Ecotherapy Workshop

We are pleased to offer our Ecotherapy workshop with Dr Caitlin Walker and psychotherapist Shaun Hotchkiss.

19th to 21st April 2023 £995

Our Ecotherapy workshop utilises the natural environment while you work through your particular issue. As a group we can use the local environment in a number of different ways from wild swimming, walking to Hilbre Island, using the Whirly Gig, walking on Caldy Hill to taking out a therapy dog. What you decide as a group, to choose will be part of your therapy journeys which can provide new insights from your experience in the environment.

The Practice at Caldy enjoys the stunning views over the Welsh Hills and the River Dee. It is a short walk from the Sea and the Wirral Way, a 12-mile former railway line tracing the Dee Estuary coast offering an environmental oasis for walkers as well as breath taking views across the estuary. We are a short drive for a glorious walk to Hilbre Islands too. Our house faces Caldy Hill which when walked up provide stunning panoramic views of Hilbre and the estuary.

Research reveals that exposure to nature is linked to a number of benefits including improved attention, lower stress levels and a better mood. It benefits your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Hilbre Islands are a unique expereince and truly are one of the most beautiful locations for walking in Wirral.The islands are an archipelago, and classed as one of just 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that can be reached on foot from the mainland.Walking to the now-uninhabited Islands at low tide has been a popular leisure activity for decades for nature lovers and those new to the area. The West Hoyle sandbank, to the west of Hilbre, provides a haul-out for quite large numbers of Grey Seals, and these can be seen swimming around the islands most days of the year. You maybe lucky and see whales and dolphins have also been sighted off the island. The estuary is also a haven for migrating birds.

We have two therapy dogs, Scout and Mabel who provide affection, comfort and support to people. Therapy dogs have been utilised as healing companions for 100’s of years. Florence Nightingale observed that small dogs helped reduce anxiety and improved recovery in children and adults living in psychiatric institutions. While Sigmund Freud began using his pet dog to help communication with his psychiatric patients.

Shaun can also provide a session on the Whirly Gig which gives you a 360 degree dimension to your therapy session which you will not have expereinced with other forms of therapy.

Caitlin and Shaun will work with you as a group to choose the most appropriate combination of activities that will enhance your group experience. They will both be on hand for more private sessions too.