In this episode of the B.Real Podcast, host Brittany Bijan sits down with Dr. Lena Dicken, a licensed clinical psychologist and creator of The Outdoor Psychologist, to explore how nature, awe, and intentional daily practices can transform mental health. Dr. Dicken shares her journey from surf therapy and addiction treatment work in Los Angeles to developing the OP Method, a nature-based framework rooted in mindfulness, awe, gratitude, and neuroplasticity. Together, they discuss why modern life disconnects us from the natural world, how simple sensory practices outdoors can regulate the nervous system, and why regularly “zooming out” into awe helps us remember we’re part of something much bigger than our everyday stress.

5 Key Takeaways

• [0:00:00] – Modern life has layered over our innate connection to nature, leaving many people who feel disconnected more likely to harm the planet.
• [0:01:50] – Dr. Lena’s path from clinical practice to The Outdoor Psychologist is rooted in research on nature’s benefits and years of surf therapy with people in recovery.
• [0:04:37] – Surf therapy emerged organically when an addiction center asked Dr. Lena to build a program, leading to her manualized “Saltwater Sessions” focused on resilience and confidence.
• [0:11:02] – The OP Method blends mindfulness, awe-based practices, gratitude, and neuroplasticity education to help people repeatedly choose habits that reshape their brains and lives.
• [0:13:16] – Daily, distraction-free time outdoors—tuning into temperature, breeze, smells, and colors—can reduce anxiety and depression and support sleep, immunity, and brain function.

“It’s like almost anything that ails you, being outside will help with it.” – Dr. Lena Dicken

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Guest & Resources

• Guest: Dr. Lena Dicken – Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Founder, The Outdoor Psychologist
• Learn more: outdoorpsychologist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoutdoorpsychologist?utm_source=qr
• Substack: https://substack.com/@theoutdoorpsychologist?r=5xcnw3&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=blur
  
  

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