How to become an Ecotherapist?
Ecotherapy is an emerging intervention at the intersection of nature and traditional therapy practices that helps clients get closer to nature in an attempt to improve their mental health.
Jun 22, 2024
By
Team Allia
In the words of Anne Frank: “Nature brings solace in all troubles.”As the world becomes more and more urbanised, the disconnect between our lives and the natural world has also become much wider. We’re well aware of the therapeutic power of nature, but it is now also slowly entering the realm of therapy. Ecotherapy, with its growing popularity, recognizes the intrinsic link between human wellbeing and the natural environment. It offers a holistic approach to therapy that doesn’t just heal, but also fosters a deeper connection to the earth.
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy falls under the umbrella of ecopsychology, an approach first introduced in 1995 by psychologist Theodore Roszak. Also called nature therapy or green therapy, ecotherapy aims to use the healing power of nature to promote psychological wellbeing in patients.It encompasses a range of techniques and activities that are usually conducted in outdoor settings in a way that facilitates personal growth, emotional healing, and mental health recovery. The diverse ways in which ecotherapy can be practiced highlight the need for adequate qualifications, insurance coverage, supervision, and risk management processes in the ecotherapy practice.From wilderness retreats and horticultural therapy to simply spending more time in greener spaces, ecotherapy leverages the connection between humans and the environment to bring about progress. Various ecotherapy training programs are available, including specific educational paths such as advanced degrees, certificates, or self-education.
Benefits of Ecotherapy
Ecotherapy draws on the principles of ecopsychology, which focuses on the relationship between humans and nature. It has plenty of benefits for both clients, as well as practitioners.Reduced Stress and AnxietyOne of the primary benefits of ecotherapy is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Techniques such as forest bathing help lower stress and anxiety by immersing individuals in nature, allowing them to connect with the environment and experience its calming effects.Improved Mood & Mental HealthEcotherapy also significantly improves mood and mental health. Nature-based therapy, including mindfulness and somatic experiencing, supports healing for various mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Benefits for Clients
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Spending time in natural environments has been shown to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Nature-based therapy can calm you down and ground you, making you more relaxed.
Improved Mood & Mental Health
Exposure to natural settings stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, the neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. As such, engaging with nature enhances mood, boosts self-esteem, and alleviates symptoms of depression.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Ecotherapy can also promote cognitive function, including improvement in attention, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Being immersed in natural environments fosters mental clarity, concentration, and cognitive flexibility.
Increased Physical Activity
Participating in outdoor activities as part of nature-based therapy encourages physical movement and exercise, promoting cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. Engaging in activities such as hiking, gardening, or nature walks contributes to overall physical well-being.
Connection & Meaning
Nature-based therapy facilitates a sense of connection with the natural world, fostering feelings of awe, wonder, and reverence. Many clients report a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and interconnectedness with all living beings, leading to greater resilience and spiritual well-being.
Benefits for Mental Health Professionals
The benefits of ecotherapy aren’t limited to patients though. Therapists and practitioners can also benefit from conducting therapy sessions that emphasize the connection to nature. For example, practising in natural settings doesn’t just revitalise the patients, but also the practitioners. It inspires creativity, and innovation in therapeutic approaches, and stimulates the senses to spark fresh insights.
Engaging in nature-based therapy also provides practitioners with opportunities for self-care and rejuvenation. Spending time in nature promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional renewal, supporting practitioners' own mental and physical health.For practitioners who value environmental sustainability and ecological consciousness, nature-based therapy aligns with their personal values and ethics. Engaging in ecotherapy allows practitioners to integrate their passion for nature and social responsibility into their professional practice, fostering a sense of fulfilment and purpose.
Getting Proper Ecotherapy Training
If you’re planning on entering the field of ecotherapy, you’d want to look into getting training. It may seem like there’s not much to it, but because ecotherapy relies on the connection clients have with nature, you want to understand this connection better to be able to use it more effectively for therapy.As an aspiring ecotherapist, you should look for programs that offer comprehensive training, experience and supervision by more experienced professionals.
Some ecotherapy programs offer continuing education credits for professionals like psychologists and counselors.Keep an eye out for programs that cover foundational concepts in ecopsychology, principles of therapeutic practice in natural settings, and opportunities for hands-on learning and supervision.
Online training programs can be advantageous for those seeking to learn the basics of ecotherapy quickly and cost-effectively.Unfortunately, ecotherapy is still a relatively new field, so scarcity of ecotherapy programs restricts access to training for anyone interested in pursuing ecotherapy as part of their careers.
There’s limited options, and even within those, you do have to make sure the program you pick meets certain standards. For example, you want to be sure the faculty is experienced, the curriculum is comprehensive and that you get the resources you need to practice as an ecotherapist.You may want to ask others in your community to help you with finding suitable programs.
Is Ecotherapy Viable As A Practice?
Public perceptions surrounding ecotherapy and ecopsychology can be a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and, in some cases, apprehension.While ecotherapy holds promise for promoting holistic well-being through nature-based interventions, they are often viewed with suspicion by individuals who perceive them as too unprofessional or new-agey.
Practitioners can incorporate their own governing ethic into their ecotherapy practice, ensuring ethical standards and minimizing potential harm.Some critics argue that ecotherapy and ecopsychology lack empirical evidence to support their effectiveness, raising concerns about their legitimacy as a form of therapy.Research so far has mixed findings, but the conversation around the effectiveness of ecotherapy only underscores the need for education on nature as a form of therapy. By understanding the purpose of ecotherapy, clients can understand and accept it as a means of recovery.
Gaining a Solid Foundation in Ecotherapy
At its core, ecotherapy is about taking advantage of the relationship between humans and the natural world. If you’re looking into becoming an ecotherapist, your first step is to look into the literature on ecotherapy. Even as a new field, ecopsychology looks at some key concepts that are accepted in traditional psychology like biophilia and nature deficit disorder.
Alongside that, by immersing yourself into natural environments, you get a deeper understanding of ecopsychological principles and how connecting with nature can have a restorative effect. By engaging with the community, you can get a pretty solid understanding of what ecopsychology is all about.
Of course, you do need proper training on how to leverage the healing power of nature to help your clients walk down the road of recovery, but engaging with nature yourself is a great way to understand how ecopsychology works.
Understanding Ecotherapy Techniques
Using nature to help clients heal involves using several techniques that you may not find in traditional therapy sessions. Ecotherapy sessions can include various techniques such as wilderness therapy. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Homework that Gets People Outside More
One effective ecotherapy technique involves assigning homework that encourages clients to spend time outdoors in natural settings. Whether it's taking a leisurely stroll in the park, going for a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting in a garden, spending time in nature allows individuals to unwind, decompress, and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.
Getting Active in Nature
Engaging in physical activity in natural environments is another powerful ecotherapy intervention. Activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, or practicing outdoor yoga not only promote physical health and fitness but also stimulate the senses, uplift the spirit, and foster a sense of vitality and aliveness.
Outdoor Meditation & Yoga for Mindfulness
Practicing meditation and yoga outdoors offers the opportunity for mindfulness and self-reflection - but with the healing benefits of nature. Whether it's sitting quietly by a tranquil lake, practicing yoga on a sunlit meadow, or meditating under the canopy of a forest, connecting with nature enhances present-moment awareness, deepens relaxation, and cultivates inner peace.
Using Nature Based Therapy
Incorporating nature stories, myths, and metaphors into therapy sessions can be a powerful way to explore clients' inner worlds and facilitate healing. Nature stories resonate with universal themes of growth, transformation, and resilience, providing clients with insights, inspiration, and a sense of connection to the natural world. It also gives them better insight on their own selves and how they are part of a whole, which may inspire growth and healing in ways an indoor therapy session may not.
Recommending Nature-related Books
Encouraging clients to read nature-related books can further deepen their connection with the natural world and provide inspiration for personal growth and self-discovery. Whether it's exploring the wonders of the wilderness, learning about ecological principles, or delving into nature-inspired poetry and literature, books can serve as valuable companions on the journey of ecotherapy.
Conducting Therapy Sessions Outside
Conducting therapy sessions outdoors offers a refreshing change of scenery and creates a dynamic and nurturing environment for recovery. Whether it's holding sessions in a park, garden, or natural reserve, outdoor therapy sessions provide clients with a sense of spaciousness, freedom, and connection to nature.
Bringing Nature Indoors
If you can’t go outside, bringing nature indoors can also help! Incorporating plants, natural materials, or scenic views into therapy spaces can create a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere. Indoor plants not only improve air quality but also evoke a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world, enhancing the therapeutic environment.
Using Animals in Therapy to Help with Mental Health
Animal-assisted therapy is another effective ecotherapy intervention that utilizes the healing presence of animals to support mental health and well-being. Whether it's interacting with therapy dogs, horses, or other animals, the presence of animals can reduce stress, increase feelings of comfort and safety, and facilitate emotional expression and connection.
Safety & Ethical Dilemmas in Nature Settings
While ecotherapy is a great way to improve mental health, it does raise some concerns that need to be addressed. Recognizing the interdependence between humans and the other-than-human world is crucial in ethical ecotherapy practice.
Safety Concerns
Natural environments can present some physical challenges such as odd weather, wildlife and uneven terrain. You should assess the accessibility and safety of outdoor locations to make sure that clients will be safe and comfortable. Some clients also have limited mobility and you should keep this in mind when heading out.Conducting therapy sessions in public outdoor spaces can also sometimes compromise client confidentiality.
You should be careful that any sensitive information is not overheard by others in the vicinity. Ideally, you should pick a spot where others are unable to hear or see you at all.Outdoor therapy sessions require careful planning and coordination to address things like transportation, restroom facilities, and emergency protocols. Make sure you plan and consider any possible challenges beforehand so your therapy sessions can go by without trouble.
Making Sure Ethical Standards are Upheld
Practitioners must obtain informed consent from clients before conducting therapy sessions in natural environments. This includes informing clients of the potential risks, benefits, and limitations of outdoor therapy and addressing any concerns or questions they may have.Maintaining professional boundaries can also be more challenging in outdoor settings where the lines between therapist and client roles may blur. As an ecotherapist, you must establish clear boundaries regarding physical contact, communication, and professional conduct to ensure ethical practice.
Final Thoughts
Ecotherapy can be an excellent way to take a step away from the traditional therapy model while making sure clients are getting the help they need. Not only is ecotherapy great for recovery, it’s also becoming more and more popular as the world shifts towards greater environmental consciousness and wants to connect with nature.While the effectiveness of ecotherapy is still debated, as an ecotherapist, you can measure the results of this approach using AI tools like Allia, which can help you log patient insights and assess their growth and recovery.Nature is the greatest place to heal and recharge, and bringing it into the therapy model is sure to show great success! There is also a growing interest among mental health professionals in integrating ecotherapy into their practice, recognizing its potential benefits and exploring ways to incorporate it effectively.
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