EcoWellness: The Missing Factor in Holistic Wellness Models

This paper introduces the concept of EcoWellness, a framework that emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature to enhance holistic wellness in counseling practices. The authors argue that while existing wellness models in counseling focus on physical, emotional, and social dimensions, they often overlook the significant impact of human-nature interactions on well-being. EcoWellness includes three key dimensions: access to nature, environmental identity (how individuals relate to and incorporate nature into their sense of self), and transcendence (experiences of spiritual or community connectedness through nature). Research cited in the paper demonstrates that activities like spending time outdoors, viewing natural landscapes, or engaging in environmentally conscious behaviors can reduce stress, improve mood, enhance focus, and foster emotional resilience. The authors provide practical strategies for counselors to incorporate nature-based interventions into therapy and share a case study illustrating how EcoWellness principles helped a child improve social skills and emotional regulation through outdoor activities.

The paper concludes that EcoWellness is a missing factor in holistic wellness models and has the potential to transform counseling practices by addressing the human-nature connection. It calls for further research to validate the dimensions of EcoWellness and explore its applications across diverse populations and settings, such as schools, hospitals, and urban environments. By integrating EcoWellness into counseling, practitioners can promote sustainable well-being while fostering deeper connections between individuals and the natural world.

Reese, R.F., & Myers, J.E. (2021). Ecowellness: The missing factor in holistic wellness models. Journal of Counseling and Development, 90(4), 400–406.