Ecotherapy
There is much wisdom and healing to be found in nature if we’re willing to connect with it.
A fundamental premise of nature and ecotherapy is that the wellbeing of humans is intimately bound to the wellbeing of the planet and that nurturing our relationship with nature is key for maintaining our mental wellbeing.
At Ascend, we currently offer “walk and talk” sessions and customized events outdoors. Ecotherapy sessions with clients happen rain or shine. We only cancel (switch to a virtual session or meet indoors) in the event of dangerous or inclement weather. We find that our clients deeply resonate with sessions in which we are directly experiencing the natural world, the elements and the changing of seasons through our work together. Due to the interest and positive feedback we get about ecotherapy, we are looking to increase our offerings and capacity for ecotherapy services. If you have any requests, please let us know. We love to co-create with our clients!
Of course, it’s important to appreciate that getting outside into nature is not an option for everyone, and it is possible to carry out ecotherapy interventions in many ways. At Ascend, during virtual sessions, we encourage clients to grab their headphones and go on a “walk and talk” from their own front door, or go to a local park or some other location that helps them drop into the therapeutic space, even when we are not in person.
What Is Nature Therapy and Ecotherapy?
(adapted from this article: https://positivepsychology.com/nature-therapy/#google_vignette)
Nature and ecotherapy, also called “green therapy” or “earth-centered therapy,” concern interactions with nature that contribute to healing and personal growth. The field of ecopsychology refers to the study of psychological processes that connect or disconnect us from nature.
At the root of ecopsychology and ecotherapy is the idea that humans and nature are intrinsically linked. We impact our environment, and our environment impacts us. This human–planet connection is thought to be vital both for our psychological wellbeing and for protecting and sustaining the natural world, including landscapes, living things, and cultures.
Ecotherapy covers a broad range of therapies and healing practices that use nature-based methods to nurture a relationship with the Earth.
Although recognition of the importance of nature to mental wellbeing is a relatively new concept in mainstream Western psychotherapy, ancient peoples and indigenous cultures have long viewed the wellbeing of humans to be intimately linked with their environment and the natural world.
7 Benefits According to Research Findings
Scientific studies of ecotherapy have revealed profound benefits for wellbeing across the board. Our connection with nature and living creatures can be a truly transformative and restorative experience.
1. Nature can be good for our brains
The human-made world of technology and busy urban environments can be an incredibly stimulating and attention-demanding place. Interacting with nature, by walking in nature or even viewing pictures, can enhance our cognitive functioning, specifically, our directed attention abilities.
2. A greater connection with nature is linked to enhanced wellbeing
Many of us have an intuitive sense that being in nature can be very grounding and restorative at difficult times in our life. Indeed, measures of nature connectedness show positive relationships with psychological well being, social wellbeing, and mindfulness.
3. Being outside can help us destress
For those of us who spend our days working indoors, moving our bodies and getting some fresh air can offer some welcome respite at the end of the day. A study in Finland found that among 527 employees, exercise and spending time outside were rated the most effective ways to recover from work stress, with interacting with nature coming in second.
4. Animals can be calming
Animal-assisted therapy is gaining attention in recent years as a therapeutic intervention for a range of adult and children populations. For example, the presence of animals has been shown to have a calming effect on children with aggression problems and can reduce physiological stress in Alzheimer’s patients.
5. Animals offer companionship
Animals make great companions, and animal-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce loneliness for long-term care residents.
6. Working in nature can boost coping skills
Working outdoors or with animals allows us to get “up close” with nature and even learn new skills. One study found that patients with enduring psychiatric symptoms showed improvements in coping ability and self-efficacy after working with farm animals twice a week for 12 weeks.
7. Being in the wild can enhance self-esteem and interpersonal skills
Fending for ourselves in the wilderness offers unique opportunities for transformation, as it can take us out of our comfort zone and bring us closer to others.
How Does It Work in Practice? 8 Treatment Examples
In general, ecotherapy refers to any therapeutic treatment led by trained professionals that involves structured activities that connect us with nature. Ecotherapy is not limited to idyllic rural locations and can be practiced in both countryside and urban environments, such as local parks, gardens, or woodlands.
Nature meditation
Meditation practice in a natural environment, like by the sea or in a park, can also be an intervention in group therapy, where members focus and reflect on something in nature that they’re drawn to.Therapeutic horticulture
Gardening activities can include tending to gardens and growing food.Green exercise therapy
Exercise like walking or cycling can also take place in green spaces.Wilderness therapy
This intervention involves being out in wilderness and getting involved in group activities like shelter making.Adventure therapy
Adventurous activities in a group can include rock climbing or rafting.Conservation
A mixture of physical exercise and carrying out tasks helps care for and protect natural environments.Animal-assisted therapy
This intervention consists of bonding and building relationships with animals, like dogs and horses.Arts and crafts in nature
Making art can include materials from nature like leaves, wood, or soil, or be done in nature and inspired by natural environments.
Talking therapies can also take place in nature as the therapist and client are walking or sitting together in nature. An ecotherapist may ask the client about their relationship with nature in the past and present, such as their significant memories of nature or the quality of contact with nature they have day-to-day.
Compared to conventional forms of therapy, where the therapy room and setting are largely under the control of the therapist, when in nature, the setting is alive, constantly changing, and can shape the therapeutic interaction.
Activities for Your Own Ecotherapy
If you’re looking for some simple exercises to gain a deeper connection with nature, consider this mixture of activities.
1. Gardening
Horticultural therapy can be relatively easy to practice in your garden, a friend’s garden, or a community garden nearby. Explore what specific activities you find relaxing or enjoyable, such as flower arranging, pruning, watering the garden, or planting seeds to grow food.
2. A gratitude walk
Another wonderful way to capitalize on the beauty of nature while on a nature walk is to practice gratitude. The idea is to grow a feeling of gratitude by taking notice of things you’re thankful for – maybe something you like to look at or smell, or something you find that you can give a loved one to make them smile.
3. Nature therapist
When in a place in nature, notice what you’re drawn to. Perhaps it’s a pond, tree, or rock. Sit peacefully with this element and ask it questions you’re looking for guidance on, either in your mind or out loud. Simply be open and relax your mind. You may feel a sense of intuition or insight from this process while you’re sitting there or sometime later on.
4. Nature journaling
To help nourish your sense of curiosity in nature, take a piece of paper and a pen to a place in nature, and note down all the things you perceive around you. No detail is too small or insignificant; the idea is to go with what you connect with the most.
5. Notice nature in urban spaces
If you live in a city or town, spend some time walking around urban areas that are abundant in concrete pavements and walls.
Try to notice places where nature tries to shine through, such as wildflowers growing in the cracks of the pavement, songbirds sitting on walls, or vines sprawling down the sides of buildings. Reflect on how this makes you feel.
REFERENCES
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