Nature based occupational therapy - what's working in 2025

An interactive online session for occupational therapists exploring how nature can be integrated into meaningful, evidence-informed practice.

Held after the 2025 Occupational Therapy Australia Conference, this one-off event brings together a panel of OTs from Australia and around the world who are actively delivering nature-based services across a wide range of client groups and settings.

Whether you're supporting children with developmental needs, adults with mental health or physical health challenges, communities or organisations seeking greater connection and wellbeing—nature-based occupational therapy is a growing and versatile field that meets real needs at this time in the world.

You’ll gain real-world insights into:

• How OTs are using nature to support goals related to development, emotional regulation, mental health, physical rehabilitation, social participation, wellbeing, and re-engagement in everyday life

• What this work looks like in practice with children, teens, adults, and older adults

• How nature-based OT is delivered in both employment and private practice roles, across clinical, community, and outdoor settings

• International perspectives that stretch and inform our thinking for the Australian context

• How to start small—or go all in—depending on your role, setting, and readiness

• The value of connecting with a community of practice to guide, support, and sustain your journey

We’ll explore nature-based practice through five reflective and practical questions with our panel of OTs who are actively doing this work:

• What are you doing with nature in your work?

• How does it feel—for you and your clients?

• How did you get started?

• What were the challenges?

• What has helped you along the way?

At its best, nature-based occupational therapy is evidence-based, effective, and deeply joyful—for the people we support, and for ourselves as practitioners. This session is about sharing what’s working, what’s possible, and how we can do more of what matters.

What’s included:

• A guided presentation and panel discussion with OTs working across the lifespan

• Practice examples from Australia and overseas

• Interactive Q&A and reflection time

• Optional info on further training, coaching, and mentoring (for those wanting to go further)

🌿 This is for you if...

• You’re an OT feeling the pull to work more meaningfully, creatively, or sustainably

• You’ve wondered how to bring nature into your practice—but aren’t sure where to start

• You already use nature in your work and want to connect with others doing the same

• You want real-life examples of how OTs are integrating nature across settings and populations

• You’re curious about international practice and what it could mean for Australia

• You believe in occupation-centred, person-environment approaches and want to explore new possibilities

• You’re seeking evidence-informed approaches that support wellbeing, connection, and joy—for your clients and yourself

Occupational therapists are incorporating nature in many settings - working in public or private, community or clinical settings, with people of any age. This session is particularly relevant to the Australian context, and welcoming for OTs globally who want to learn and connect.

🪴 Cost:
$27 AUD (incl GST)
Includes Zoom link + 14-day replay access.

🌿 Facilitated by:
Bronwyn Paynter – occupational therapist, forest bathing guide, and mentor for nature-based OT practice. Bronwyn is presenting multiple sessions at the 2025 OTA Conference and brings decades of experience as an occupational therapist in non-mainstream practice, now combining nature, evidence, and meaningful occupation in accessible and ethical ways.