Taking therapy outdoors!
More and more people are discovering nature therapy. Read about this emerging specialty in the Seattle Times.
What is Nature Therapy?
Nature therapy, or ecotherapy, is a new specialization in the counseling field. Therapy sessions are held outdoors, usually in a park, while walking or sitting.
Nature therapy is similar to, but different than forest bathing, which is an ancient tradition and practice of being calm and quiet in the forest for relaxation, wellbeing and healing, let by a guide.
Nature therapy comes from ecopsychology: the intersection of ecology and psychology, where nature meets the human psyche. Nature therapy explores how the external landscape reflects our internal landscape. We learn to listen to nature speak to our inner struggles.
A core value of ecotherapy is reciprocal relationship with nature, rather than coming to nature as a resource to take from.
Why Nature Therapy?
Research shows that being in nature is healing and has many health benefits.
Nature calms and soothes the nervous system, especially for folks who are neurodivergent.
Some people feel more at ease in nature to open up more easily.
It can feel disarming to walk and talk outdoors rather than sit face to face in an office setting.
Feel more connected to nature. Get out of your head and into your body.
Interacting with nature as part of therapy brings a unique element to the therapeutic process.
Nature is another therapist in the room, offering guidance and insight.
Who is a Nature Therapist?
Currently, there is no regulated certification process or practice guidelines for a Nature Therapist or Ecotherapist, but there likely will be in the future as professionals come together to establish common standards. There are two common paths to becoming a Nature Therapist:
1) Licensed Therapist
A professional licensed Master’s level therapist incorporates nature therapy techniques and methods into their counseling practice with or without additional training, a specialized educational program or certificate in nature therapy, ecotherapy, ecopsychology, ecospirituality, or a specific healing practice such as those listed below in the practitioner path. Common licenses are:
LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
LICSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
LMHCA, LICSWA and LMFTA are Associates working towards licensure hours
2) Practitioner
A practitioner, guide, facilitator, or coach without a professional therapy license completes a nature oriented training, educational program or certificate in a healing practice anywhere from one day to 24 months long through a private school, including but not limited to:
forest bathing or forest therapy
adventure therapy or wilderness therapy (retreats, hiking, backpacking, outdoor sports activities)
wilderness awareness, environmentalism, conservation, ethnobotany, herbalism
animal-assisted therapy (equine therapy, pet therapy)
nature oriented spirituality