What is Ecotherapy?

Nature and Human Connection

Ecotherapy, or Nature Therapy, is a new specialization of counseling, one of many approaches to therapy, an alternative healing art, and an emerging new field in psychology. It is similar to, but different than forest bathing, which is an ancient tradition and practice of being calm and quiet in the forest for relaxation, wellbeing and healing.

Ecotherapy, or Nature Therapy, comes from the theoretical underpinnings of ecopsychology: the intersection of ecology and psychology, how the environment and human psyche interact. Ecopsychology views nature not as a resource to take from, benefit from or gain something from, but as a living, breathing entity and being to have a mutual inter-action and inter-connection with, that not only heals the human, but also heals the land. Ecotherapy is a type of therapy that helps you connect with nature to build a mutually healing relationship.

Currently, there is no regulated certification process or practice guidelines for an Ecotherapist or Nature Therapist, but there likely will be in the future as professionals come together to establish common standards.

There are three common paths to becoming an Ecotherapist or Nature Therapist:

  1. A professional licensed therapist incorporates ecotherapy techniques and methods into their counseling practice;

  2. A person with or without a counseling background completes an educational program in ecotherapy or applied ecopsychology, anywhere from three to 12 months long, through private institutions; or

  3. An applied modality, such as:

    • adventure therapy (outdoor sports activities)

    • wilderness therapy (forest bathing, hiking, backpacking, camping)

    • animal-assisted therapy (equine therapy, pet therapy)

    • environmental therapy (gardening, horticulture, conservation)

    • art therapy (photography, crafting, spirituality)

I am the first type of Nature Therapist: a professional licensed Mental Health Therapist blending wilderness, environmental and art modalities into my practice. My specialty is the forest: I teach about PNW native, edible, medicinal plants, trees and mushrooms, their emotional and spiritual healing properties, and ethical and spiritual foraging practices to help people connect with nature to heal self and land. I offer Outdoor Nature Therapy Sessions and teach about plants and mushrooms through Plant Walks, Mushroom Walks, Experiential Plant Classes, and Foraged Nature Art.