Reflection: Ecotherapy

1. What are your impressions of the current research after exploring ecotherapy?

Impression-wise, I’ve found that research shows spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, calms overthinking, restores attention, and boosts creativity (Suttie, 2016). Ecotherapy also called Applied Ecopsychology or Nature Therapy is a conscious practice of spending more time in natural environments, whether walking in a forest or along a beach, gardening, or even simply taking a stroll around a leafy block. These activities enhance a sense of aliveness and have been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, improved cognition, stronger social connections, and lower depression, supporting nervous system regulation (Wang et al., 2025).

To me, current research confirms that ecotherapy can support wellbeing and mental health outcomes, and that even minimal exposure can produce measurable mental and physical benefits (Wang et al., 2025). Connections can also be drawn between spending time in nature, spiritual development, community restoration, and emotional wellbeing, highlighting a holistic approach to therapy (Buzzell & Chalquist, 2009).

2. What is the difference between ecotherapy practice and conducting a counselling session outdoors?

Ecotherapy practice

• Purpose-built: Ecotherapy is a structured therapeutic approach that explicitly uses nature as a medium for psychological, emotional, and somatic healing.

• Integration of theory: It often draws on ecopsychology principles, mindfulness, and somatic awareness, connecting mental health outcomes directly to nature exposure.
• Holistic focus: It may involve guided exercises, reflective activities, or rituals that link the person’s experience to ecological awareness, spirituality, and community.
• Therapeutic design: The environment is intentionally part of the intervention, not just a location. Nature itself is a “co-facilitator” of therapy.

Counselling session outdoors

• Location change only: The counselling session is the same as indoors, just conducted outside. The outdoors may make clients feel more relaxed or open, but the therapeutic method itself doesn’t change.
• Nature incidental: The therapist may or may not actively use elements of nature (trees, sounds, sunlight) to enhance reflection or regulation.
• Structure unchanged: The session still relies on standard counselling techniques (CBT, PCT, etc.), without formally integrating ecotherapy principles.

Ecotherapy actively uses nature as part of the healing process, whereas an outdoor counselling session is mostly a change of venue with potential benefits, but without a nature-focused framework.

3. What elements of the practice can you see working well with a client?

• Mindful engagement with nature: Walking, observing, or listening in a natural setting can help clients slow down, reduce stress, and feel more grounded.
• Creative expression: Activities like gardening, drawing, or journaling outdoors support self-expression, reflection, and insight.
• Relational connection: Sharing experiences in nature with a therapist or group fosters trust, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
• Nervous system regulation: Being in nature helps clients regulate stress responses, supporting both emotional and physiological wellbeing.