RESEARCH

Nature-Based Therapy as a Treatment for Veterans with PTSD: What Do We Know?

Nature-based therapy for veterans with PTSD, encompassing activities from mindfulness to horticulture, shows a positive impact on PTSD symptoms, and quality of life, and facilitates return to the workforce.
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Summary

This paper reviews nature-based therapy (NBT) as a treatment for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), examining interventions, settings, session lengths, and health outcome measures. Activities in NBT vary widely, ranging from mindfulness-based methods and cognitive therapy to developing special skills in relation to nature and horticulture, all aimed at enhancing self-confidence and the ability to deal with everyday life.

The review of available scientific literature shows a positive impact on PTSD symptoms, quality of life, and hope, with none of the studies finding a negative impact of the interventions. Being in a group of other veterans facing the same problems was also highlighted as beneficial, and some studies measured the ability to return to the workforce, finding NBT beneficial in that process.

Link

Poulsen, D.V. (2017). Nature-based therapy as a treatment for veterans with PTSD: What do we know? Journal of Public Mental Health, 16(1), 15-20.

 

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