Hot Topic – Exploring Nature Based Occupational Therapy

SESSION OVERVIEW 

Join us for an inspiring session with occupational therapists Bronwyn Paynter, Madeline Avci and Veronica Yeo as we explore nature-based occupational therapy.  

This session will explore how connecting with nature enhances engagement, fosters participation, and facilitates the therapeutic process.  We will take a deep dive into the  evidence showing how interactions with nature significantly bolster health, well-being and support people’s everyday occupations. 

Here's what you can expect: 

• Discover the Therapeutic Benefits of Nature: We will delve into the latest research and evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy of nature-based interventions. 

• Nature Theories Explained: Gain insights into theories explaining why nature-based therapy is particularly effective in promoting health, wellbeing and participation. 

• Explore Outcomes: We will discuss the ‘how to’ of measuring the positive benefits and outcomes of nature based interventions to support client goals 

• Hear nature based OT examples: Occupational therapists Madeline Avci and Veronica Yeo will share their experiences on successfully incorporating nature-based approaches into their practice, benefiting children and adults. 

• Learn Practical Strategies: Build your knowledge of practical strategies that can be used to integrate nature into your occupational therapy practice, programs and services, enhancing outcomes for your clients. 

• Ideas Sharing: Connect with fellow OTs to share and exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative ways to leverage nature in therapeutic settings. 

This session will empower you to better understand and champion the natural world and our role within it as an essential environment to support well-being and promote purposeful occupation.  

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enrich your therapeutic approach and enhance the lives of your clients through nature-based interventions. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Suitable for OTs at any career stage. 

PRESENTERS

   Bronwyn Paynter  

Bronwyn is a true believer in the limitless potential for occupational therapy. She is a curious big picture visionary, innovator and ‘out of the box’ thinker. Building on 30+ years of experience working in occupational therapy Bronwyn has also trained in Permaculture design and Forest & Nature Therapy Guiding. She is a board member of Outdoor Health Australia and an international leader in nature based occupational therapy.  

Bronwyn is a soon to be published author with contributions to texts about outdoor therapies, activation of urban greenspace for wellbeing, emerging areas of practice in occupational therapy in Australia and the OT role (with nature) in menopause. 

Bronwyn is inspired by the evidence about how nature connection supports all areas of function and has an ability to support health professionals to translate the evidence to practice in pragmatic, market-savvy programs and services that meet the needs of our clients, communities and population. 

Bronwyn’s in-person nature connection services include forest bathing experiences delivered in public festivals, for the National Parks & Wildlife Department, Botanic gardens and South Australian zoos. She also provides nature retreats (including for therapists seeking inspiration) at the heritage bush property she nurtures south of Adelaide. 

Bronwyn’s career-long dedication to making work health, safe and engaging for people extends to supporting occupational therapists internationally to create work that supports their own wellbeing, brings joy and helps them fall in love with occupational therapy again. 

The mission of Nature OT is to ‘connect people with nature for the wellbeing of people AND the planet’. This requires all of us to care and participate. 

 

Madeline Avci  

Madeline Avci is an accomplished and dedicated advocate for children’s well-being, known for her outstanding contributions as the Executive Director of Jump Up For Kids.  Her journey has been marked by a profound commitment to helping children and families thrive in a world that often feels fast-paced and overwhelming. 

Through her visionary leadership at Jump Up For Kids, Madeline provides a sanctuary of support and guidance for families seeking a “just right” experience in their daily lives. Her outdoor Occupational Therapy practice has empowered countless children to discover their full potential. 

Madeline Avci’s unwavering dedication extends beyond individual families. She spearheads professional development programs and fosters inter-sector collaboration, impacting communities on a broader scale. Her efforts have become a cornerstone in the development of independence and resilience in countless lives. 

Madeline’s legacy is one of inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to have crossed her path.  Her works stands as a testament to the transformative power of combining passion with expertise in the service of a greater cause. 

  Veronica Yeo

Veronica  currently works in the Health Department, Fremantle Community Older Adult Mental Health Team as a Senior OT. Veronica is based in Fremantle, Perth and has worked in this area for over a decade and just over  2 years ago started up a nature based group programme, with her OT and Social work colleagues and the support of management. Last year the “Wellbeing in Nature” group was  a finalist in the South Metropolitan Health Service awards for innovation. This programme has also been presented at the local health service’s “Improve” conference. Additionally, Veronica sees individual clients in a nature setting if appropriate and if they choose to do so.

Veronica is passionate about nature and the physical and mental health benefits this provides for the older adult mental health clients. The older adults in the programme, are mostly quite isolated and so are also disconnected from nature, as they spend a lot of time indoors. By attending these groups, they reconnect and rediscover the benefits of being in Nature and experience the many positive benefits this brings to them.

On a personal level – Veronica is in nature as much as she can be, as she finds it essential for her own mental and physical wellbeing. By including nature in her work, she finds it has a very positive impact on her wellbeing at work.

DATE:

8^th August 2024 (Thursday)

TIME:

Presentation Commences:

• 12 noon | VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT, TAS | 
• 11:30am | SA, NT |  
• 10:00am | WA |  

The session will run for approximately 2 hours.

Please login 10 minutes before the scheduled presentation time.

RECORDING ACCESS:

This session will be recorded and available for all registrants for 30 days.  A link to the recording will be provided following the event completion. You must register and pay to receive the link to the recording. 

This session will not be available for purchase in the CPD Library post the event.

REGISTRATION FEES

EARLYBIRD – Book on or before 26 July 2024
OTA Member: $54
OTA Student/New Graduate Member: $49
Non-member: $70

STANDARD – Book on or after 27 July 2024
OTA Member: $60
OTA Student/New Graduate Member: $54
Non-Member: $78

RSVPS close 6 August 2024 

Members must be logged in with username and password to register at the member rate.

Not already an OTA member? Sign up today here to enjoy great savings on CPD courses, events, conferences and unlimited access to local and international research publications, special offers from our partners and more!

VENUE

This is a 100% virtual event. You will receive an email with details to access the event two days ahead of the scheduled event date.

DISCLAIMER

All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, and changes.

All resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter.

An OTA staff member or representative may be photographing this event for use in OTA publications and/or on OTA social media sites. If you do not wish to be photographed, or have your image published please make this known to the OTA representative at your course or contact OTA on 1300 682 878 or info@otaus.com.au

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here

CONTACT US

Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878