Modern wooden house with a unique zigzag roofline, partially obscured by tall grass and a large green bush, set against a backdrop of mountains under a cloudy sky.

Experiential Therapies

Horticulture Therapies and Animal-Assisted Interventions

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."

Rachel Carson

Available in 2026

A garden pathway made of red bricks, surrounded by lush green foliage and plants, leading to a brighter open area with white flowers and trees in the background.

A landscaped park with neatly trimmed hedge bushes arranged in geometric patterns, some conical-shaped trees, a street with cars, and a construction crane in the background. The sky is blue with scattered clouds.

Our wooded nature walk, coined “Search Within,” in addition to horticulture therapies, and Animal-Assisted Interventions are launching in early 2026.

Search Within

Insight Therapy Group is excited to begin offering Nature-Based Interventions (NBIs) as part of our therapeutic services through the development of a private, dedicated outdoor space we have named “Search Within.” This space allows us to help YOU access the benefits of NBIs.

We are launching therapeutic offerings that implement NBIs, including horticulture therapy and environmental immersion to rekindle awareness of the need for nurturing, growth and rejuvenation through seasonal planting, and encouragement of pollinators and biodiversity.

Our therapeutic natural space is unique in the Cedar Rapids corridor, and is designed to provide opportunities to utilize the benefits of nature during your therapy sessions.

Movement and biological sensory input like wind and sunlight can help reduce barriers to treatment, and offer a different approach for those who may have struggled with the more traditional "talk therapy.”

Grand Opening targeted for summer, 2026

- Horticulture Therapy
- “Walk and Talk” Therapy
- Environmental Immersion
- Increased connectedness to nature
- Increased empathy and compassion
- Improved emotional regulation
- Improved self-esteem and self-image
- Increased mindfulness
- Improved ability to relax

Links for Further Reading
A Guide to Nature Immersion: Psychological and Physiological Benefits
Nature-Based Therapy in Individuals with Mental Health Disorders
At Insight Therapy Group, we are utilizing therapeutic strategies that have been extensively studied by global leaders in the field, including:

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How Can Nature-Based Interventions Help?

Nature-Based Interventions (NBIs) were developed to promote human beings reconnecting with the natural world through intentional interactions with plants, animals, and the environment. There is a body of research (1) going back over three decades that has demonstrated that NBIs can lead to:

- Positive health and improved cognitive-
behavioral outcomes

- Improved social-emotional outcomes

- Increased self-regulation

- Improved stress response and recovery

- Decreased symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, depression, and ADHD (among other diagnoses)

Scenic view of a mountain range with a body of water in the foreground and grassy hills, under a cloudy sky.

What are Nature-Based Interventions?

Many of us in today's digital world are becoming increasingly aware of the powerful role technology plays in our lives, from workdays spent in front of a screen to frequent scrolling on social media to stay in touch with family and friends, read news, and follow local events. Electronic living may be convenient, but it can take a toll on both mental and physical well being. As more and more research has been done, we are learning that there is a powerful antidote that can help counteract these negative impacts... and it is right outside our door.

Animal Assisted Interventions

For many of us, the relationships that we have with our companion animals are some of the most significant in our lives. For decades, the power of the human-animal bond has been demonstrated in countless studies around the world showing improvements in physiological and psychosocial outcomes when interactions with animals were included in therapeutic settings. As an adjunct to traditional therapeutic modalities, working with animals may help treatment engagement, attendance, and rapport building.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not provide letters for Emotional Support Animals to the public.

A modern wooden house situated on a grassy hillside with trees, overlooking a calm body of water with mountains in the background.

Animal-Assisted Interventions (also referred to as animal-assisted services and animal-assisted therapy) can help facilitate the treatment of a range of conditions, including but not limited to: anxiety and PTSD, depression and other mood disorders, social isolation/loneliness, executive dysfunction, and emotional regulation. Developing a relationship with a non-human sentient being creates opportunities for clients to experience genuine, mindful connection without fear of rejection or judgment.

Insight Therapy Group is pleased to offer limited opportunity/ies to work directly with a Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist with over 20 years of experience who is both a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a professional dog trainer. This could be a good fit for clients interested in including either a registered therapy dog or their own canine companion into therapy sessions as deemed clinically appropriate. Working with one's own pet can increase self-awareness and insight, and provide practical exercises that can be incorporated seamlessly into existing routines.

Canine-facilitated Group Therapy opportunities for individuals and couples are planned for early 2026.