THE TREE WISDOM SUPPORT GROUP
The Tree Ogham (pronounced "Oh-am") originates from early medieval Ireland and Celtic culture. Its exact origins are debated, but it is believed to have been a writing system created around the 4th century AD. Ogham consists of a series of 20 letters, created from engraved notches along a central line, which are found on standing stones and wooden posts all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. In a medieval 14th Century manuscript called 'In Lebor Ogaim' (The Book of Oghams, pictured below), we learn that the 20 Ogham letters correspond to over 100 lists including lists of birds, colours and forts. Though the most popular of all was a list of trees, each representing a different symbolic meaning, life wisdom and teaching, reflecting the Celts' deep connection to the natural world.
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In this support group, we'll be exploring the Celtic folklore and wisdom of each of the 20 trees each month, as a 20 step programme to heal mental health and improve wellbeing. This will include weekly group meetings (online or in person groups of 5), to share how you're feeling as you walk this journey alongside others on the same path, plus free PDF Tree booklets with Creative therapy, Eco-therapy and mindfulness exercises to try each week by connecting with your local nature areas. There will also be 1-1 online mentoring sessions available with trained therapist, Kubi May, for those who require the extra support.
HEALTH BENEFITS
ONLINE GROUP SUPPORT
CONNECTING WITH NATURE
20 STEP HEALING PROGRAMME
It's not often easy to join in person support groups when you're feeling low in mood or lacking confidence and for many, accessibility might even be difficult. Online group therapy aims to address these issues and has been proven effective in improving mental health, with a study in JAMA showing a 50% reduction in depression and a 45% reduction in anxiety over 12 weeks (Kobak, 2020). Additionally, in a study by The Lancet Psychiatry they reported that 80% of clients felt less isolated after joining an online support group (Bower, 2021).
Ecotherapy, or time spent in nature, is increasingly being recognised for its positive impact on wellbeing and can even improve symptoms of PTSD (Berger, R., & McLeod, J, 2018). A report by the university of Essex found that 95% of participants experienced improved moods after outdoor activities, and 71% reported a decrease in depressive symptoms. According to the journal of Scietific reports (2019), participants who spent at least two hours per week in green spaces were significantly more likely to report better mental health as well as improving physical stress symptoms, such as lowering cortisol levels. (Li, Q., et al. 2009).
A 20-step program over many months can be beneficial by allowing gradual integration and sustained support over a longer period of time. Similarly to the huge sucsess of the 12 Step AA meetings, by engaging with others on the same journey, it can also boost self esteem and commitment to healing. A study found a 50% increase in social confidence and a 30% improvement in accountability. (McDermut, W., et al. 2001).
HOW DO I SIGN UP ?
When & Where:
The online group is held via Zoom every Sunday at 8pm.
The in-person group is held every Tuesday at 2pm in Glastonbury.
The address will be given on the Whatsapp group once you've completed the referal form.
Cost:
We have tried to make these therapy sessions as affordable as possible at £15 per session, which are paid in monthly instalments. Alternatively, if you'd like to have therapy as a 1-1 session with Kubi instead, she offers this at £50 per hour. Please send us an email to arrange this.
Join now:
Please fill out our referral form to sign up below: