban farm. This varies from planting seeds, painting rocks, pruning plants. This summer they were able to spend time with 2 chicks from birth to integration with the flock.
A client stated, “It is helpful to have a space where I am able to interact with nature because I struggle to motivate myself to actually get outside, especially when I need it the most. It also is a good reminder when I am struggling that there is a whole world to experience outside of the current place I am stuck at.”
We are in this together.
One of the reasons I built this space was to sustain my own mental health, while I am providing the support to my valued clients. I value acting as a role model for other neurodivergent people or professionals, to show that they also can build ideal alternative spaces that help them thrive.
I welcome outreach from professionals who are interested in consulting on my personal experience building this setting towards how to build their own space and apply ecotherapy settings for other clients - send a consultation request to Kim@filteringlightcounseling.com.
If you are inspired, I welcome CashApp for donations (animal feed etc) at: cash.app/$FilteringLightKimZ