Abstract

This capstone research project aimed to investigate nature, mindfulness, and somatic therapies to propose a new therapeutic modality integrating the three approaches, henceforth referred to as Tritherapy. Three guiding research questions directed the findings and program development of this narrative review, commencing with how does the integration of nature, mindfulness, and somatic interventions positively impact client wellbeing? Secondly, how therapists can expand their abilities to provide integrative client-centered, culturally humble, and decolonized care was investigated. Lastly, if neurodiverse affirmative care could benefit neurodivergent individuals and other populations was explored. The focus of this capstone was to provide a decolonized, neurodiverse affirming perspective and framework for future research and clinical implementation. Moreover, the inclusion of Canadian literature, statistics, and programs were necessary to contribute to Canadian literature and to acknowledge cultural and Canadian Indigenous impacts, mental health needs, and historical context pertaining to the mental health field. This paper discussed Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing and urged clinicians and helping professionals to continue developing in their culturally humble, decolonized awareness and therapeutic approaches. The neurodivergent paradigm was addressed and the need for transdiagnosis care and treatment options were emphasized. This capstone incorporated Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as the guiding theoretical framework. Following a meta-ethnographic narrative review, Tritherapy, a new modality will be proposed. Tritherapy was developed drawing inspiration from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rogerian therapy, and the Medicine Wheel. Recommendations for future research and program development were highlighted.

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Keywords: nature therapy, mindfulness therapy, somatic therapy, neurodivergence, decolonized care, therapy in Canada, Indigenous knowledge, transdiagnostic