The recent episode of the Heart of the Big Bend podcast featuring Brisa Therapeutics co-founders Toni and Jacque has brought to light the profound impact of natural environments on mental and emotional wellness. The discussion, centered around the therapeutic benefits of nature, particularly in the Big Bend region, underscores the importance of outdoor spaces in emotional healing and nervous system regulation.
During the podcast, the Brisa team elaborated on how bilateral stimulation in nature, such as the rhythmic act of walking or the eye movement across vast landscapes, can facilitate EMDR-style healing and grounding. They explained the neuroscience behind how immersion in wide, open spaces can reset the nervous system, making emotional regulation and self-connection more accessible. This insight is crucial for understanding the therapeutic potential of natural environments beyond their aesthetic value.
The conversation also touched on trauma-informed care and resilience, highlighting the Brisa team's expertise in creating healing spaces that blend clinical and natural settings. Their approach, rooted in EMDR therapy, neuroscience, and mindfulness practices, offers a science-backed pathway to managing stress, anxiety, and trauma. This episode serves as a reminder of the healing power of nature and its role in fostering emotional resilience and well-being.
For individuals feeling emotionally depleted or those in the wellness and therapeutic fields, this discussion provides valuable insights into how reconnecting with nature can also mean reconnecting with oneself. The episode not only sheds light on the intersection of mental health and the natural world but also emphasizes the accessibility of healing through nature, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors.


