ecotherapy

What does Pedretti-Burls mean when they call ecotherapy a therapeutic and educative model? How could you apply aspects of ecotherapy (and thus ecoeducation) to work with your current, past, or future patients? Try to think of a scenario in which you might use ecotherapy with a patient. Describe a presenting problem that a patient may have and describe how ecotherapy may be a part of their treatment. Keep in mind that the ecotherapy does not have to be the whole treatment. For example, a patient may present with skin cancer (obviously best treated by an oncologist) but they may be dealing with stress because they can not be outside in the sun during treatment. The ecotherapy may be bringing some nature indoors or supporting ways for them to appreciate nature without risk of sun exposure. For another example, I was working with a young man who would have blowout fights with his mom. He could calm down when in nature but not with his mom at home. In session, he and mom made “walk in nature” cards that either of them could put down on the table during a fight to take space in the outdoors. These helped them to use nature to interrupt their cycle of conflict and build a stronger relationship. Now try to think of some examples you could use with your current or future patients! Consult the readings or reach out to me if you get stuck and need some ideas!