Working Ethically and Effectively: Best Practice Considerations for Nature-Based Mental Health Professionals | An Interactive Reflection Group
Overview:
It is not uncommon for mental health professionals to encounter skepticism or concern when integrating nature based approaches to our clinical practice. Questions like “Is this evidence-based?”, “Is this approved practice?”, or “Will I still be compliant with AHPRA or my professional body?” often arise.
These concerns reflect important values—client safety, professional accountability, and evidence-informed care—which we deeply share.
This interactive reflection group invites mental health professionals to critically examine the application of best practice principles in the delivery of their nature-based therapeutic supports and interventions toward ensuring compliance with professional standards, ethical guidelines and regulatory bodies such as AHPRA and the APS.
Through facilitated discussion and shared professional experiences, participants will engage with core considerations such as:
Prescribed best practice models
Scope of practice and training standards
Understanding professional responsibilities related to practice guidelines and regulatory compliance.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify key ethical and professional obligations relevant to delivering nature-based mental health services in line with AHPRA and APS (or equivalent) standards.
2. Evaluate common professional risks specific to outdoor and nature-based therapeutic contexts.
3. Reflect on personal and professional responsibilities regarding supervision, insurance, and clinical governance in nature-based practice.
Integrate insights from peer discussion and guided reflection into actionable strategies for understanding and maintaining compliance.
Sue Jakes, Andi Dickmeyer & Mauro Vieira
she/her, he/they
Sue Jakes
Nature Based Therapies Australia/ Valley Psychology
Sue takes an integrative approach to therapy which incorporates ecotherapy principles. She is committed to promoting accessibility to relevant and effective psychological supports by advancing nature based therapies as a valid and effective approach to mental health. Sue is actively involved in a number of organisations including: • Co-founder and Trainer - Nature Based Therapies Australia • APS - EMDR interest group committee member • AAPi • EMDRAA - accredited practitioner • Outdoor Health Australia - NSW Representative • Mental Health Professionals Network - NBT interest group founder and co-ordinator • Animal Therapies Limited Sue continues to enjoy clinical work; other career highlights include conference presentations in the field of ecotherapy and Equine Assisted Therapy at: • Hunter New England Psychology conference 2016 • MHPN 2020 • EMDRAA Conference 2023 • Outdoor Health Australia Forum 2024 • Animal Therapies Limited Conference 2024 • Guest lectures at the University of Newcastle
Andi Dickmeyer
University Of Newcastle/the Base Health
Andi is a Clinical Psychology Registrar and PhD Candidate at the University of Newcastle who grew up in the United States and now lives on Awabakal country. She moved to Australia after engaging in research on nature connection and mental health practices internationally as a Thomas J. Watson Fellow. Andi conducts therapy sessions both in an office and in a natural bush setting for clients across the age span. She is also the volunteer convener of Outdoor Health Australia’s Research & Evidence Committee, and her current research on Walk-and-Talk Therapy was awarded a Medical Research Future Fund grant by the Australian Government to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of outdoor therapy for men with depression.
Mr Mauro Vieira
Hawkesbury River Psychology
Mauro is a Registered Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor with over 18 years of experience in mental health care and psychological services. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Graduate degree in Psychology, and Post-Graduate qualifications in Art Therapy and Psychological Practice in Institutions. Trained in Brazil, Mauro has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, addressing complex emotional disorders, illnesses, and life challenges. His career includes roles as a university professor, supervisor, and internship manager in psychology courses. Mauro is passionate about humanistic care and has extensive experience with existential therapy, existential phenomenology and client-centred therapy. Founder of Hawkesbury River Psychology, Mauro delivers Outdoor Psychology Sessions on the Hawkesbury River – NSW, on a boat, bush or boat access only beach setting. His unconventional approach encourages participants to embrace their uniqueness and fundamental aspects of life through being-with-nature.