Lisa Ford, LADC, LMHC, LPC, MAC, SAP

Encouraging personal growth and exploring possibilities one step at a time while connecting with the natural environment. Lisa grew up on a property in Litchfield, CT that has been agriculturally utilized since 1860. Experiences here led her to an early appreciation for the relationship of the natural environment and healing through restorative modalities. She believes that connecting with nature improves mental health and well being. She studied horticulture and incorporated knowledge and skills in landscape design, project management, growing, and all aspects of greenhouse activities for over twenty years. Lisa then studied psychology and practiced in several settings including psychiatric group homes, hospitals, agencies, rehabs and private practice. She provided her first horticulture therapy group in downtown New Haven in 2005 and the group continues to this day. She has credentialed expertise in substance use disorders and is personally involved in recovery. She is a member of NAMI and NAADAC. She truly enjoys being with patients as they experience growth through these forgotten modalities. Ecotherapy is a form of therapy that involves connecting with nature to improve mental health and well-being. It includes interventions such as forest therapy, horticultural therapy, wilderness therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and other restorative modalities. Scientific studies have linked ecotherapy to reduced stress, improved mood, improved symptoms of ADHD, enhanced well-being, decreased depression and anxiety, improved symptoms of PTSD, and pain reduction. Lisa is certified in first aid and cpr. If you need an appointment outside of availability posted, please request one. Video telehealth is also available. Lisa has an apiary of honeybees and she is passionate about growing non-gmo cat grasses for her felines and farm markets.