Ecotherapy is the practical application of ecopsychology. Provides individuals with the opportunity to explore their relationship with nature Ecotherapy (Short Course)

What to expect:

Ecotherapy is a way to help people heal using nature. There are numerous ways to conduct ecotherapy and this course helps you understand the many functions and ways in which you can practice ecotherapy.

How does it work?

At the end of each lesson, you will be given a short interactive test to undertake, which will provide an indication of how your learning is progressing. Upon completing the very last lesson, you will be offered a more thorough automated test or examination. This final assessment can be undertaken at any time of day or night; and any day of the week; and if you achieve an overall pass (60% or more); you will be able to obtain a “certificate of completion” with your name and completion date on it.

Note: these short courses are self-guided online courses and are not to be confused with our tutor-supported online courses.

There are 8 Lessons in this course:

1. Nature & Scope of Ecotherapy Applications

• • Ecopsychology
  • What is Ecotherapy
  • Need for Mental Health Interventions
  • General Benefits of Nature on Wellbeing
  • Ecotherapy Settings
  • Care Farms
  • Community Gardens
  • Parks
  • Wilderness
  • Green Spaces
  • Nature in Towns and Cities
  • Terminology

2. Theoretical Perspectives

• • Ecological Theories
  • Problems Associated with Built Environments
  • Nature & Mental Health Research
  • Is Direct Contact with Nature Necessary?

3. Clients in Ecotherapy

• • Psychological Well-being Benefits to Clients
  • Physical Benefits to Clients
  • Barriers to Getting Involved in Ecotherapy
  • Psychological Issues – Biophobia, Agoriphobia, Autism
  • Physical Issues -Mobility, Sensory Deficits
  • Safe Practices – Hazards, Risks, Allergies, First Aid, Legalities, Insurance, Ethics

4. Outdoor Ecotherapy with Plants

• • Activities with Plants
  • Harvesting Food
  • Grow Your Own Food
  • Foraging
  • Conservation Projects
  • Gardening
  • Green Exercise, Green Gyms
  • Blue Spaces
  • Psychological Ecotherapy Activity – Fascination Therapy, Nature Meditation, Forest Bathing, Horticultural Therapy, etc
  • Using the Senses – Taste, Sound, Smell. Touch, Sight
  • Extreme Weather

5. Outdoor Ecotherapy with Animals

• • Ecotherapy with Animals
  • Bird Watching
  • Photography
  • Pets
  • Pet Therapy
  • Equine Therapy
  • Farms
  • Interacting with Wildlife
  • Water
  • Using the Senses

6. Indoor Ecotherapy Activities

• • Electronically Engaging with Nature
  • Photographs
  • Stargazing
  • Growing plants Indoors
  • Cut Flowers
  • Touching Nature
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Indoor Pets/ Animals

7. Creative Arts Ecotherapy Activities

• • Therapeutic Photography
  • Writing
  • Poetry
  • Art
  • Music
  • Drama
  • Dance
  • Play Therapy

8. Complimentary Therapies and Activities

• • Walking
  • Relaxation
  • Mindfulness
  • Counselling in Nature
  • Silence
  • Other Modalities
  • Our Connection with Nature
  • Lesson Review
  • Final Assessment