Human-Nature Counselling Society
Human-Nature Counselling Society is dedicated to fostering playful encounters with nature and building a safe space for self-exploration, self-awareness, and meaningful connections. Recognizing the importance of group programming in combating mental health stigma, social isolation, and despair, the society is making a significant impact through its innovative Guam Guam Specums program.
Designed to enhance students’ social and emotional well-being while increasing engagement in the school environment, Guam Guam Specums is an additive school-based program. Specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of First Nation youth in the Greater Victoria area, particularly in the Esquimalt catchment of schools, this initiative integrates therapeutic nature counseling with place-based learning.
Aligning with the First Peoples Principles of Learning and Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Guam Guam Specums creates a nurturing space for students to explore their edges, develop self- awareness, and foster connections with each other. The program has received positive feedback from educators, with a Grade 5 teacher at Craigflower Elementary School noting its impact on students’ confidence and group collaboration skills.
Human-Nature Counselling Society’s dedicated team, trained in the foundations of Nature-Based Therapy, guides students through the change process with nature as a co-facilitator. This approach reflects a commitment to supporting well-being and personal growth through a therapeutic connection with the natural world.
Gratitude is extended to the Courtnall Society for Mental Health and the Quiet Cove Foundation for their generous support, enabling the continuation of the Guam Guam Specums program for the fifth consecutive year. This collaborative effort with The Greater Victoria School District 61 exemplifies the ongoing commitment to promoting mental health and resilience in the community.
“Thanks to the generous support of the Courtnall Society for Mental Health and Quiet Cove Foundation, Human-Nature Counselling Society will be offering its successful Guam Guam Specums (Strong Flowers in lək̓ʷəŋən) program in collaboration with The Greater Victoria School District 61 for the fifth consecutive year.”
-Dave Segal, MA, RCC
Executive Director
Human-Nature Counselling Society
For more information visit https://humannaturecounselling.ca/