Chances are, you might experience a sense of peace, relaxation, and calm.
There’s a good reason these experiences in nature elicit such positive feelings.
But Id call that a therapeutic or wonderful nature experience.
I wouldn’t call it ecotherapy.
But the concept of nature as a healer has been around for millennia.
Since then, study after study has found similar benefits of nature on mental health.
How Ecotherapy or Nature Therapy Works
The principles of ecotherapy are rather simple.
This might be at a local park, in a wooded area, or by a body of water.
There currently isnt an accrediting body for ecotherapists that offers a nature therapy certification.
Heres a closer look at some different types of nature therapy.
Forest Therapy
Forest therapy is based on the Japanese art ofshinrin-yoku, meaning forest bathing.
Possible forest bathing benefits include improved relaxation, reduced stress, and increased physical activity, per theCleveland Clinic.
This can help build self-confidence, overcome negative beliefs, improve communication skills, and gain trust.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy involves spending time with an animal or animals.
This can be done outside in a farm setting or inside with therapy pets like dogs.
Equine-assisted therapy brings horses into the therapeutic process.
A session can involve petting, feeding, or grooming animals under the supervision of a professional therapist.
Green Exercise
Green exercise simply means partaking in physical activity while exposing yourself to nature.
These may range from improved mental health to physical benefits like pain management.
Essentially, interacting with nature may put you in a better mood and reduce stress.
Here are a few more potential perks, according to science.
For many veterans, being immersed in nature has a calming effect, helping them manage negative emotions.
It may allow them to see past their traumatic military experiences and injuries to a greater purpose for themselves.
This benefit has been found among both boys and girls from all income groups.
These waivers must be signed first and should be reviewed before the activity happens.
When you have encounters with nature directly, there is an element of unpredictability, Sebree says.
So you just have to be aware that there may always be some risks.
For immersive forms of ecotherapy, like wilderness therapy, you may need to take more precautions.
People with depression or anxiety may want to consider ecotherapy to help ease their symptoms.
Veterans or anyone with PTSD, as well as children with ADHD, may also benefit from nature therapy.
Ecotherapy may also be used as a complementary therapy approach along with more traditional in-office psychological and trauma therapy.
Thats very different from a walk or a therapy session in a local park.
Thats a discussion to have together [as patient and therapist] and mindfully consider, Habash says.
Ecotherapy may not be the best option for people with severe mental illness experiencing delusions or hallucinations.
I would be cautious about taking a client who has active psychosis, Habash says.
We talk about that and come to a decision and I document that in the client chart.
This may offer a sense of grounding so you’re free to begin to connect with nature.
Maybe its the trees or some flowers or a squirrel nearby.
It’s a way of bringing the whole body into the therapeutic process.
The rest of the session will look different depending on the jot down of ecotherapy youre engaging with.
In any scenario, you will have support and guidance from your therapist.
You may be encouraged to move your body in spontaneous and novel ways.
Ecotherapy can also be helpful if you appreciate symbolism and metaphor.
Nature provides ample reflections of our personal processes and relationships, Habash says.
After
After a nature therapy session, youll take some time to reflect and process the experience.
With your therapist, you might process any emotions that may have arisen, Habash explains.
Your therapist may also write you nature prescriptions, or instructions to spend time in nature on your own.
Nature prescriptions can be a vital part of ecotherapy.
What Does Ecotherapy Cost?
The cost of nature therapy varies depending on jot down and therapist.
Note that the expertise of practitioners will vary depending what region of the country youre in.
Its site also has ablogdedicated to all things forest bathing.
Theres also tons of helpful information if youre interested in becoming aforest therapy guide.
Garden Therapy
Stephanie Rose has a passion for gardening and she wants to share it with everyone.
NatureDose is free on theApple App storeandGoogle Play.
Roots is free on the Apple App store with options for in-app purchase.
These adventure retreats take place throughout the country from the mountains of Wyoming to the Alaskan wilderness.
Ashley Welch has more than a decade of experience in both breaking news and long-form storytelling.
As a former staff member at Everyday Health, she covered a wide range of chronic conditions and diseases.
She enjoys yoga and is an aspiring runner.
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