Lesson 2: Theory of Ecotherapy
- General findings
- Ecological theories
- Problems associated with built environments
- Models underpinning ecotherapy
- Nature and mental health research
- Is direct contact with nature necessary?
Lesson 3: Ecotherapy Clients
- General wellbeing benefits
- Psychological benefits
- Physical benefits
- Understanding the body’s responses to stress
- General barriers to getting involved in ecotherapy
- How to overcome these barriers
- Ecotherapy for mental disorders
- Ecotherapy for physical conditions
- Specific issues
Lesson 4: Intake Assessment & Ecotherapy Resources
- Interviewing potential clients
- Interviewing techniques
- Determining suitability
- Background history
- Choosing ecotherapy environments
Lesson 5: Environment-Based Ecotherapy
- Using the environment
- Types of environment activities
- Conservation projects
- Wilderness therapy
- Forest bathing
- Breathing and relaxation exercises
- Other outdoor activities
Lesson 6: Plant-Based Ecotherapy
- Physical ecotherapy activities
- Psychological ecotherapy activities
- Fascination therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Horticultural therapy
- Using the senses
Lesson 7: Animal-Based Ecotherapy
- Bird watching
- Pet therapy
- Equine assisted therapy and horse riding
- Animal habitats
- Care farming and therapeutic farm activities
- Interacting with wildlife
- Using the senses
Lesson 8: Indoor Ecotherapy
- Indoor applications of ecotherapy
- Workspaces
- Photographs
- Growing at home
- Fresh flowers in the home or ecotherapy space
- Touching nature
- Arts and crafts
- Creating nature indoors
- Pets and animals indoors
Lesson 9: Creativity based Ecotherapy
- Therapeutic photography
- Writing therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Drama therapy
- Dance therapy
- The benefits of creative therapies
Lesson 10: Holistic Wellness incorporating Ecotherapy
- Walking
- Relaxation
- Mindfulness
- Counselling in nature
- Combining ecotherapy with other modalities
- Our connection with nature
COURSE AIMS
- Apply different ecotherapy solutions to meet different therapy needs.
- Discuss ecotherapy including applications and benefits.
- Explain different theories underpinning the ecotherapy perspective which support its association with physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Evaluate and determine clients for whom ecotherapy may be an appropriate form of therapy.
- Determine a broad range of resources and how to appropriately use them for ecotherapy.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that harness the use of different environments.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that utilise plants in a variety of contexts.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that utilise animals in a variety of contexts.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that can be applied indoors.
- Explain ecotherapy applications that utilise creative and artistic activities in a variety of contexts.
Apply ecotherapy to formulate wellness advice that blends with other health and wellbeing initiatives.
What you will do in the course?
- Explore people’s perceptions of ecotherapy.
- Identify locations suitable for ecotherapy practices.
- Critical exploration of an established sensory garden.
- Explore people’s perceptions and emotional responses to built environments.
- Explore the integration of green spaces within the built environment.
- Identify and critically examine people’s perceptions of the impact of ecotherapy on general wellbeing.
- Explore the benefits of ecotherapy on individuals presenting with a specific condition that is of interest to you.
- Create an intake questionnaire for use with ecotherapy clients.
- Conduct a risk assessment at a potential ecotherapy location of your choice.
- Initiate networking with practising ecotherapists.
- Evaluate walking meditation as an ecotherapeutic activity.
- Create step by step instructions for a combined breathing/progressive muscle relaxation activity.
- Research gardening as a past time.
- Sensory exploration of a public garden.
- Research community gardening activities.
- Examine the impact of photographs of different animals on the emotions and wellbeing.
- Practise purposeful sensory engagement with animals in nature.
- Brainstorm ecotherapy applications that can be integrated into an indoor setting.
- Gather, arrange and engage with natural objects for use in ecotherapy.
- Evaluate star gazing as an ecotherapeutic activity.
- Research techniques used when photographing nature.
- Explore the integration of writing therapy and ecotherapy.
- Research the application of mindfulness within an ecotherapeutic setting.
- Explore people’s perceptions of their relationship with nature.
WHAT SETS ACS APART?
At ACS we provide you with more than just a set of course notes.
Your 'learning package' includes:
- Course notes.
- Self-assessment quizzes.
- Assignment feedback.
- You can interact one on one with a professional tutor with decades of experience - just email, phone or log on to chat to connect with them.
- Depending upon your course, your studies may involve independent research, interviews, practical exercises, assessments, Problem Based Learning projects, and more.