2025 ATRA Annual Conference – Session Descriptions
October 18–20, 2025 | San Antonio, TX
The following is the Session Descriptions for the 2025 ATRA Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. All sessions, times, and presenter information have been confirmed, though final adjustments may occur due to unforeseen circumstances onsite.
For a visual Calendar view, please visit: Schedule at a Glance
For information on our Bonus Day at Morgan's Sports on Friday October 17th, please visit: ATRA San Antonio Bonus Day: Morgan's Sports
Continuing Education (CEUs):
NCTRC approval is currently pending. Please check back for updates prior to the conference.
Note: Poster presentations may be eligible for CEUs in 2025. Final determinations will be reflected once CEU approvals are finalized.
For questions related to specialty certification areas, please refer to the PDF version of the program for designation icons and CEU-eligible sessions.
Code of Conduct:
All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and guests are expected to uphold the ATRA Conference Code of Conduct.
To review the Code, view it here.
Note on Non-ATRA Activities:
Please note that any events or activities not listed in the official ATRA San Antonio program are independently organized and not affiliated or sponsored by ATRA. ATRA is not responsible for independently coordinated events, meetups or activities not articulated in this program. Individuals interested in non-ATRA sponsored activities should contact their respective organizations directly for details.
Supporting Emotional Resilience: Addressing Climate Emotions through Nature
Session Description
As climate change reshapes our environment, its emotional impact - ranging from eco-anxiety to grief - calls for thoughtful therapeutic approaches. This presentation introduces recreational therapists to foundational concepts and strategies for addressing these complex emotions in clients.
Participants will explore eco-resilience, emotional literacy, and adaptive coping skills, along with key concepts like psychological safeness, the "Hope Gap," and balancing emotional well-being. The session will include practical ideas such as mindfulness exercises, nature-based activities, and visualization techniques to inspire hope and action.
Designed to inform and inspire, this presentation equips therapists with a framework for helping clients navigate climate-related emotions while fostering resilience and meaningful engagement in their communities.
Learning Outcomes
Understand Eco-Resilience and Emotional Responses:
Learn to define eco-resilience, identify emotions like eco-anxiety and hope, and explore strategies to foster psychological safeness in therapy.
Develop Emotional Literacy and Adaptive Coping Skills:
Gain tools to help clients articulate emotions, reframe negativity, and use mindfulness, grounding, and nature-based techniques to cope.
Foster Hope and Inspire Proactive Action:
Discover methods to bridge the "Hope Gap," counter negativity bias, and encourage action using visualization, goal-setting, and community engagement.
Practice Area: Select ALL that Apply
Child and Adolescent
Higher Education
Older Adults
Schools
Target Audience
New Graduates/New Professionals
Educators/Researchers
Mid-Career Professionals
Seasoned Professionals
Primary Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e7c3dd977b225961c26c1d4e587bea18.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Alexis Ashworth, Root in Nature Inc.")
Alexis Ashworth, Root in Nature Inc.
Biographical Information
Alexis (she/her) is the passionate founder behind Root in Nature, a venture born out of her deep love for plants, gardening, and the therapeutic benefits they offer.
Holding a BComm in Finance and an MBA in International Development Management, Alexis brings a unique blend of business acumen and a passion for making a positive impact. With 11 years of experience as CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Ottawa and Halifax, Alexis was recognized for both business achievements and community involvement by being named one of Ottawa Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.
Alexis’ journey into horticulture began through her volunteer work with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), where she discovered the profound connection between nature and well-being. Her dedication to horticultural therapy led her to study the Foundations of Horticultural Therapy and become active in several international associations and initiatives.
During weekends, you’ll find her tending to her fruit & vegetable gardens, cultivating food that her husband skillfully cooks and her two young daughters enjoy.