Nature-Based Therapy, Indigenous Wisdom, and Healing in Social Work | Kit Kline | Episode 89

What would social work look like if nature was not treated as background, but as part of the healing relationship?In Episode 89 of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, Professor Ace is joined by Kit Kline, founder of Nature Based Therapy, clinical social worker, educator, and trainer. Together they explore the relationship between nature-based therapy, Indigenous knowledge, healing, identity, authenticity, talking circles, trauma recovery, telehealth, community, nutrition, and the struggle to reconnect with what modern systems often disconnect us from.This is a rich conversation about mental health, social work, cultural heritage, grassroots healing, and what it means to practice in ways that are more grounded, relational, and fully human.Connect and collaborate with Professor Ace:Email: [email protected]:https://RevolutionarySocialWork.comConnect with Kit Kline:https://www.naturebasedtherapy.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-kline-a67229b2/Referenced in this episode:https://templeofthewayoflight.org/https://www.portageandmainpress.com/Books/P/Potlatch-as-PedagogyChapters:00:00 Opening Theme + Intro01:25 Introduction to Nature-Based Therapy03:44 Cultural Heritage and Identity06:22 Intersection of Indigenous and Western Practices09:16 The Importance of Talking Circles12:15 Nature in Social Work14:47 Bringing Nature into Therapy17:30 Seasons of Healing and Growth20:28 Reconnection with Authentic Self23:06 The Role of Education in Disconnection29:53 The Struggle for Authenticity32:49 Challenging Educational Norms35:50 The Impact of Systems on Mental Health38:21 Globalization and Identity Crisis41:16 Nature as a Healing Force45:25 Innovative Nature-Based Therapy Practices47:55 Nature-Based Telehealth: Bridging the Gap51:26 The Role of Nature in Therapy59:15 Embracing Possibility and Connection01:00:31 Nature-Based Social Prescribing and Community Engagement01:02:46 Grassroots Initiatives for Community Connection01:03:36 Nature and Nutrition: The Connection to Well-Being01:05:31 The Power of Food in Building Community01:08:48 The Slow Process of Healing and Growth01:12:19 Psychedelic Therapy: Nature vs. Controlled Environments01:16:15 Finding Balance in Healing and Nature01:20:20 Navigating Ayahuasca Retreats and Recovery01:25:47 Starting with Self: The Foundation of Change#CriticalSocialWorker #NatureBasedTherapy #SocialWork #MentalHealth #IndigenousKnowledge #Healing #TraumaRecovery #TalkingCircles #Therapy #ProfessorAce