Are you feeling disconnected from your true nature? Do you feel despair about the state of the planet? Do you long for more time outdoors, wish you could find time for a walk in the woods?
Ecotherapy is a growing field that recognizes the important role our connection with nature plays in our spiritual and mental health.
As a supplement, not a substitute for traditional indoor or online therapy, taking therapy outdoors provides a fresh perspective on old problems and helps loosen the grip of some of the automatic thoughts and behaviors that can keep us stuck.
One client said after an outdoor session,
“There is something so calming and therapeutic about nature. It seems only natural to combine that with a therapy session. Even just the simple action of walking I find allows my feelings to come out easier versus when I’m sitting still. It also feels really good to release emotions and reflect in such a beautiful area that holds no judgement. Exercise for the mind and the body…what more can you ask for?”
What does Ecotherapy help treat?
- Depression, anxiety and pandemic related stress
- Food and eating issues
- Stress from too much time indoors interacting with screens
- Low mood and negative thoughts
- Body sensations such as weariness and sluggishness
- A sense of disconnection with the natural world
Incorporating mindfulness practices, including sensory awareness and listening to the wisdom of nature, people report feeling more at ease and relaxed. They start to spend more time outside, they feel rejuvenated, refreshed, energized and motivated to make real, lasting changes in their lives.
I love the feeling of movement I get out there. It’s a lot different than sitting in the office, being face to face, which I also enjoy. There’s more pause out there for reflection, there’s more to see and think about as far as the bigger picture goes. It feels a little more free, more spontaneous, I don’t always know what I’m going to talk about and it often goes in a different direction than I had expected. It’s more goal oriented for me inside, out there it feels more expansive.
E.B.