EcoPsychology: Nature as a Co-Therapist 

Ecopsychology combines the human element from psychology, with the study of how biological systems work together from ecology. A more in depth explanation of ecopsychology is that it seeks to help humans experience themselves as an integral part of nature (Strubbe 1997).

The technique of spending time in nature to promote healing and growth, particularly in the area of mental health, is known as nature therapy or ecotherapy. It may also be referred to as horticultural therapy, green care, green exercise, or green therapy. While many outdoor activities are referred to by such titles, they can also refer to certain nature therapy programs.

What is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is a type of therapeutic treatment which involves doing outdoor activities in nature. There isn’t one single definition of ecotherapy. But it’s often used to describe a regular, structured activity that:

• Is led by trained professionals (sometimes therapists), who are there to support you. Focuses on doing an activity, rather than on your health.
• Takes place in nature or on or near to water. Is related to exploring and appreciating the natural world
• Involves spending time with other people, although you can always choose to interact at your own pace

Types of Nature Therapy

There are various forms of nature therapy because programs can involve a wide range of activities. Some of these include:

Adventure treatment

This can be done in a group or individual setting and incorporates nature-exploration activities. Rock climbing and rafting are two excellent examples.

Animal-assisted interventions or therapy

Therapies or interventions involving animals. Spending time with animals is part of both of these alternatives.  Farms and other places where you can pet or feed the animals are used in animal-assisted treatments. Conversely, the goal of animal-assisted therapy is to establish a therapeutic bond with animals, such as dogs or houses.

Crafts and the arts 

This kind blends nature and artistic crafts, as the name implies. You may apply your artistic abilities to paint in a park or woodland. Using natural materials like clay, grass, or wood, as well as drawing inspiration for artwork from green environments, are also included in this category.

Farming for therapeutic purposes 

You will engage in farming activities with this type, which may include caring for farm animals or growing crops.

Therapy in the wilderness 

In a group setting, this kind of therapy is effective. You will spend time in the woods engaging in activities such as building shelters or hiking.

Dark character 

Since dark nature activities happen at night, you may, for instance, go stargazing.

Therapeutic horticulture 

This requires gardening, so you might cultivate food in community gardens. Other activities, such as selling homegrown crops at a farmer’s market, might occasionally result from therapeutic horticulture.

What Benefits Does Nature Therapy Offer? 

Spending time in natural settings may have positive effects on mental health, according to an increasing body of studies. For instance, spending time in a green area has been associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and symptoms of sadness.  Children with attention issues and those suffering from depression both benefit from spending time in nature.

Nature therapy can be paired with other options, like:

• Art and creative therapies
• Medication
• Talk therapy

“Ecotherapy is one tool that you have to draw on to strengthen and deepen the work that you’re doing with your clients or your patients,” Hasbach says.

The relation between Nature and Mental Health

1. Nature’s Stress-Reducing Effect:

Numerous studies have highlighted nature’s stress-reducing benefits. For example, Bratman et al., (2015) found that a 90-minute walk in a natural setting significantly reduced rumination, a key factor in depression.

2. Enhanced Mood and Emotional Well-being:

Exposure to nature has been linked to improved mood and emotional well-being. A 2019 study in the “International Journal of Environmental Health Research” reported that individuals who spent time in natural settings reported greater happiness and lower levels of anxiety. 

3. Eco therapy’s Therapeutic Approach:

Ecotherapy employs various techniques, such as wilderness therapy, horticultural therapy, and animal-assisted therapy, to help individuals connect with nature. These practices can provide a sense of purpose and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

4. Biophilia Hypothesis:

The concept of biophilia, introduced by E.O. Wilson suggests that humans have an innate, biological connection to nature. This connection is believed to have a profound impact on mental well-being, and ecotherapy capitalizes on this connection to promote healing.

5. Eco therapy’s Real-world Success:

Ecotherapy has been successfully implemented in various therapeutic settings. An example is the “Shinrin Yoku” or forest bathing practice in Japan, which involves mindful immersion in a forest environment. Research indicates that forest bathing can lower cortisol levels and improve overall mental health.

Healing with nature 

Another major idea in ecopsychology is the healing of persons who are troubled. As in psychology, in order to help persons, healers must first understand their problems. One suggestion for understanding persons in need is to look at their current situation. Earth is a planet that is “deteriorating ecologically” and is inhabited by people who are psychologically troubled (Brown 1995, p.xiii). In his short description of ecopsychology in the Wall Street Journal, Tim Aeppel (1995) reported that when eco psychologists work with people, they find that the relationship with the natural world is their problem, usually causing depression. Sometimes persons also feel grief for things happening in nature, such as deforestation, because they are losing things they love such as trees they played in as a child. However, many times this grief is not expressed and creates hidden psychological problems (Bayland 1995)

Conclusion

Ecopsychology focuses on what humans can do to fix the problems of this earth. This discussion clearly has principles that provide a basis for understanding this new approach to environmentalism. They can be used to both help human populations and also to help the planet through the use of ecotherapy and eco education. Ecopsychology combines the great ideas of ecology, psychology and religion, allowing each person design his/her system for helping the world and humans. No longer are environmentalists pushed to scare tactics. Ecopsychology is an alternative way to help save the planet. Olaf Skarsholt sums up how ecopsychology may help people view the earth as precious in “Earth Ball” (Clinebell 1996):

FAQs

1. What is Ecopsychology?

Ecopsychology is the study of the relationship between human beings and the natural world, integrating psychology and ecology to promote emotional and environmental well-being.

2. How does Ecopsychology benefit mental health?

It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by encouraging deeper connections with nature, which can foster calmness, clarity, and emotional healing.

3. What practices are used in ecopsychology?

Common practices include nature walks, wilderness therapy, gardening, animal-assisted therapy, and mindfulness in natural settings.

4. Why is ecopsychology important today?

As people become more disconnected from nature due to urbanization and technology, ecopsychology helps restore that bond, which is essential for both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.