Nature Therapy: Types and Benefits


Maurie Lung, PhD, was in second grade when she realized what she wanted to do when she grew up.

“When I went away to summer camp, my little Strawberry Shortcake diary said, ‘When I grow up, I want to help people in the outdoors,’” Lung says. And that’s exactly what she does today.

Lung oversees the nature-based and adventure-based counseling programs at Prescott College and is also a licensed therapist and counselor who does nature-based and adventure-based counseling for individuals, couples, and families.

What Is Nature Therapy?

Nature therapy, also called ecotherapy, is the practice of being in nature to boost growth and healing, especially mental health. You might also hear it called green care, green exercise, green therapy, or horticulture therapy. Although people use those terms to describe lots of outdoor activities, they can also be examples of specific nature therapy programs.

The meaning of nature therapy can vary from person to person, but in general, nature therapy involves:

  • A trained, supportive professional, like a therapist
  • A green environment
  • Appreciating and exploring nature

Types of Nature Therapy

Because nature therapy programs can include many activities, there are different types of therapies. Some include:

  • Adventure therapy. This uses activities that explore nature and can be done in an individual or group setting. Rafting and rock climbing are good examples.
  • Animal-assisted interventions or therapy. Both of these options include spending time with animals. Animal-assisted interventions use locations like farms where you can pet or feed the animals. On the other hand, animal-assisted therapy focuses on building a therapeutic relationship with animals like dogs or houses.
  • Arts and crafts. Like the name suggests, this type combines creative crafts with nature. You might use your creative skills to paint in a green space, like a park or a forest. This type also includes using natural materials like clay, grass, or wood or using green spaces as inspiration for art.
  • Conservation. Conservation pairs protection spaces in nature with physical exercise.
  • Dark nature. Dark nature activities take place at night, so you might practice stargazing, for example.
  • Green exercise. Here, you’ll do physical activities in green spaces. That could be running, going on a walk, or taking a bike ride, for example.
  • Therapeutic farming. With this type, you’ll participate in farming activities, so you might grow crops or take care of farm animals.
  • Therapeutic horticulture. This involves gardening, so you might grow food in community gardens. Sometimes therapeutic horticulture leads to other activities, like selling home-grown crops at a farmer’s market.
  • Wilderness therapy. This type of therapy works well in a group. You’ll spend time in the wild doing activities like hiking or making shelters.

How Does Nature Therapy Help?

More and more research suggests that spending time in natural environments can be linked to mental health benefits.

For example, being in a green space has been linked to less anxiety, fewer depression symptoms, and lower stress levels. Spending time in nature helps people with depression and kids with attention problems think more clearly.

“One of the top benefits that we address are for people who are trying to reduce anxiety or depression and increase relationship and connection,” Lung says. “I also think it’s super engaging, so for kids and teenagers … [and] for people who are reluctant to be in therapy.”

Patricia Hasbach, PhD, a licensed professional counselor and clinical psychotherapist, is another expert in ecotherapy. She’s also co-director of the ecopsychology program at Lewis & Clark College.

Hasbach recalls one such person, a patient in a cardiac rehabilitation center, who was reluctant about therapy.

“He was pretty nervous about talking with me and I suggested, ‘You want to just take a walk outside?’ And I just noticed how his voice changed,” Hasbach says. “He become more relaxed … and that was my first ‘aha’ moment that there’s something here that I need to pay attention to.”

Continued

Researchers have studied nature’s healing effects in a number of areas, including:

“[It’s about] noticing what’s around you and increasing our own awareness of ourselves in relation to our world and environment,” Lung says. “Just the symbiotic benefits of being outside.”

Can Everyone Do Nature Therapy?

Not everyone who does nature therapy has a mental health condition. Anyone can reap the benefits of ecotherapy.

“I really operate in my clinical practice on this idea that because we are nature, everybody can benefit from including ecotherapy into their work,” Hasbach says.

You can do nature therapy anywhere, whether you live in rural, suburban, or urban areas. For example, Lung’s practice is in a very urban area, but she often relies on county parks and nearby beaches.

Nature therapy might involve places like gardens, farms, forests, or parks. Usually, nature therapy involves experiencing nature (like taking a walk through the forest) or working in nature (like gardening).

Continued

The amount of physical activity you’ll get in nature therapy depends on the person. Lung says she tailors the activities she incorporates into her practice based on the people she’s working with.

“If I’m working with a teenager and we’re working on frustration times, then I might be doing paddle boarding outside. But I might not do paddle boarding if I’m working with couples because it’s a super individualistic activity. In that case, I might do sailing because that’s a cooperative activity,” Lung says. “Nature-based interventions have the flexibility to be really clinically relevant.”

Nature therapy can be paired with other options, like:

“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.



Source link

39 thoughts on “Nature Therapy: Types and Benefits

  • August 19, 2023 at 1:17 am
    Permalink

    When I initially commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive
    4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that
    service? Thank you!

  • August 20, 2023 at 1:37 am
    Permalink

    The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn’t fail me just as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, however I genuinely thought you’d have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy seeking attention.

  • August 20, 2023 at 3:42 pm
    Permalink

    Hello there, I found your website by way of Google whilst looking for a similar
    topic, your website got here up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google
    bookmarks.
    Hello there, just turned into alert to your blog via Google,
    and found that it is truly informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels.
    I will appreciate in case you continue this in future.
    Numerous people might be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

  • August 20, 2023 at 6:18 pm
    Permalink

    An annual percentage price is aan quantity that shows how
    a lot your loan fees if you usse it for the complete year.

    Also visit mmy web-site – 대출직빵

  • August 21, 2023 at 1:11 am
    Permalink

    Caarrying oout this will imply you get too spend your loan back early and demonstrate
    your credit-worthiness to any future credit providers you might del with.

    Here is my page 저신용자 대출

  • August 21, 2023 at 11:14 am
    Permalink

    Mosst females begin their industrial careers by applying to job postings, rather than through networking or
    referrals.

    Here is my site :: 여성알바

  • August 21, 2023 at 1:58 pm
    Permalink

    Much less nicely-known iss that they are out-pacing men in other locations
    of medicine.

    Herre is my webpage … 쩜오 알바

  • August 21, 2023 at 3:44 pm
    Permalink

    Hello there! I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for
    the excellent info you have right here on this post.
    I’ll be returning to your web site for more soon.

  • August 21, 2023 at 4:00 pm
    Permalink

    Hi there terrific blog! Does running a blog such as this require a
    great deal of work? I’ve absolutely no expertise in computer programming
    however I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, should you
    have any ideas or tips for new blog owners please share.
    I know this is off topic nevertheless I just wanted to ask.
    Thanks a lot!

  • August 22, 2023 at 1:30 am
    Permalink

    Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.

    After all I’ll be subscribing on your rss feed and I’m hoping you write once more very soon!

  • August 22, 2023 at 5:21 am
    Permalink

    If a black midi dress is calling your name, The Farah Midi Wrap
    Dress from Lulus is ann answer to your wishes.

    Feel free tto surf to my page: 이지알바

  • August 22, 2023 at 7:27 am
    Permalink

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.

    I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more
    of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  • August 22, 2023 at 9:37 am
    Permalink

    Great delivery. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing effort.

  • August 22, 2023 at 11:30 am
    Permalink

    This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
    Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Thanks a lot!

  • August 22, 2023 at 12:30 pm
    Permalink

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and
    now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  • August 22, 2023 at 4:07 pm
    Permalink

    I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.

    I needs to spend some time learning more or
    understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info
    I was looking for this info for my mission.

  • August 22, 2023 at 11:02 pm
    Permalink

    Howdy! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog
    platform are you using for this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with
    hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good
    platform.

  • August 22, 2023 at 11:13 pm
    Permalink

    This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Best wishes! Exactly
    where are your contact details though?

  • August 22, 2023 at 11:15 pm
    Permalink

    My relatives all the time say that I am wasting my time here
    at net, except I know I am getting experience all the time by reading thes nice posts.

  • August 22, 2023 at 11:38 pm
    Permalink

    Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it
    was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted
    and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.

    I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any recommendations for newbie blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.

  • August 23, 2023 at 1:59 am
    Permalink

    It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before finish I am reading
    this impressive article to improve my experience.

  • August 23, 2023 at 6:13 am
    Permalink

    Does your website have a contact page? I’m having
    a tough time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
    I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might
    be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  • August 23, 2023 at 6:36 am
    Permalink

    I was able to find good info from your blog posts.

  • August 23, 2023 at 7:19 am
    Permalink

    I truly love your blog.. Great colors & theme.
    Did you build this website yourself? Please reply back
    as I’m attempting to create my own site and want to learn where you got this from or
    what the theme is called. Many thanks!

  • August 23, 2023 at 7:47 am
    Permalink

    Excellent post. I am dealing with many of these issues as
    well..

  • August 23, 2023 at 7:57 am
    Permalink

    What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it
    has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & aid
    other customers like its helped me. Good job.

  • August 23, 2023 at 8:03 pm
    Permalink

    Pretty element of content. I just stumbled upon your
    site and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact loved account your
    blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing for your augment or even I
    achievement you get admission to persistently fast.

  • September 1, 2023 at 11:37 pm
    Permalink

    I think this is one of the most important information for me.

    And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The website style is perfect, the
    articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  • September 2, 2023 at 2:15 am
    Permalink

    I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!

  • September 16, 2023 at 5:29 pm
    Permalink

    Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty
    much the same layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!

  • September 18, 2023 at 4:15 pm
    Permalink

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my
    own weblog and was curious what all is required to get setup?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% sure.
    Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Kudos

  • September 18, 2023 at 4:25 pm
    Permalink

    I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
    I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going
    to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  • October 20, 2023 at 8:36 am
    Permalink

    When someone writes an piece of writing he/she keeps the image of a user in his/her mind that how a user can know it.
    Therefore that’s why this article is outstdanding. Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.