Overview

Renew your APS membership or join in the 2026–27 membership year to receive this activity free as part of a CPD package featuring 75+ activities with 160+ hours of learning - valued at over $4,000 for non-members. This activity will be open for enrolment from 5 August 2026 until 31 May 2027. How to join | APS

This on-demand activity introduces psychologists to working therapeutically with clients outside of the consulting room. by exploring how to make use of the natural world in order to assist with therapy, by deepening experiences through embodiment and experiential learning.

It will cover:

• clinical literature and other supporting research,

• core concepts and principals, therapeutic techniques, and theories about mechanisms of action,

• similarities and differences to working indoors,

• practical, logistical and safety considerations,

• case studies and overview of common client presentations, and further areas for research.

Level of learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to this activity is 12 months from the date of confirmed registration. Please note that access cannot be extended, and participants should plan to complete the activity within this period.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

• On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• provide an overview of the relevant literature,

• identify some core therapeutic techniques, and proposed mechanisms of action for outdoor experiential therapies, and

• discuss practical, logistical and safety considerations.

Presenter(s)

Dr Lara Bertolino MAPS

About the presenter(s)

Lara is a Clinical Psychologist and supervisor who has worked across both the public and private sector for the last decade.
Lara enjoys group work, and has developed, run and facilitated a wide range of therapy groups, including for pain management, depression, anxiety, bipolar management, and meditation/mindfulness groups. Through hospital work in Chronic Pain Management and Trauma Rehabilitation, she recognised the importance of embodiment and movement. Lara’s lifelong connection to nature, and her own self-care through hiking, camping, and other action-packed/nature-based activities, has fuelled her passion for merging these activities with good evidence-based therapy. This has led to Lara working, volunteering and training in outdoor and experiential work.
She is currently a WA Representative for AABAT (the Australian Association of Bush Adventure Therapy). Lara now works outdoors, providing walk and talk therapy and group hikes, through her new private practice, Liminal Place.