What is Ecotherapy?
In recent times, we have started to better understand the powerful connection between our mental wellbeing and the natural world. I am sure you have noticed that even when you don’t fancy it, just going for a walk around the block, in a local park or even the countryside really does make you feel better. Well, that is ecotherapy.
Ecotherapy takes many forms - from walking in nature alone or with family and friends, to group activities or therapy sessions and much more. GPs are prescribing it, therapists like me are offering it and there are other people leading guided walks outside, which one counsellor in Dorset has coined the term ‘self care stomps’. It is why I am training to become a Shinrin Yoku practitioner. So I can incorporate at closer connection to nature in my therapy sessions and perhaps in time, I too will lead guided walks - helping others reconnect to nature.
Simply put, from a counselling perspective - ecotherapy uses nature as a therapeutic tool to improve mental and physical health. It's not just about a scenic walk, it's about actively engaging with the environment to help process emotions, improve self awareness and promote healing in one way or another.
For me, ecotherapy has become part of my life, particularly as I am lucky enough to live in the beautiful countryside of Mid Devon. Being surrounded by hills, orchards, meadows, walking paths, with the noise of the streams and even the wind in the trees makes for a lovely walk and I always come home feeling more lifted.
The beauty of this approach is its simplicity and yet immediate impact. Being immersed in nature helps to quiet the internal voice that often accompanies mental health challenges. The motion of walking itself is calming, which can create a meditative state in the right setting, that allows for deeper self reflection. Instead of a traditional therapy room, my clients will find themselves gently unraveling their thoughts and feelings against a backdrop of natural peace.
Walking through the lush fields of Mid Devon, witnessing the seasonal changes, creates a sense of perspective. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature offer a form of sensory grounding which can help us be in the present moment.
For example, we might pause by the gentle flowing stream, using the sound of the water to wash away tension - helping my clients relax and open up more about what is influencing their lives. Or we might stop to observe a badger track or look at the large oak trees on the land. These observations sometimes become metaphors, prompting deeper discussions and self exploration. How wonderful is that?
Mid Devon itself is an ecotherapist’s dream. The stunning countryside offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether it's the ancient woodlands, the wildflowers in the spring and summer or the crisp air of a winter's day, the environment itself provides a constant source of comfort and inspiration. Which can be a real tonic to anxious minds.
Ecotherapy isn't about magically solving all problems, but it's a powerful addition to traditional approaches. It creates a space for gentle reflection, self discovery and for a deeper connection not only with the natural world but also with yourself.
