Nature Therapy
What is Eco-Therapy?
‘Get some fresh air’ – how often have we been prescribed this as a remedy for a bad day?
Well, the truth is, it really does work. Eco-Therapy combines talking therapy with outdoor activities to stimulate both your mind and body. Some will find that having something to focus on whilst talking about their troubles makes things a little easier for them. There is less focus on the issues, and this can allow for the freedom and comfortability to open up more.
Being out in nature is a great way to ground yourself. As a society we often live very much in out heads, with work and personal life plans buzzing around up there, making it hard to keep our feet on the ground at times. Getting out into nature puts you in the present moment and reminds you that we are part of a big beautiful world. Mother Nature takes everything at her own pace and is completely present, allowing her leaves to change with the seasons whenever they arise, completely at peace, never doubting the importance of her place in the world. We can learn a lot from her, and she is always there for us, offering an abundance of natural beauty for us to explore and marvel at.
Eco-Therapy can range from a simple walk and talk alongside your therapist or a park meet and greet, to more adventurous activities such as 4×4 adventure therapy. This form of therapy can also be sociable, group activities offering a space to make connections with new people and talk with those who may be experiencing similar feelings to yourself.
What does research say?
In a mental health survey by charity Mind, 71% of people said they felt less depressed and tense after a ‘green walk’. 90% said their self-esteem increased after a country walk. [SOURCE: COUNSELLING DIRECTORY ONLINE, 2022].
There is a whole lot of evidence to support the validity and positive outcomes of an Eco-Therapy approach. A 2018 study review from the National Library of Medicine reported some of the significant benefits of spending time in nature:
- Increased resilience
- Improved cognitive abilities and concentration
- Higher pain tolerance
- Greater self-esteem
- Boosted morale
We can so often get caught up in human existence, that we forget that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves, that the sun nourishes us and the trees give us oxygen and the rain helps our food to grow. Stepping outside can remind us of where we came from and why we are here, that we are a part of something truly magnificent.
Eco-Therapy at The Therapy Room
At The Therapy Room, we offer a range of individual and group setting ecotherapy techniques, including:
- Walk and talk
- 4×4 adventure therapy
- Park meet and greet
Why it might be easier to walk and talk
- Physical movement eases your nerves
- Fresh air encourages clear thinking
- Seeing the beauty of nature can be uplifting
What’s 4×4 adventure therapy?
Organise a pick up in a Land Rover Defender and go for a walk out in the wilds of nature for something different. While it requires a little extra time and investment, the feeling of getting out for some adventure is worth it.
How does a park meet and greet work?
Meeting somewhere closer to you can make life easier when scheduling counselling in Northampton and surrounds. Maybe you are juggling kids and work, or a busy schedule. We are happy to come to you. A great option for group therapy, it’s a great way for teams to come together too.
Because being connected to nature and being outside helps people feel better, many report that it’s easier to talk about feelings, thoughts and experiences.
If you want a different kind of therapy, it might help to get outside for some adventure – for some nature therapy. Especially ideal if you work in an office or are inside most of the day, some fresh country air can really help. At The Therapy Room, we are always looking for new and better ways to help.
Try out a different approach and enquire about the elixir of the great outdoors. Get in touch Jay Pink at jay@thetherapyroom.co.
