ECOTHERAPY SHORT COURSE SGP11

Understanding Ecotherapy

Learn how to include nature, from animals to plants, into professional therapies, as well as how to assess suitable ecotherapy sites.

 

 

Nature is the most powerful healer. Many studies have shown that spending time in nature improves  both our mental and physical health. Anyone who wishes to incorporate the power of nature into their professional activity would benefit from this course

You will receive significant insight into incorporating ecotherapy into your professional practice or self-care routine after completing this course.

 

This course is suitable for:

  • Psychologists
  • Counselors
  • Health professionals
  • Youth Worker
  • Carers
  • Support family member or friend

What's covered in the course?
Lesson 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
Lesson Review

Lesson 2. Theoretical Perspectives
Ecological Theories
Problems Associated with Built Environments
Nature & Mental Health Research
Is Direct Contact with Nature Necessary?
Lesson Review

Lesson 3. Clients in Ecotherapy
Psychological Wellbeing 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
Lesson Review

Lesson 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
Lesson Review

Lesson 5. Outdoor Ecotherapy with Animals
Ecotherapy with Animals
Bird Watching
Photography
Pets
Pet Therapy
Equine Therapy
Farms
Interacting with Wildlife
Water
Using the Senses
Lesson Review

Lesson 6. Indoor Ecotherapy Activities
Electronically Engaging with Nature
Photographs
Stargazing
Growing plants Indoors
Cut Flowers
Touching Nature
Arts and Crafts
Indoor Pets/ Animals
Lesson Review

Lesson 7. Creative Arts Ecotherapy Activities
Therapeutic Photography
Writing
Poetry
Art
Music
Drama
Dance
Play Therapy
Lesson Review

Lesson 8. Complimentary Therapies and Activities
Walking
Relaxation
Mindfulness
Counselling in Nature
Silence
Other Modalities
Our Connection with Nature
Lesson Review
Final Assessment