If you're looking for an inspiring way to enhance your wellbeing, deepen your knowledge of birds and support bird conservation in your local community, you landed in the right place!

Bird Therapy is an organization dedicated to the research, creation and delivery of educational classes supporting the wellbeing of people, birds and nature.

Created by personal development specialist and nature conservationist, Liz Austin, Bird Therapy classes and events bring the beauty of birds to people online and in-person, fostering therapeutic connections between people and our feathered friends. 

Join an online Bird Therapy workshop or schedule an in-person Bird Therapy class for yourself, a group of friends, your school or organization. 

Learn how the birds of our air, their songs, and their behaviors can lift our spirits while helping to conserve our ecosystem at the same time.

Learning about birds in a close-knit educational group or in one to one sessions, offers individuals of all ages a unique way to expand their mindfulness and awareness of birds and nature, while having the opportunity to preserve birds' natural habitats. 

Spending time in nature, observing birds, and learning about their behaviors can have profound positive effects on our emotional, physical, and mental health. 

The simple act of focusing on the intricate details of birdlife can help us disconnect from daily stressors and promote a sense of calm and tranquility. 

Additionally, birdwatching often involves gentle physical activity, such as walking or hiking, which can contribute to improved cardiovascular health and overall fitness while gaining a deeper understanding of birds. 

The process of identifying different bird species, learning about their habitats, and understanding their ecological roles can inspire our curiosity and motivate us to preserve our natural environments. 

Connecting with nature and appreciating the beauty of birds can foster a sense of awe and wonder, promoting positive emotions and a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Bird Therapy classes integrate journaling, interactive discussions, mindful and creatively expressive activities to fill your soul and deepen your nature knowledge while contributing to conservation efforts in your own backyard. 

My love and curiosity for birds and nature is deeply rooted in my childhood and I have my parents to thank. I made frequent trips to Audubon Society presentations Sunday afternoons with my mom growing up,  Held at our hometown Opera House in Woodstock, Illinois, I looked forward to these presentations each week as I marveled at the intricate details of new bird species I was seeing for the first time, discovered their melodious calls, and learned their unique behaviors. This early exposure to birds instilled in me a deep appreciation for their beauty and their natural habitats. 

As editor of National Wildlife Magazine, my dad further nurtured my passion for birds and the outdoors; sharing stories and photos and continually encouraging me to observe the woods for deer and other wildlife. Some of my fondest memories are of building and installing bluebird houses at our family's farmhouse, a tangible way to contribute to the very ecosystems we learned so much about. 

As a student at Middlebury College, I furthered my interest in birds by enrolling in a birdwatching seminar. The opportunity to traverse the woods of Vermont and witness the annual bird migrations of the northeast was an unforgettable experience. 

Drawing on my more than two decades of working in the field of personal development, education and holistic wellness, I created Bird Therapy to create opportunities for people to connect more with the natural world and experience the positive effects learning about birds and nature can have on their own wellbeing, while increasing our appreciation for nature and inspiring wildlife preservation efforts. 

I'm excited to share my knowledge and passion for birds with you through online classes, workshops and events. Please reach out directly if you're interested in scheduling a class or a series of Bird Therapy sessions with me. 

Liz Austin

Founder, Bird Therapy