There’s something about doing therapy outdoors. Maybe it’s the sunlight or the space to breathe. Maybe it’s that some people do their best thinking and connecting away from walls and fluorescent lights.
At Heartfelt Support, outdoor therapies aren’t a nice-to-have — they’re a core part of how we help people engage, connect, and make progress on their goals.
Outdoor therapies in Adelaide — what works each season
What counts as outdoor therapy?
Outdoor therapy at Heartfelt encompasses a few different forms:
- Equine therapy — guided sessions with horses that build confidence, communication, and calm
- Art and music in natural settings — creating or playing outdoors to boost expression and reduce stress
- Mentoring outdoors — support workers walking and talking with participants in natural environments
These sessions aren’t just about being outside. They use the environment to open up new ways of relating, growing, and participating in life.
Why outdoor settings work for many participants
Nature helps regulate the nervous system. That’s not just a nice thing to say — it’s something we see in practice regularly. People who find indoor clinical settings confronting, overstimulating, or anxiety-inducing often feel calmer and more at ease outdoors. And when people feel safe, they can engage more deeply.
One participant had struggled with anxiety for years and had avoided therapy as a result. Sitting in a paddock, gently grooming one of our horses, she began to open up — not just to the horse, but to herself. It was a turning point. That kind of shift happens outdoors, with animals and space, in a way that doesn’t always happen indoors.
Sun safety at outdoor sessions
Adelaide summers are genuinely intense, and spring and autumn aren’t far behind. We take sun protection seriously at every outdoor session:
- Sessions are scheduled to avoid peak UV periods where possible
- We use shaded areas and covered outdoor spaces
- Sunscreen is available, and hats and sunglasses are encouraged
- We reschedule when weather makes it unsafe or uncomfortable
Every session should be meaningful — and safe. We build both into how we plan outdoor work.
NDIS funding for outdoor therapies
Most of our outdoor sessions are eligible under the NDIS — either through Capacity Building supports like Improved Daily Living, or through mentoring services under Innovative Community Participation. If you’re not sure which line item applies to what you’re interested in, we can walk you through it.
Common questions
Can I choose outdoor therapy as part of my NDIS plan? Yes — if it aligns with your goals and is delivered by a registered provider like Heartfelt Support, it’s generally covered. We’ll help you work out the best way to include it.
Do I have to commit to a long-term program? No. Many participants try a single session first to see whether it suits them. There’s no pressure to commit.
If you’d like to talk through what outdoor therapy might look like for you or someone you care for, get in touch with the team. We’re happy to start with a conversation, even if you’re not sure where you want to land.
Ready to find out if we’re the right fit?
A free 15-minute consultation is a good place to start. No pressure, no commitment.
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