Ecotherapy
What is Ecotherapy?
Our approach to mental health treatment is rooted in sound clinical practice, individualized treatment, and the conviction that our minds are healthier when we are connected to the natural world around us. Nature models resilience, strength, restoration, and acceptance - and helps us practice it for ourselves!
An ecotherapy session might include walking and talking in the woods, exploring and playing along a stream, or simply deep breathing in fresh air. This is a great counseling option for kids (and adults) who struggle to sit still, teenagers who don't like the idea of being stuck talking in an office for an hour, or anyone else seeking a less traditional, more active way of caring for their mental health.
Nature-Based Child Therapy
For children who struggle with attentional or emotional challenges, ecotherapy offers them a chance to move, explore, and build coping skills in a safe, structured, fun environment.
Adventure Therapy Aftercare
Ecotherapy is an excellent aftercare option for individuals who have participated in intensive adventure therapy programs and wish to continue with counseling when they return home.
The Evidence for Ecotherapy
An overview of Ecotherapy, including its history and and philosophy: https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/econature-therapy
An guide to Ecotherapy for clinicians: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/ecotherapy-9781137486875/
A new journal dedicated to the field of Ecopsychology: https://home.liebertpub.com/publications/ecopsychology/300/overview
What to Expect During an Ecotherapy Session
How long is an ecotherapy session?
Sessions are similar in length to traditional office-based therapy, but with slightly more flexibility. Time varies from half an hour to 90 minutes, depending on your age, attention span, and our goals for treatment.
What should I wear?
Please have appropriate outerwear for your session. Patients are expected to be prepared for therapy sessions by equipping themselves with outerwear appropriate to the season and temperature. This may include, but is not limited to:
Waterproof jacket and rain boots on rainy days
Parka, hat, mittens, and snow boots on cold winter days
Hat, sneakers, sunscreen, and insect repellent in spring and summer months
What if I get too hot / too cold / too tired when we're outside?
When we start working together, and periodically throughout treatment, we will check in about your goals for therapy. The truth is, sometimes therapy can be uncomfortable. Dressing appropriately for the weather will help you to stay focused on our work, but there may still be times where you feel uncomfortable outside. If this happens, we will work together to make a determination about the safety of continuing to do our session outdoors, and change locations if it becomes necessary to do so.