Rediscovering Joy | Elly Dolan on Nature, Play & Mental Wellbeing | HCA Talks Health

 Could the secret to healing and resilience be as simple as reconnecting with nature and play?In this episode of HCA Talks Health, we sit down with Elly Dolan — a counsellor who integrates early years development, outdoor education, and somatic practices into her unique approach to therapy. From the profound mental health benefits of time in nature to the transformative role of play, Elly offers insights that will shift how you think about learning, healing, and community.🎧 Tune in to discover:How nature supports mental health and resilienceWhy play is essential at every stage of lifeThe impact of forest schools and outdoor educationClay field therapy and its role in emotional healingPractical ways to reconnect with yourself and the world around you🌐 Learn more about Elly’s work: https://www.ellydolan.com💌 Share ideas for the ReWild Project: [email protected] you’re a Health Coach, therapist, parent, or simply curious about holistic wellbeing, this conversation will inspire you to rediscover joy and nurture balance through nature and play.🔗 Explore more HCA Talks Health episodes: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction & Elly’s background1:00 – From early years education to working with at-risk teens2:00 – The role of play and freedom in nature for development3:00 – Training teachers in forest school and their unexpected transformations5:00 – Emotional responses and restorative benefits for teachers6:00 – Addressing gaps for carers and the start of the ReWild Project8:00 – Playfulness, community, and confidence through new experiences10:00 – Why being in nature benefits our mental health12:00 – Discomfort, resilience, and building community outdoors14:00 – The importance of play in education systems15:00 – Early childhood development and emotional intelligence17:00 – Why adults need play too18:00 – Early experiences shaping adulthood: a case study20:00 – Feeling valued through play and community21:00 – Therapeutic approaches in Elly’s practice23:00 – Nature as a co-counsellor in therapy25:00 – The power of pausing and reflective practice26:00 – Clay Field Therapy explained28:00 – Trauma-informed, body-based healing with clay30:00 – Why working with the body is essential in trauma recovery32:00 – Nature and movement as therapeutic tools34:00 – Accessibility of nature for wellbeing35:00 – Future of the ReWild Project and funding36:00 – How to get involved or support ReWild37:00 – Key takeaways: caring for the carers & importance of support🌟 More from The Health Coaches AcademyFollow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademyIf you have a passion for health and wellbeing and would like to discover a new, rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com🎙 Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and leave a review!Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to HCA Talks Health — see you in two weeks!