77: First Aid Preparedness for Outdoor Programs that Promote Children's Risky Play with Nicole Roma Thurrell
In this episode of Therapy in the Great Outdoors, we kick off a three-part series on first aid essentials for nature-based pediatric therapists.
Joined by Nicole Roma Thurrell, CEO of Institute for WildMed, we delve into the importance of risky play and the benefits it provides, such as building confidence, emotional resilience, and creativity in children. We explore the differences between risks and hazards, offer guidance on managing these elements in therapeutic settings, and emphasize the significance of having a solid foundation in first aid to create a safe and effective therapeutic environment.
Nicole also discusses her extensive experience and upcoming contributions to the series, promising invaluable insights into critical first aid skills and mental health first aid in outdoor settings. Stay tuned for the next episode focusing on must-know first aid skills for nature-based therapists.
00:00 Introduction to Nature-Based Pediatric Therapy
01:00 Series Overview: First Aid in Nature-Based Therapy
04:44 Guest Introduction: Nicole Roma Thurrell
09:41 The Importance of Risky Play
21:58 The Benefits of Outdoor Therapy
22:09 Nature's Challenges and Ethical Considerations
23:46 Authenticity in Nature-Based Therapy
24:59 Understanding Risk vs. Hazard
27:02 Role Modeling and Safety Awareness
29:35 Learning Through Failure
30:04 Guidelines for Risky Play
32:10 The Messiness of Nature-Based Therapy
33:07 Encouraging Community and Training
34:58 Equity in Therapy
37:10 Therapist's Energy and Its Impact
39:04 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
Check out Nicole's work at the Institute for Wild Med and get 20% off their classes with the coupon code TGO20.
Welcome to the TGO Podcast!
The Therapy in the Great Outdoors podcast is about the business & practice of nature-based pediatric therapy of all kinds. If you are an outdoor-loving practitioner in the field of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, social work, behavioral health, mental health counseling, or outdoor education THIS is for you! You'll learn how you can take your work with children outdoors into nature. We'll cover exactly what it takes to run a successful and profitable nature-based practice that changes children's lives (and yours!) forever.
