RESEARCH

Using Resources of Nature in the Counselling Room: Qualitative Research into Ecotherapy Practice

This study interviewed counsellors who integrate ecotherapy into indoor sessions revealing common practices like nature-based homework, mindfulness, and metaphors.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Rehabilitation, General Population

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function

Allied Profession Intersections: Forest/Ecotherapy, Climate Psychology/Psychotherapy

Type of Activity: Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Environmental Education, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Paid

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Summary

This qualitative study explored the practices of counselors who integrate ecotherapy into traditional indoor counseling settings. Researchers used an open-ended questionnaire with 30 participants (22 females and 8 males) from six countries, followed by semi-structured telephone interviews with 11 of those participants (8 females and 3 males). Data were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

The study found that common ecotherapy practices included assigning nature-based homework exercises, facilitating an experiential connection to nature, utilizing nature-guided mindfulness/meditation, and employing nature metaphors. The results provide insight into how nature-based techniques can be incorporated into conventional indoor counseling settings, offering an alternative for clinicians who may not conduct sessions outdoors.

Link

Kamitsis, I., & Simmonds, J. G. (2017). Using Resources of Nature in the Counselling Room: Qualitative Research into Ecotherapy Practice. International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling, 39(3), 229–248.

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