Healing in Nature Method™
Richard Louv Prize Recipient for Innovation in Nature Connection. Featured in the documentary In our Nature
Recipient of the 2024 Richard Louv Prize for Innovation in Nature Connection · Featured in the documentary In Our Nature
A nature-based framework for grief, well-being, and growth.
When life gets loud—with grief, stress, or uncertainty—our instinct is often to push through or try to think our way out of it. But meaningful healing and growth become possible when we feel safe, grounded, and connected again.
Nature helps create those conditions.
Stoutreach partners with organizations to design and lead accessible, grief-informed experiences that combine time outdoors, movement, reflection, and human connection. Through workshops, retreats, training, and program development, the Healing in Nature Method™ helps people reconnect with nature as a foundation for well-being, resilience, and growth.
Returning to Nature for Well-Being
For most of human history, people lived in close relationship with the natural world. Our bodies and senses were shaped among trees, near water, and across mountains and open land.
Modern life has pulled many of us away from that relationship. Constant stimulation, stress, and time indoors can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and unable to fully settle.
When we return to nature, something begins to shift. The breath slows. The senses awaken. Attention returns to the present, and perspective becomes clearer.
We come from nature. We belong in nature. Yet many of us are grieving our separation from it.
Nature is home—and we are homesick. We need to go home.
The Healing in Nature Method™
Informed by more than 25 years of guiding youth, adults, families, and communities through outdoor experiences, grief support, and personal growth, the Healing in Nature Method™ offers simple, accessible practices that help people reconnect with themselves, with others, and with the natural world.
Core practices include:
Growth Mindset
Gratitude
Walking and Movement
Grounding and Earthing
Forest Bathing
Mindful Breathing
Service to Others
These practices help create the conditions for greater regulation, awareness, connection, and everyday well-being. They can be used individually, incorporated into existing programs, or brought together as a guided Healing in Nature experience.
Programs, Retreats, Training, and Speaking
Jason Stout partners with schools, nonprofit organizations, and communities to design and lead meaningful nature-based experiences for youth, adults, and families. Each engagement brings together nature connection, skilled facilitation, and more than 25 years of experience supporting grief, well-being, leadership, and personal growth.
Engagements may include:
Youth and Family Programs
Retreat and Camp Leadership
Healing in Nature Workshops
Keynotes and Conference Presentations
Training for Educators, Volunteers, and Facilitators
Program Design, Development, and Advising
Every experience is grounded in the Healing in Nature Method™ and thoughtfully adapted to the people, purpose, and setting involved.
About Jason Stout
Jason Stout is the founder of Stoutreach and a nationally recognized leader at the intersection of nature connection, grief support, and human development. He is the recipient of the 2024 Richard Louv Prize for Innovation in Nature Connection.
For more than 25 years, Jason has designed and led outdoor experiences for youth, adults, families, and professionals. His work ranges from accessible community workshops to multi-day retreats, camps, professional training, and wilderness programs.
His career includes leadership, facilitation, and program development with Outward Bound, Judi’s House, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the National Park Foundation, and the Children & Nature Network. He created Outward Bound for Grieving Teens and helped develop nature-based grief programming that reached young people and families across the country.
Jason’s work is also featured in the documentary film In Our Nature, which explores how environmental education can help bridge social and emotional divides.
Through Stoutreach, Jason continues to develop the Healing in Nature Method™ and partner with schools, nonprofits, and communities to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and one another.
“My work begins with unconditional positive regard—seeing people fully, respecting where they are, and creating the space for them to discover the strength already within them.”
In Collaboration With
