What is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is a form of mental health treatment that incorporates the natural environment as an aid to healing. While this might be unconventional from the perspective of modern Western Psychotherapy, there is nothing new or radical about it.

Most of us have experienced the solace and refreshment of time spent wandering along a forest trail or swimming in the sweet waters of a pond. Being in nature allows us to connect to the source and sustenance of all life. The sky above provides perspective and possibility; the green of grass and leaves soothes the nervous system and fills our lungs with fresh oxygen.

The unceasing flow and cyclical quality of nature mirrors our lives. It is never static and contains elements that are both predictable, surprising, and unnerving.

Each season contains blessings and hardships. Winter is at once quiet, peaceful, dark, and punishing. Spring brings mild weather, hope, and new life, but is also wet, fickle, and a bane to allergy sufferers. In the Summer, we bask in light and warmth, while mosquitoes bite us and humid, hot days envelop us in a feverish slog. Autumn comes resplendent with color and crisp air, but also brings darkening days and colder nights.

Nature simply is. It does not conform to our will or preference. On mild days, it is a delight to the senses, but there are also many days when nature bears its fangs, requiring fortitude to endure and appreciate. Yet in all of its extreme and ideal forms, nature teaches us about life and living well.

In ecotherapy we understand that nature is regenerative and can heal itself, and with enough attention, it reminds us that we too are capable of this.