Nature Therapy

Nature Based Therapy (NBT) or Ecotherapy as it is often referred to is an emerging field of practice based off the concept of ecopsychology founded by Theodore Roszak. The basic concept of Nature based therapy “is about creating a deeper connection to nature and feeling better for it”. At the core of ecotherapy is the combination of increased awareness of the present and an immersion in nature.

The concept of conducting healing and transformative work in nature is not new; it can be traced back to ancient times when people lived in communities in nature and evolved around the natural world. 

Nature based therapy uses the innate healing properties of the natural world as the therapist and often combines mindfulness with an immersion in nature or the use of nature as a metaphor when access to green or blue spaces are unavailable. 

Nature based therapy is an active form of healthcare prevention and intervention which attempts to draw on the benefits of nature-based activity to support mental health and wellbeing. Nature based therapy can include, nature meditation, horticulture therapy, animal assisted therapy, forest bathing, bushcraft skills, creative arts, physical movement in natural environment such as yoga or walking