EcoTherapy

Ecotherapy, sometimes called nature therapy or green therapy, is founded on the idea that being outdoors, in natural environments, can have a positive influence on the body, mood, and behavior. Therapists that specialize in ecotherapy will view issues with the lens of a client's relationship with their environment – and may even hold some sessions outdoors or recommend locations, frequency, and durations of time to spend outdoors. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s ecotherapy experts today.

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I'm experienced in working with climate anxiety and climate grief, as well as with ecological anxiety and grief in general. I also help people reduce stress through increasing their connection with nature. In person, I offer nature-based therapy and hiking therapy for established clients.

— Laura Carter Robinson, Clinical Psychologist in Ann Arbor, MI

We’ve long understood the benefits of “talk therapy” for the treatment of emotional distress. Science also proves that nature is a powerful medicine. Getting outside the traditional setting of an office may help you feel more comfortable while discussing painful issues. Ecotherapy has been linked to lower levels of stress hormones, increased attentiveness, decreased rumination, and improvements in mood. ​

— Amanda Wetegrove-Romine, Psychologist in San Antonio, TX
 

Ecotherapy aims to connect individuals therapeutically with nature. Walk + Talk sessions are available in order to bring about the mind/body connection in your therapy process, as well as, getting you grounded back with nature.

— Dr. Dana Avey, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Colorado Springs, CO

Many people struggle with a sense of isolation and disconnectedness, both from one another and the world around them. We are tenants of an incredible natural environment with many invisible, often unnoticed healing elements. In studying ecotherapy, I have found—and even presented—research on myriad ways we are impacted by light, soil, water, plants, animals, and more. If outdoor or walk-and-talk therapy is not for you, we can still collaborate to enrich your life with nature.

— Amber George, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia Beach, VA
 

Ecotherapy combines the healing power of nature with traditional therapeutic techniques. Exposure to nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase concentration. We can help you develop a plan to increase your contact with nature – including increasing outdoor activities, engaging in nature-based grounding exercises, or adding natural elements to your home and work environments.

— Jennifer Beytin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arlington, VA

Ecotherapy centers in the inborn wisdom that humans are a part of nature and that our relationship with nature predicates our mental health. When we are more connected with wider nature around us, we feel more joy, calm, awe, grounding, or a childlike curiosity. This can feed a natural inclination to care for the Earth, and recognize the preciousness of our ecosystem. Ecotherapy then seeks to source us in nature and help us to uncover our place in the interconnected web of life.

— Kara London, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Tustin, CA
 

As an ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, I support clients in nature connection practices, for the purpose of embodiment thru the senses, and to experience wholeness with nature. This is typically a two and a half to a three hour slow walk in a nature setting, in which invitations are offered to experience the more-than-human world, for physical and mental health benefits. With all of modern life's distractions, being in nature opens the senses and deepens our relationships and wellbeing.

— Amanda Chapman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Johnson City, TN

Ecotherapy, also called nature therapy or green therapy, is the practice of being in nature to improve psychological and physiological health. “Ecotherapy” is an umbrella term that encompasses nature-based activities and nature therapy programs that aim to improve mental and overall health. It’s important to note there’s a difference between ecotherapy and simply spending time in nature.

— Meredith Snow, Art Therapist in Alameda, CA
 

Nature Therapy & Eco-Therapy use connecting with nature as a way to support mental health. I respect nature as an ally in healing. How we interact with nature depends on your interests. It could be as simple as taking a hike, cooling our feet in a stream on a hot day, or building a campfire while we talk. If you’d like to go deeper, we could explore cultivating relationships with specific plants, animals, or streams, or consider how the changing seasons may reflect internal changes within you.

— Kallie England, Clinical Social Worker in Ann Arbor, MI

Ecotherapy's purpose is to get you off the couch and out of the office. Being outdoors in nature is our default way of being and can serve as a grounding space for practicing coping skills and connecting more deeply to the world around us.

— Nathaniel Putnam, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Canton, MA
 

I have been practicing ecopsychology for over 10 years. This may include using plants and pictures of plants or a nature scene, or it may include meeting in person (when possible) on the beach or in the woods. The use of nature provides for a deeper level of healing that may increase empathy for oneself, others and the planet.

— Dr. Denise Renye, Sex Therapist

Through my and your relationship with nature, we will spend time outdoors in and with nature for guidance, metaphor, wisdom, allyship, validation, and strength. Sometimes we will simply sit or walk in nature and other times we may have a specific journey or exercise with nature. We evolve as nature evolves, we are not separate from, but part of and within nature and nature is within us.

— Becky Robbins, Creative Art Therapist in Kenmore, WA
 

Ecotherapy recognizes that our dis-ease as humans stems from living a life that is disconnected and out of harmony with the natural rhythms of the earth. To place mental illness solely in personal reality is a delusional repression of actual experience. Our lived experiences - on freeways, in food deserts, and concrete jungles - has separated us from our own rhythms. Our goal then, is simply to welcome you back to the rhythms of your body and the earth.

— Amelia Hodnett, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Seattle, WA