What Trees and Nature Teach Us About Healing

In this episode of TraumaTies, Bridgette Stumpf and Lindsey Silverberg explore how healing is shaped not only by what happens inside of us, but also by the environments around us. From neuroscience and trauma research to forest bathing and the hidden communication systems of trees, they unpack how nature, community, and physical spaces impact nervous system regulation and recovery.

In This Episode🌿 Healing Is Environmental, Too

The hosts discuss how healing is often framed as an individual responsibility, while research shows our surroundings play a major role in stress, regulation, and recovery.

🌳 Nature and Nervous System Regulation

Bridgette and Lindsey explore studies showing that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve recovery, and help regulate the nervous system—including research on forest bathing, birdsong, and green spaces.

🧠 Trauma, Attention, and Recovery

The conversation connects trauma and hypervigilance to environments that constantly demand attention, while nature allows the brain and body to recover more effectively.

🌲 What Trees Teach Us About Community

Inspired by The Hidden Life of Trees, Bridgette shares how trees support one another through underground root systems—offering a powerful metaphor for collective care, connection, and healing.

Key Takeaways

• Healing is influenced by both internal and external conditions.
• Nature can help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.
• Trauma recovery is supported through safety, connection, and restorative environments.
• Community care exists throughout nature—and humans need it too.

Resources Mentioned

• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
• Attention Restoration Theory
• Research on green space, trauma recovery, and nervous system regulation

Connect and Learn More

☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn

☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn

☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Brought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.

Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.

Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.