Train to be a Practitioner of Ecotherapy | Online Learning with Psychology and Science Tutor Support
The practice of ecotherapy recognises the wide range of benefits the natural world can offer to our health and well-being.
It gives an individual a deep connection with nature via land of water based activities which may help achieve wellness - either physically or psychologically. The practice of ecotherapy is the application of ecopsychology which delves deeper into issues relating to sustainability.
Ecotherapy in the applied sense includes treatments such as:
- horticultural therapy,
- pet therapy,
- forest bathing,
- a diverse range of nature-based activities.
Ecotherapy is increasingly accepted and applied by both traditional and alternative practitioners as a component in their overall treatment strategies. It is recognised and understood as a powerful tool used by individuals seeking to improve their own wellbeing.
This online course teaches the theory and practical applications of ecotherapy.
There are 10 lessons in this course:
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
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?
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
Intake Assessment and Ecotherapy Resources
- Interviewing potential clients
- Interviewing techniques
- Determining suitability
- Background history
- Choosing ecotherapy environments
Environment-Based Ecotherapy
- Using the environment
- Types of environment activities
- Conservation projects
- Wilderness Therapy
- Forest bathing
- Breathing and relaxation exercises
- Other outdoor activities
Plant-Based Ecotherapy
- Physical ecotherapy activities
- Psychological ecotherapy activities
- Fascination therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Horticultural therapy
- Using the senses
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
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
Creativity Based Ecotherapy
- Therapeutic photography
- Writing therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Drama therapy
- Dance therapy
- The benefits of creative therapies
Holistic Wellness
- Walking
- Relaxation
- Mindfulness
- Counselling in nature
- Combining ecotherapy with other modalities
- Our connection with nature
This course is for you if you want to work:
- with young people who have social and emotional struggles
- with vulnerable people who need social connection
- in alternative health
- in counselling
- in animal assisted therapies
- in education
- in aged care settings
- as a coach
- Human resources or workforce development
Anyone who has completed an industry course and wants to move into therapeutic practice within their industry is encouraged to consider ecotherapy.
How this course works!