Learn about Ecotherapy - Understand how to integrate the natural environment for healing and therapeutic practices.

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