The human connection to nature can be one of the most under rated tools for healing the physical, emotional and psychological stressors that affect us all.
This course helps you to appreciate this fact, and build an understanding of how to harness nature for wellbeing.
Study to improve your own wellbeing; or to work as an ecotherapist helping others.
COURSE CONTENT
Lesson 1: Nature and Scope of Ecotherapy
- Applications of ecotherapy
- Ecopsychology
- What is ecotherapy?
- What is involved in ecotherapy
- Using ecotherapy alongside other therapies
- The need for mental health interventions
- General benefits of nature on wellbeing
- Ecotherapy settings
- Useful terminology
Lesson 2: Theory of Ecotherapy
- General findings
- Ecological theories
- Problems associated with built environments
- Models underpinning ecotherapy
- Nature and mental health research
- Is direct contact with nature necessary?
Lesson 3: Ecotherapy Clients
- General wellbeing benefits
- Psychological benefits
- Physical benefits
- Understanding the body’s responses to stress
- General barriers to getting involved in ecotherapy
- How to overcome these barriers
- Ecotherapy for mental disorders
- Ecotherapy for physical conditions
- Specific issues
Lesson 4: Intake Assessment & Ecotherapy Resources
- Interviewing potential clients
- Interviewing techniques
- Determining suitability
- Background history
- Choosing ecotherapy environments
Lesson 5: Environment-Based Ecotherapy
- Using the environment
- Types of environment activities
- Conservation projects
- Wilderness therapy
- Forest bathing
- Breathing and relaxation exercises
- Other outdoor activities
Lesson 6: Plant-Based Ecotherapy
- Physical ecotherapy activities
- Psychological ecotherapy activities
- Fascination therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Horticultural therapy
- Using the senses
Lesson 7: Animal-Based Ecotherapy
- Bird watching
- Pet therapy
- Equine assisted therapy and horse riding
- Animal habitats
- Care farming and therapeutic farm activities
- Interacting with wildlife
- Using the senses
Lesson 8: Indoor Ecotherapy
- Indoor applications of ecotherapy
- Workspaces
- Photographs
- Growing at home
- Fresh flowers in the home or ecotherapy space
- Touching nature
- Arts and crafts
- Creating nature indoors
- Pets and animals indoors
Lesson 9: Creativity based Ecotherapy
- Therapeutic photography
- Writing therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Drama therapy
- Dance therapy
- The benefits of creative therapies
Lesson 10: Holistic Wellness incorporating Ecotherapy
- Walking
- Relaxation
- Mindfulness
- Counselling in nature
- Combining ecotherapy with other modalities
- Our connection with nature
COURSE AIMS
- Apply different ecotherapy solutions to meet different therapy needs.
- Discuss ecotherapy including applications and benefits.
- Explain
different theories underpinning the ecotherapy perspective which
support its association with physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Evaluate and determine clients for whom ecotherapy may be an appropriate form of therapy.
- Determine a broad range of resources and how to appropriately use them for ecotherapy.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that harness the use of different environments.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that utilise plants in a variety of contexts.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that utilise animals in a variety of contexts.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that can be applied indoors.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that utilise creative and artistic activities in a variety of contexts.
Apply ecotherapy to formulate wellness advice that blends with other health and wellbeing initiatives.
The course has ten lessons. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
You can also contact your tutor with any questions throughout the course.
Ecotherapy encourages us to feel more connected with nature, to realise that we have a close relationship with nature.
If you are interested in studying ecotherapy for yourself or to expand your existing job skills, then why not enrol today?
Modern Living has its Problems
There is increasing evidence that urban environments which are devoid of nature, or elements of it, are less conducive to recovery from stress-related problems. Findings from the field of environmental psychology also suggest that some types of environment i.e. those which include green spaces, can help us to cope with stress better. The relationship between good health and green spaces is difficult to quantify. For instance, it could be that living near green spaces enhances health or that those with better health are attracted to areas where there is green space. Nevertheless, the presence of green space and the quality of the space do seem to correlate with better health.
One of the main concerns with built environments are their association with stress. Environmental stressors such as crowding, pollution, and noise have strong correlations with increased stress levels, and poorer health outcomes. Many people in cities experience these types of stressors every day, and their impact is likely to be more wise reaching if they are unable to find ways to reduce them or control them, such as making use of green spaces.
Stress theory highlights the importance of human physiology, cognition, and emotions in people-environment interactions. People have a stress response to the environment when incoming stimuli perceived through the senses exceed an optimal level for functioning.
Any Questions?
Our ecotherapy tutors are more than happy to answer any questions, so please click here to contact us.