An initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of incorporating ecotherapy in a therapeutic setting.
Ecotherapy- also known as nature-based therapy, uses nature to support mental and emotional well-being and can be a powerful complement to traditional talk therapy.
From guided forest walks and community gardening to animal-assisted therapy and outdoor mindfulness, ecotherapy takes many forms. Research shows that time spent in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and improve mood and focus.
Our goal is to share the therapeutic power of ecotherapy in a clinical setting by sharing research, stories, and resources for professionals and curious minds.
Nature as a therapeutic place and tool for enhancing service users’ engagement in mental health services: A comprehensive synthesis of evidence
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1353829224001722
The effectiveness of nature-based therapy for community psychological distress and well-being during COVID-19: a multi-site trial
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49702-0
‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735820300295
Nature as therapist: Integrating permaculture with mindfulness- and acceptance-based therapy in the Danish Healing Forest Garden Nacadia
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13642537.2012.734471
Therapists face several obstacles when using nature as a clinical tool. These include inconsistent session protocols, limited training in outdoor risk management and animal‑assisted ethics, safety and liability concerns (for example, weather, terrain or client mobility), accessibility challenges for clients without nearby green space or reliable transport, and uncertainty about billing, documentation and maintaining confidentiality in public settings.
What are the existing barriers?
Join a Community of Ecotherapy Practitioners
Whether you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, or nature enthusiast, your voice matters. Join the conversation!