Ecotherapy

This IEAC Accredited Course helps you to understand the psychology that underpins ecotherapy in particular; and as it does so, broadens your perception of what is possible, thus enhancing your capacity to apply ecotherapy effectively in real life situations.

Ecotherapy is a type of therapeutic treatment involving exposure to nature to help heal or maintain wellness; psychological and/or physical nature. Although it is often done through outdoor activities related to nature, it is not strictly necessary to be outdoors. Nature and natural objects can be experienced indoors. For instance, wooden furniture can provide a connection with trees, natural stone flooring can provide a connection with mountains or rocks, a painting of flowers can provide a connection with plants, as could a television program on the natural world.

Experiences with nature can be through any of the sensory modalities; sight, touch, sound, smell, or taste. The experiences could also be through our sixth sense of ‘proprioception’ i.e. awareness of our body being in a natural environment.

There is no single definition of ecotherapy, but it tends to refer to activities that include:

•    Support the individual or group by a therapist
•    Doing something in a green environment
•    Exploration and appreciation of nature and the natural world around us
•    Spending time with others and interacting with them at your own pace and in your own way

There is a final assessment that can be undertaken at any time, day or night; and you will be awarded a coveted: IEAC (International Education Accreditation Council) Certificate, which will have your name on it, including full course details.

THE LESSONS IN THIS COURSE COVER THE FOLLOWING:

Lesson 1: Nature & Scope of Ecotherapy

Applications
Ecopsychology
What is Ecotherapy
Need for Mental Health Interventions
General Benefits of Nature on Wellbeing
Ecotherapy Settings
Care Farms
Community Gardens
Parks
Wilderness
Green Spaces
Nature in Towns and Cities
Terminology
Lesson Review

Lesson 2: Theoretical Perspectives

Ecological Theories
Problems Associated with Built Environments
Nature & Mental Health Research
Is Direct Contact with Nature Necessary?
Lesson Review

Lesson 3: Clients in Ecotherapy

Psychological Wellbeing Benefits to Clients
Physical Benefits to Clients
Barriers to Getting Involved in Ecotherapy
Psychological Issues -Biophobia, Agoriphobia, Autism
Physical Issues -Mobility, Sensory Deficits
Safe Practices – Hazards, Risks, Allergies, First Aid, Legalities, Insurance, Ethics
Lesson Review

Lesson 4: Outdoor Ecotherapy with Plants

Activities with Plants
Harvesting Food
Grow Your Own Food
Foraging
Conservation Projects
Gardening
Green Exercise, Green Gyms
Blue Spaces
Psychological Ecotherapy Activity – Fascination Therapy, Nature Meditation, Forest Bathing, Horticultural Therapy, etc
Using the Senses – Taste, Sound, Smell. Touch, Sight
Extreme Weather
Lesson Review

Lesson 5: Outdoor Ecotherapy with Animals

Ecotherapy with Animals
Bird Watching
Photography
Pets
Pet Therapy
Equine Therapy
Farms
Interacting with Wildlife
Water
Using the Senses
Lesson Review

Lesson 6: Indoor Ecotherapy Activities

Electronically Engaging with Nature
Photographs
Stargazing
Growing plants Indoors
Cut Flowers
Touching Nature
Arts and Crafts
Indoor Pets/ Animals
Lesson Review

Lesson 7: Creative Arts Ecotherapy Activities

Therapeutic Photography
Writing
Poetry
Art
Music
Drama
Dance
Play Therapy
Lesson Review

Lesson 8: Complimentary Therapies and Activities

Walking
Relaxation
Mindfulness
Counselling in Nature
Silence
Other Modalities
Our Connection with Nature
Lesson Review
Final Assessment

HOW OUR COURSES WORK:

•    Enrol any time of day or night.
•    Start studying immediately or later (as you wish).
•    Upon enrolment, you will receive an email containing your “Username” and “Password”
•    Help desk – Contact us via email: info@homestudy.co.uk or call: + 44 (0) 1227 789 649
•    There are automated self-assessment tests at the end of each lesson.
•    At the end of the whole course, you are presented with an automated examination.
•    Gain a 60% pass and receive an: IEAC (International Education Accreditation Council) Certificate.