Can Nature Heal Your Mind? Dr. Kelly Roberts on Mental Health & the Outdoors

Do you know what forest baths or blue spaces are? Have you ever heard of wild swimming? Did you know that nature itself can help regulate your mood, improve sleep, and support trauma recovery? 🌊🌲

In this episode of the Therapists’ Take Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Kelly Roberts to explore the incredible healing power of nature. 🌿✨

From forest bathing to wild swimming, Dr. Roberts walks us through how reconnecting with the natural world can help regulate our circadian rhythm, improve mental clarity, and even support trauma recovery. You’ll learn about the benefits of blue spaces, the calming effects of tree oils, and how simply being in nature can ground the nervous system and promote whole-person healing.

Whether you're a mental health professional or someone seeking holistic tools for wellness, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring science behind nature's therapeutic influence.
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Chapters:
00:37 - Hi, Carrie!
01:41 - Episode Breakdown
02:13 - Guest Introduction | Dr. Kelly Roberts
03:44 - The Facebook Post
04:22 - The Science
06:00 - "We are little sunflowers!"
07:25 - Forests
14:12 - Water
17:25 - Gardening
19:30 - Fire
20:34 - Nature & Healing
23:48 - Challenges of the Digital Age
28:03 - Baseball Story
31:24 - Relational Benefits Offered by Nature
35:24 - Closing: Trick Question
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About Our Guest: Dr. Kelly Roberts
Dr. Kelly M. Roberts is a licensed marital and family therapist and was instrumental in launching the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at Oklahoma Christian University in 2022. Dr. Roberts served as the Chair of Graduate Programs in Human Sciences and Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Oklahoma Christian University (OC) but has recently passed the baton and moved to a different role at the university.

With over two decades of experience in clinical practice, research, teaching, and policy advocacy, in addition to being a licensed practitioner, Dr. Roberts is an Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Her academic journey includes a Master of Science in Family Relations and Child Development, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Ph.D. in Human Sciences with a focus on Family Policy, both from Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Roberts has held various leadership roles, including serving as President and Legislative Liaison of the Oklahoma Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OKAMFT). She currently contributes as a family policy and advocacy leader for the AAMFT's "Family Therapists in Medical Settings" interest network and is a member of the AAMFT Judicial Committee. Her professional affiliations extend to the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR), the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM), and the Society for Clinical Trials (SCT).

In recognition of her significant contributions to the field, Dr. Roberts was inducted into the Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences Hall of Fame.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Roberts has been married for 39 years and has two daughters.

Follow Dr. Roberts on Instagram -   / reddirtkelly  
Read her blog - https://reddirtchronicles.com

See her profile page - https://www.oc.edu/directory/kelly-ro...
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Resources:
I heard There Was a Secret Chord by Daniel J. Levitin - https://amzn.to/3RH8jkw

Therapist's Take on "Are Newbie Therapists Worth It?" with Dr. Kelly Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/live/3X4CX91m...
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#naturelovers #naturalhealing #mentalhealth