A Journey into Trauma-Informed, Nature-Based Occupational Therapy

Haley Bodea OTD, OTR/L, CPT, ASDCS

 

Learner Outcomes:

1. Participants will be able to identify at least three evidence-based principles of trauma-informed care and describe how they can be integrated into nature-based occupational therapy interventions across pediatric populations.
2. Participants will be able to describe the application of farm-based and nature-based therapeutic environments to support sensory regulation, feeding, and functional participation for clients with autism spectrum disorder and/or trauma histories.
3. Participants will be able to outline a framework for designing or adapting their own community- or nature-based OT programming that is family-centered and trauma-sensitive.

 

Abstract:

Nature-based and farm-based occupational therapy represents an emerging, evidence-supported approach that meets clients where they are — literally. This session invites occupational therapy practitioners to explore the intersection of trauma-informed care and nature-based intervention through the lens of one practitioner's journey building a therapeutic farm practice. Presenter Haley Bodea, OTD,OTR/L, CPT, ASDCS, shares how Mo ‘Lovin Farm in Chandler, Arizona became a living clinical environment for children and families navigating autism spectrum disorder, feeding challenges, and complex trauma. Drawing from occupational therapy theory, polyvagal principles, and real-world clinical experience, this session will examine how natural environments reduce physiological threat responses, support sensory regulation, and promote authentic occupational engagement in ways that traditional clinical settings often cannot. Participants will gain practical frameworks for applying trauma-informed principles in non-traditional settings, explore how animal-assisted and agricultural activities can be purposefully graded as therapeutic occupations, and consider how community-integrated models expand access to meaningful care. Case examples and interactive discussion will ground theory in practice. Whether you work in a clinic, school, or dream of something entirely different, this session will expand your vision of what occupational therapy can look like.

 

Biography:

Haley Bodea, OTD, OTR/L, CPT, ASDCS, is a trauma-informed occupational therapist and founder of Thriving Therapies LLC at Mo ‘Lovin Farm in Chandler, Arizona. Specializing in autism, feeding therapy, and nature-based practice, she integrates farm environments into evidence-based OT. Haley also mentors OT doctoral students and leads an inclusive community farmers market.

 

References to support evidence-based practice

Kuo, M., Barnes, M., & Jordan, C. (2019). Do experiences with nature promote learning? Converging evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 305.https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00305

Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.

Sahlin, E., Ahlborg, G., Matuszczyk, J. V., & Grahn, P. (2014). Nature-based stress management course for individuals at risk of adverse health effects from work-related stress. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(6), 6586–6611. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110606586Tetreault, N. A., & Carpenter, K. J. (2020). Trauma-informed care in occupational therapy: A scoping review.

 American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4), 7404205050. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.040220Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201–230.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(05)80184-7

Williams, K. L., & Kemper, S. (2010). Exploring interventions to reduce cognitive decline in aging. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 48(5), 42–51.