Nature As Therapy

May 16, 2024

Written by: Shelby Ruman, MS, LPC

What Is Nature Therapy?

Nature therapy is really what it sounds like. Nature as therapy also called ecotherapy. This type

of therapy uses nature as a way to heal us. This could be as simplistic as going for a walk

around your neighborhood to as complex as a camping trip somewhere in the wilderness. As a

society we tend to spend a lot of time indoors and on screens, and away from the outdoors.

Instead of hiking, bike riding, climbing, and playing outside, we have now more commonly

replaced those activities with TVs, phones, the internet, and videogames.

What Are The Benefits Of Nature Therapy?

The first benefit to nature therapy is that it is fairly inexpensive. Of course there are group

activities and adventurous types that you may need to pay for, but just taking a walk on a local

trail is free. Fresh air is also a benefit and nature comes with free smells, even if all the smells

aren’t necessarily pleasant.

The benefits of some nature therapies also include exercise from walking, to paddling, or even

outdoor yoga! Nature therapy can give you the break you need, but it can also help you up your

social meter as well with group therapy or community gardening. Mindfulness is also a perk to

nature therapy. Lastly, being outside people are more likely to utilize their senses which can

help us be more in the present.

What Are Types Of Nature Therapy?

Adventure – This can be done in groups or individuals – examples of this are canoeing,

climbing, ziplining etc.

Animal Companion – This can be a program at a farm or even just walking a dog.

Group – Nature therapy with your friends, or in settings to make new friends. Group

therapy can also be educational and help you learn new things.

Individual – Nature therapy experienced alone which could be anything from gardening to

walking, etc.

Nighttime/Dark Nature – This can include stargazing or camping.

Arts and Crafts – Using nature materials to make art can be an example of this, or using

nature as a muse for art.

Farming/Gardening – Gardening in your own space, or if you don’t have a space

community gardens are all around us!

Wilderness – This is usually a group activity where people will use the land to make

things like tools or shelters.

Plogging (or any type of trash removal) – Plogging is an official term for picking up trash

while you jog! You can also volunteer to pick up trash in groups and help your

community stay clean.

How to get started?

Nature therapy doesn’t have to be difficult. Sometimes it may be helpful to find a group near you

that participates in nature therapy/nature activities. It may help you to figure out things you enjoy

to help you narrow down where to start.

Here are some good starting points!

The Sierra Club has opportunities for everyone to experience the transformative power of the

outdoors.. Get Outside | Sierra Club

The Audubon Society hosts nature walks, bird watching trips (or birding), and classes on

ecology and conservation. https://www.audubon.org/about/audubon-near-you

The American Camp Association has a directory of accredited nature camps across the United

States. https://find.acacamps.org/

The Green Schools Initiative offers environmental education and learning projects to schools

across the country as well as opportunities to make a difference.

http://www.greenschools.net/index.html

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics provides training and education on how to enjoy

the outdoors responsibly. https://lnt.org/

The National Wildlife Federation’s Ranger Rick Jr. magazine and website offers activities,

videos, jokes, games, and articles that teach kids about nature. https://rangerrick.org/

Remember to be safe! Take precautions based on your area. Pay attention to warnings in

public areas! (dangerous trails, dusk and dawn warnings, cliff warnings, animals

warnings etc.) Always bring the proper gear based on the weather and know your limits!