Getting Out of the Office: Building Deeper Connections Through Alternative Counselling Approaches
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Authors
Zwang-Saunders, Maya
Issue Date
2025-05
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
movement-based therapy , walk and talk therapy , nature therapy , experiential counselling , school counselling , adolescent mental health , person-centered therapy , nature deficit disorder , hypofrontality hypothesis , ecotherapy , nature-based therapy
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone explores how alternative counselling approaches, specifically those that move beyond the traditional office setting, can support more accessible and relational services for adolescents in schools. The starting point for this inquiry is the recognition that power dynamics, physical space, and stigma can influence whether or not students feel comfortable seeking support. In response, this paper looks at three areas of practice: movement-based counselling, nature-based therapy, and experiential approaches. This review highlights how each of these strategies can strengthen the therapeutic alliance by reducing formality, supporting emotional regulation, and building connection through experience. Attention is also given to the importance of accessibility, including considerations for disabled and neurodiverse students, as well as the longstanding connection between land and well-being in Indigenous communities. This paper invites school counsellors to think broadly about the possibilities of what counselling can look like and the impact of small shifts in space, movement, and approach might help students feel more supported. Recommendations include integrating flexible environments, adapting relational approaches drawn from experiential work, and advocating for school policies that allow for more creativity in practice.