Mindfulness in Nature: Practices for Grief, Trauma & Renewal

Man Sitting On The Top Of The Mountain, Leisure In

Mindfulness in Nature: Embodied Practices for Grief, Trauma & Renewal (3HR)

$45.00

Course Description

This experiential training invites mental health professionals to reconnect with the restorative capacities of the natural world—both as clinicians and human beings. With a trauma-informed lens, we’ll explore how nature-based mindfulness supports grief integration, nervous system regulation, and inner renewal. Through guided exercises, poetry, and reflective discussion, participants will engage with nature as cofacilitators, discovering accessible tools for clinical use and personal care. Practices are adaptable for both in-person and virtual settings, including those with limited access to outdoor environments.

Upon the completion of this training, participants will be able to:

Describe the therapeutic benefits of nature-based mindfulness for addressing grief and trauma.
Demonstrate somatic grounding practices using natural elements and imagery.
Apply nature-informed interventions to support nervous system regulation and presence in clinical work.
Develop a personalized, nature-connected self-care plan for clinical sustainability and renewal.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Kristin Whiting-Davis, LCSW-C

Recording Date: 09/06/2025

Course Format

NBCC ACEP # 7091, CE Training Workshops has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP #7091. Programs that do not qualify are clearly identified. CE Training Workshops is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. CE Training Workshops designates this continuing education activity for 3 continuing education hours.

CE Training Workshops, LLC, #1770, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/02/2025 to 08/02/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

Meet Your Facilitator

Kristin Whiting-Davis, LCSW-C is a licensed clinical social worker and a dedicated behavioral health leader with over 20 years of experience. As the owner of KWD Wellness, she offers individual and group therapy specializing in trauma, grief, and mindfulness, while providing clinical supervision across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. At Kaiser Permanente, Kristin manages multiple outpatient behavioral health centers, spearheading mental health initiatives, including digital innovation and quality improvement programs.

With a broad range of experience spanning child welfare, schools, hospital emergency departments, and psychiatric day programs, Kristin brings deep expertise in supporting individuals through diverse challenges.

Syllabus

Introduction

Overview of workshop purpose and structure
Framing nature-based mindfulness within grief- and trauma-informed care

Objective 1: Describe the therapeutic benefits of nature-based mindfulness for addressing grief and trauma

Evidence-informed outcomes of nature connection on mental health
Intersections of ecopsychology, mindfulness, and polyvagal theory
Reflection: Noticing how nature has served as a resource in personal grief or recovery

Objective 2: Demonstrate somatic grounding practices using natural elements and imagery

Sensory-oriented and movement-based practices (e.g., hand-to-earth, breath with tree visualization)
Poetry and metaphor as somatic tools (e.g., “strong as stone, soft as moss”)
Live guided practice: Nature-infused body scan and breath awareness

Objective 3: Apply nature-informed interventions to support nervous system regulation and presence in clinical work

Adapting practices for outdoor, indoor, and virtual care settings
Case examples supporting grief and trauma clients using earth-based metaphor and movement
Chat-based case discussion: Adapting a mindfulness-in-nature practice for a specific client

Objective 4: Develop a personalized, nature-connected self-care plan for clinical sustainability and renewal

Gentle exposure to nature as a regulation strategy for providers
Nature access beyond the forest: windows, images, sounds, and textures
Creative exercise: Designing a personalized nature-based replenishment practice

Summary / Q&A

Review of key takeaways
Participant questions and shared reflections