What is Ecotherapy?

Nature and Human Connection

Ecotherapy, or Nature Therapy, is a new specialization of counseling, one of many approaches to therapy, an alternative healing art, and an emerging new field in psychology. It is similar to, but different than forest bathing, which is an ancient tradition and practice of being calm and quiet in the forest for relaxation, wellbeing and healing.

Ecotherapy, or Nature Therapy, comes from the theoretical underpinnings of ecopsychology: the intersection of ecology and psychology, how the environment and human psyche interact. Ecopsychology views nature not as a resource to take from, benefit from or gain something from, but as a living, breathing entity and being to have a mutual inter-action and inter-connection with, that not only heals the human, but also heals the land. Ecotherapy is a type of therapy that helps you connect with nature to build a mutually healing relationship.

Currently, there is no regulated certification process or practice guidelines for an Ecotherapist or Nature Therapist, but there likely will be in the future as professionals come together to establish common standards.

There are two common paths to becoming an Ecotherapist or Nature Therapist:

1. Licensed Therapist

   A professional licensed Master’s level therapist incorporates nature therapy techniques and methods into their counseling practice with or without additional training, a specialized educational program or certificate in nature therapy, ecotherapy, ecopsychology, ecospirituality, or a specific healing practice such as those listed below in the practitioner path. Common therapy licenses are:

   • LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

   • LICSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

   • LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)

   • LMHCA, LICSWA and LMFTA are Associates working towards licensure hours

2. Practitioner

   A practitioner, guide, facilitator, or coach without a professional therapy license completes a nature oriented training, educational program or certificate in a healing practice anywhere from day to 24 months long through a private school, including but not limited to:

   • forest bathing or forest therapy

   • adventure therapy or wilderness therapy (retreats, hiking, backpacking, outdoor sports activities)

   • wilderness awareness, environmentalism, conservation, ethnobotany, herbalism

   • animal-assisted therapy (equine therapy, pet therapy)

   • nature oriented spirituality

I am both types of a Nature Therapist:

• I am a licensed therapist incorporating ecopyschology and ecospirituality into my counseling practice. As a therapist, I offer Outdoor Nature Therapy Sessions.

• I am a Nature Guide teaching about PNW forests, plants, mushrooms, foraging, and wildcrafting. As a Nature Guide, I offer Plant Walks, Mushroom Walks, Plant Classes, and Foraged Nature Art.