Understand how interacting with nature can benefit human health and wellbeing. Study a wide range of different types of Eco therapeutic activities you can draw upon in order to respond to a person’s therapeutic needs.
This course will help develop a fundamental understanding of ecotherapy and forge a foundation to continue developing your knowledge and understanding of the subject post-study.
What's covered in the course?
Lesson 1. Nature & Scope of Ecotherapy Applications
- Ecopsychology
- What is Ecotherapy
- Need for Mental Health Interventions
- General Benefits of Nature on Wellbeing
- Ecotherapy Settings
- Care Farms
- Community Gardens
- Parks
- Wilderness
- Green Spaces
- Nature in Towns and Cities
- Terminology
- Lesson Review
Lesson 2. Theoretical Perspectives
- Ecological Theories
- Problems Associated with Built Environments
- Nature & Mental Health Research
- Is Direct Contact with Nature Necessary?
- Lesson Review
Lesson 3. Clients in Ecotherapy
- Psychological Wellbeing Benefits to Clients
- Physical Benefits to Clients
- Barriers to Getting Involved in Ecotherapy
- Psychological Issues -Biophobia, Autism
- Physical Issues -Mobility, Sensory Deficits
- Safe Practices – Hazards, Risks, Allergies, First Aid, Legalities, Insurance, Ethics
- Lesson Review
Lesson 4. Outdoor Ecotherapy with Plants
- Activities with Plants
Harvesting Food
- Grow Your Own Food
- Foraging
- Conservation Projects
- Gardening
- Green Exercise, Green Gyms
- Blue Spaces
- Psychological Ecotherapy Activity – Fascination Therapy, Nature Meditation, Forest Bathing, Horticultural Therapy, etc
- Using the Senses – Taste, Sound, Smell. Touch, Sight
- Extreme Weather
- Lesson Review
Lesson 5. Outdoor Ecotherapy with Animals
- Ecotherapy with Animals
- Bird Watching
- Photography
- Pets
- Pet Therapy
- Equine Therapy
- Farms
- Interacting with Wildlife
- Water
- Using the Senses
- Lesson Review
Lesson 6. Indoor Ecotherapy Activities
- Electronically Engaging with Nature
- Photographs
- Stargazing
- Growing plants Indoors
- Cut Flowers
- Touching Nature
- Arts and Crafts
- Indoor Pets/ Animals
- Lesson Review
Lesson 7. Creative Arts Ecotherapy Activities
- Therapeutic Photography
- Writing
- Poetry
- Art
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
- Play Therapy
- Lesson Review
Lesson 8. Complimentary Therapies and Activities
- Walking
- Relaxation
- Mindfulness
- Counselling in Nature
- Silence
- Other Modalities
- Our Connection with Nature
- Lesson Review
- Final Assessment
Who is this course for?
This is suitable for –
- Psychologists
- Counsellors
- Health professionals
- Youth Worker
- Carers
- Support family member or friend
