ecotherapy for improved focus
This five-week, nature and activity-based group program is designed for people struggling with ADHD-related symptoms such as time blindness (aka. the ‘now/next/never’ cycle), emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, being overwhelmed, and difficulty “feeling yourself”. Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and focused on inspiring outdoor settings in Montreal’s natural environments, Ecotherapy for Improved Focus supports participants in building attention, clarity, and self-compassion by working on themselves in a natural way.
Next session begins Sept. 26, 2025
An Ecotherapy Program for improved focus and emotional regulation
This five-session program offers a refreshing alternative to office-based therapy, away from the distractions of our digital world. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with strengths, values, and a sense of direction. This program is ideal for individuals seeking structured yet creative support beyond talk and into movement, reflection, and experiential learning.
Why JOIN This Program?
It's Designed with You in Mind
This program is ideal for adults aged 18+ diagnosed with ADHD or experiencing executive functioning challenges such as difficulty planning, organizing, focusing and regulating intense emotions.
A New Way Forward
Individuals who thrive in or are motivated in trying movement and nature-based environments.
Reconnect
Each module is designed to help participants along their path looking discover or rediscover strengths and identity.
Find Balance
Those struggling with anxiety, self-regulation, or avoidance. Learn to use ADHD-friendly tools in an embodied, experiential way.
As you progress through our program, you'll gain
Clarity and Direction
Nature has its cardinal points. Uncover your own.
Enhanced Self-Awareness
You’ll find out more about who you are and who you want to be.
Sustainable Change
Learn to build practical strategies to be present in your own development.
5 weeks of transformation
Each week includes a live online check-in session and a sporting activity. Participants will also have access to a supportive online community for sharing insights and experiences throughout the program.
Week 1: “Who Am I?” - Mindfulness and Values
Understanding your personal journey - establishing goals and intentions
- kayaking on the saint-lawrence
- We begin on the water, slowing things down to explore the calming effect of “blue therapy” while learning how to notice thoughts without judgment. This week invites participants to step into the present moment and reflect on how they see themselves—beyond diagnosis or limitation. Through movement and guided reflection, we begin to shift the inner narrative and make space for something more compassionate and values-aligned. We invite participants to welcome themselves as they are and begin reframing self-critical narratives with self-compassion.
Week 2: “Where Am I?” - Observing and Adapting
how to observe your thoughts and what to do about them
- forest hike on mount royal
- This session turns attention outward and inward. We introduces the powerful ACT concept of self-as-context—the observing self who can witness thoughts and feelings without being defined by them. As we explore natural terrain, we also explore psychological space. While mindful movement becomes a metaphor for progress even in discomfort, learning how to observe thoughts and patterns without getting pulled into them. As we learn about the differences between reactive behaviour and intentional action, participants will gain a deeper sense of inner space and a growing ability to act from values, not avoidance.
Week 3: “When Am I?” - Perceptions of Time
Understanding time awareness, pacing, and procrastination
- Cycling along the lachine canal
- Time and energy management can be tricky for neurodivergent minds. This week, participants explore how to build a more embodied relationship with time — not as a rigid schedule, but as a natural rhythm we can tune into. Participants begin noticing their personal pace, how energy and focus can rise and fall, and how to build a more flexible, forgiving structure to support daily life. Participants receive tools to plan actionable steps, manage prioritization, reduce overwhelm and fatigue, and approach time as something they can work with.
Week 4: “What Am I Scared Of?” - Understanding Anxiety
defusing what gets in your way; coping with anxiety and overcoming obstacles
- wALL CLIMBING AT THE CLIMBING GYM
- Here, we meet challenges head-on. In this week’s climbing activity, this session offers opportunities to notice fear and self-doubt, and to explore what it means to take action anyway. Using the principles of cognitive defusion, they learn to observe engrained self-defeating thoughts (e.g., “I can’t do this,” “I’ll mess it up”), practice letting go of old mental habits, and making room for experiential acceptance, even when uncertainty shows up. This week helps rewire the fear/avoidance loop common in ADHD and perfectionism by pairing challenge with curiosity, courage, and self-compassion.
Week 5: “Who Am I Now?” - Integration and Moving Forward
moving forward to a new you and integration of what you have learned
- hike to the summit of mount royal
- In our final week, we look back at the journey to reflect, and we look forward to integrate our new understanding of ourselves. Participants are invited to reflect on what’s changed, what’s been let go of, and what’s ready to take root. We bring together the insights, habits, and personal values that will continue to shape their path forward. This session ties together everything learned—and emphasizes the power of momentum, not perfection.
Are you a therapist with a client to refer?
Dr. Moire STevenson, Clinical psychologist
I’m Moire (pronounced Moy-ra), I’ve been a nature lover my entire life and a clinical psychologist for almost a decade. I am passionate about helping others live a fulfilling life!
I run Moire Stevenson Psychology, a psychology clinic specializing in psychoeducational and neurodevelopmental assessments (including assessments for ADHD and Autism), and I am the founder and director of Mindfulness Outdoors. I also work as a Pediatric Psychologist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
I received my PhD in clinical psychology research and intervention from University of Montreal in 2015. Prior to that, I completed a combined honours degree in Biology and Biochemistry at Dalhousie University.
I have always been curious about the natural world and the human mind. In 2021, I combined these interests by creating Mindfulness Outdoors which is a wellness-based outdoors program. You can find out more about Mindfulness Outdoors here.
Over the past 8 years, I have become increasingly more interested in training students, interns and other professionals. I am a recognized clinical supervisor with the Ordre des Psychologues du Quebec and I run several training programs that are accredited by various organizations (including the Ordre des Psychologues du Quebec, and the Canadian Psychological Association). See here for upcoming training.
Russell Cooper, MSc (A) OT, BFA
I was born beside a lake in Northern Ontario. I’ve planted 500,000 trees in my lifetime. I’ve climbed very inhospitable mountains. Swimming in a forceful tide is my happy place. Personally as well as professionally, I am a true believer in the therapeutic value of connection with nature and the insight it shows us when we’re present.
A former Occupational Therapist and current Accessibility Advisor/Consultant, I am a firm believer in the potential for human function. I have 23 years experience providing support to people with disabilities of all ages and capacities with major Canadian universities, the English Montreal School Board, Easter Seals Summer Camps of BC, and others.
Over the last seven years in higher education Disability Support, I have focused my practice on those with ADHD. I have have witnessed first hand the increasing awareness of the difficulties faced within this population. At the same time, I am being made more aware of the ways in which people with ADHD can find their real potential and thrive. I am dedicated to understanding more and working to help.
I received my Masters in Occupational Therapy from McGill University’s Factuly of Medicine. Before that, I received a BFA in Integrative Music Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Journalism, and an Associates Degree in Jazz Studies from Vancouver Island University. I like to believe my perspective and approach to life is one of consistent pursuit to understand people and how we respond to our world. Additionally, I am a volunteer coach for local youth baseball and basketball. I’m a (recovering) musician, a former professional Copywriter, and I can make a crème brûlée that’ll quiet your mind.
Book a Discovery call
Leave your name, email and phone number to book a discovery call or call Dr. Stevenson directly at 514-619-4542.
Invest in Your Future
what participants of our past EVENTS AND programs have said
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, depending on your insurance. This program is covered under services with a clinical psychologist. Please email moire@mindfulnessoutdoors.org if you have any questions.
Yes. Sliding-scale rates are available for individuals with limited income or insurance coverage. If you require a lower rate, please email moire@mindfulnessoutdoors.org or contact us using the form below.
Not at all! All we require is an openness to engaging in activities outdoors and a desire to enjoy nature.
We embrace all types of weather as part of the experience. Please dress accordingly (layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, etc.). The outdoor sessions will go ahead rain or shine, unless extreme weather makes it unsafe—in which case, you will be contacted with an update.
Yes! All activities will be held at a reasonable distance from Montreal’s public transit. We will provide locations and meeting points well ahead of time to allow for personal planning. Please feel free to ask about your accessibility needs at any time.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime at contact@mindfulnessoutdoors.org with questions or concerns. We’re happy to help you feel fully prepared and supported.
