Ecotherapy Practice course for learning about nature-based therapy and holistic health practices.
This course will cover the theories underpinning Ecotherapy Practices, the benefits and the different ways in which you might find yourself conducting ecotherapy.
If you are already a practitioner would like to study this course for professional development or would like to learn the ecotherapy for your own practice, this course is ideal to understand the fundamentals of Ecotherapy Practice.
This course covers the following lessons:
Lesson 1: Nature and Scope of Ecotherapy
- Applications of ecotherapy
- Ecopsychology
- What is ecotherapy?
- What is involved in ecotherapy
- Using ecotherapy alongside other therapies
- The need for mental health interventions
- General benefits of nature on wellbeing
- Ecotherapy settings
- Useful terminology
Lesson 2: Theory of Ecotherapy
- General findings
- Ecological theories
- Problems associated with built environments
- Models underpinning ecotherapy
- Nature and mental health research
- Is direct contact with nature necessary?
Lesson 3: Ecotherapy Clients
- General wellbeing benefits
- Psychological benefits
- Physical benefits
- Understanding the body’s responses to stress
- General barriers to getting involved in ecotherapy
- How to overcome these barriers
- Ecotherapy for mental disorders
- Ecotherapy for physical conditions
- Specific issues
Lesson 4: Intake Assessment & Ecotherapy Resources
- Interviewing potential clients
- Interviewing techniques
- Determining suitability
- Background history
- Choosing ecotherapy environments
Lesson 5: Environment-Based Ecotherapy
- Using the environment
- Types of environment activities
- Conservation projects
- Wilderness Therapy
- Forest bathing
- Breathing and relaxation exercises
- Other outdoor activities
Lesson 6: Plant-Based Ecotherapy
- Physical ecotherapy activities
- Psychological ecotherapy activities
- Fascination therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Horticultural therapy
- Using the senses
Lesson 7: Animal-Based Ecotherapy
- Bird watching
- Pet therapy
- Equine assisted therapy and horse riding
- Animal habitats
- Care farming and therapeutic farm activities
- Interacting with wildlife
- Using the senses
Lesson 8: Indoor Ecotherapy
- Indoor applications of ecotherapy
- Workspaces
- Photographs
- Growing at home
- Fresh flowers in the home or ecotherapy space
- Touching nature
- Arts and crafts
- Creating nature indoors
- Pets and animals indoors
Lesson 9: Creativity based Ecotherapy
- Therapeutic photography
- Writing therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Drama therapy
- Dance therapy
- The benefits of creative therapies
Lesson 10: Holistic Wellness incorporating Ecotherapy
- Walking
- Relaxation
- Mindfulness
- Counselling in nature
- Combining ecotherapy with other modalities
- Our connection with nature
