Common Curiosities about Ecotherapy
Who can benefit from Ecotherapy?
Anyone, essentially!!!
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People experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression.
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Those who feel disconnected from the natural world.
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Individuals seeking alternative or complementary approaches to traditional therapy.
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People dealing with grief, especially ecological grief related to environmental crises.
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Those struggling with burnout or life transitions.
How is Ecotherapy different to normal therapy sessions?
One major difference is in the change of physical location- from a therapy room to outdoors. However, it is also possible to bring nature into the therapy room as a way to pace with individuals’ comfort and needs.
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Unlike traditional therapy, eco-therapy can shift the therapeutic dynamics in several ways. Working in a therapy room brings a strong focus on the inner world of the clients and the therapist-client relationship. When we work outdoors, while we still pay attention to the inner world and the therapist-client relationship, we also extend our attention to the client-world relationship.
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Ecotherapy takes place in a less controlled environment than a therapist’s office, but also a more equal one.
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We are both fellow travelers walking on a journey together, where the space is not owned by the therapist, but by Mother Nature.
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Working outdoors also mean that we need to consider some variables before we venture out. For instance,
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how would you respond to adverse weather or non-human creatures?
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what and how should we respond when we see people we know?
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what physical and other resources do you need to bring to take care of yourself along the way?
All these factors serve as potential ‘challenges’ but also opportunities for us to explore with you about the way you understand and ask for your needs to be met.
Is this the right type of therapy for me?
Humans are part of nature.
Many people are already experiencing the therapeutic effects of being in nature – be it walking in the park after a long day’s work, going on a holiday in the mountains, or hitting the beaches on a weekend.
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Those who hesitates about going into nature may have become unfamiliar with nature through the years of rapid industrialization and living in built-up dwellings. This disconnection could have led to fears and apprehension of being in nature. ​Thus, we strongly encourage you to give this a go and listen to your body’s responses to nature.
We would also be happy to gather feedback on your experience and collaborate and pace with you in your ecotherapy journey or offer an alternative approach.
Nonetheless, we wish to assure you that we provide psychological therapy for a range of presenting concerns and Ecotherapy is one of various approaches we used.
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As a side note, it is also helpful to know that Ecotherapy can be helpful for individuals who struggle to make time for enjoyable activities (e.g. because of chronic pain conditions, depression, physical limitations, or tight work schedules).
This is also a great modality for those who find aspects of therapy in a room challenging or too confronting (e.g. the constraints of the four walls, discomfort of sitting opposite the therapist, struggles with eye contact, or even talking).
Eco-therapy is also a useful tool in the face of existential climate concerns.
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If you have any uncertainties or questions, please get in touch. We are able to schedule a free 10 to 15-minute phone call to figure out together if it’s the right fit for you, and help you navigate the next steps.
Is it accessible and inclusive for a diverse range of needs or physical limitations?
Yes!
We welcome you and we will work with you to find a way to access ecotherapy that respects and suits your needs.
Sessions can be seated, on wheels, or otherwise.
Our therapist will conduct a comprehensive intake session prior to us going outdoors to find suitable built or natural environment to conduct the sessions. Just like ‘traditional therapy’ approach, such conversations and collaborations would be an ongoing process throughout your engagement with us.
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We would also encourage you to take care of your needs when you are outdoors.
This may mean appropriate clothing and shoes, sunhat, sunglasses and adequate water supply.
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You may also need a rain jacket or poncho, or antihistamines if you have specific allergies.
We will also likely continue to monitor other needs of yours along the way, such as support in going downhill, slowing down walking pace or converting to indoor or telehealth sessions if deemed appropriate.
Either way, please know that we can have ongoing discussion around your needs.
Who might want to avoid Ecotherapy?
While Ecotherapy may sound enticing to many, it is certainly not for everyone.
Not everyone has a positive relationship with nature, and some people with nature-related phobias may not want to begin their healing journey with ecotherapy. It is also important to consider the physical demands of engaging in Ecotherapy.
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While mobility isn’t required to spend time in nature, many Ecotherapy activities do involve physically movement, so it would be good to consult with your doctor and physical therapist before beginning Ecotherapy if you have any medical conditions.
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Severe allergies or photosensitivity are also things to discuss with a medical provider before engaging in Ecotherapy interventions.
How can my confidentiality be maintained?
We understand the importance of confidentially and privacy during therapeutic engagement, especially during an outdoor session where we have less control over our environment.
Please rest assured that this aspect will be discussed during our first initial consultation session that will usually take place in an office or online (unless otherwise negotiated between you and your therapist).
While we live in a small city that is highly populated, rest assured that there will be thoughtful ways for us to maintain your confidentiality as we venture outdoors.