Nature-Based Occupational Therapy

Nature Based Occupational Therapy

Santa Clarita nature-based occupational therapy allows children to grow and thrive through movement, play, and exploration in our local natural spaces. The outdoors provides endless opportunities for meaningful, sensory-rich learning that supports regulation, confidence, and connection. By working outdoors, we are able to use the natural environment to help meet goals—whether your kids are climbing trees, crossing creek beds, running through grass, creating sand and mud art, or simply taking in the sights and sounds around them. Together, we use the natural environment to strengthen, coordination, sensory integration, and emotional well-being in ways that feel adventurous and joyful.

Advantages of Nature Based Services

Supports regulation and emotional well-being – Time outdoors naturally calms the nervous system for both children and caregivers.
Encourages movement and motor skills – Climbing, balancing, and exploring in nature build strength, coordination, and confidence through play and adventure.
Boosts creativity and problem-solving – Open-ended outdoor environments inspire imagination and flexible thinking.
Fosters connection and social growth – Shared experiences in nature nurture communication, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
Builds real-world independence – Practicing skills in parks and community spaces helps children apply what they learn to everyday life.

boy in a blue hammock swing smiling while therapist sits in grass pushing the swing

How Nature Based Service Work

Similar to In-Home OT, our journey begins with an in-depth assessment, establishment of therapy goals, agreed upon schedule, intervention and on going collaboration with caregivers.

Sessions are typically one hour each week and take place in local parks or outdoor spaces around Santa Clarita Valley or Castaic. In cases of inclement weather, we may choose to meet in-home or at local indoor community setting. Each session is hands-on, playful, and designed to help your child build skills through real-world experiences in nature. Between sessions, we stay in close communication with caregivers, offering ongoing education, strategies, and resources to support progress between sessions.

Throughout the process, we provide progress updates and collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s care — such as teachers, therapists, or healthcare providers — to ensure consistent support and carry over of skills. When your child is ready to transition out of therapy, we create a plan to help them continue thriving at home, school, and in the community.

Working With Us

After completing a free discovery call to ensure we are the right for your family, we will begin the therapy process.

therapist working with boy to practice kicking a ball at the park

Step 1: Evaluation

The therapy journey begins with a comprehensive assessment where we take time to understand your child’s unique story — including their developmental history, current strengths and challenges, sensory needs, and experiences with nature. Together, we identify meaningful goals that support regulation, connection, and independence in daily life.

boy in blue hammock smiling while therapist sits in grass smiling and pushing him at the park

Step 2: Intervention

Weekly nature-based therapy sessions are play-based, adventurous, and hands-on, taking place in the beautiful outdoor spaces of Santa Clarita. Children will engage in their natural environment as their learning space. Caregivers are involved throughout the process, gaining practical strategies and insights to support progress and connection at home and in the community.

group of children standing around a colorful parachute holding it in the air and smiling at each other

Step 3: Transition

Once therapy goals have been achieved, we collaborate with caregivers to create a thoughtful transition plan. This may include moving to a monthly consultative model while supporting your child’s integration into community programs and activities. Our focus is on ensuring families feel confident, empowered, and fully supported as they move forward.

Nature-based Occupational Therapy in action...

Schedule an intake call

If you have additional questions or would like to get started, please reach out to via email
and we will reach out to you to schedule a call.