Ecotherapy is defined as contact with nature as a method or element of counseling and addresses the critical fact that as humans we are interwoven with the natural world. Ecotherapists seek to develop and understand ways of expanding the emotional connection between clients and the natural world within the counseling context, thereby assisting individuals with developing sustainable lifestyles and remedying alienation from nature.
Ecotherapy includes a wide range of techniques such as wilderness therapy, forest bathing, equine therapy, animal-assisted therapy, horticultural therapy, biophilic design and green therapy. Students in this specialization will obtain a firm understanding of the theoretical constructs of Ecopsychology, demonstrate a model of EcoWellness, and obtain applicable skills in Ecotherapy.
In order to receive this specialization, students will have to complete:
- PC-502 Ecotherapy: Counseling with Nature (taught by Associate Professor Megan Delaney, Ph.D., in the Fall semester)—Ecotherapy is defined as contact with nature as a method or element of counseling and addresses the critical fact that as humans we are interwoven with the natural world. Ecotherapists seek to develop and understand ways of expanding the emotional connection between clients and the natural world within the counseling context, thereby assisting individuals with developing sustainable lifestyles and remedying alienation from nature. Ecotherapy includes a wide range of techniques such as wilderness therapy, forest bathing, equine therapy, animal assisted therapy, horticultural therapy, biophilic design and green therapy. Students in this course will obtain a firm understanding of the theoretical constructs of Ecosychology, demonstrate a model of EcoWellness, and obtain applicable skills in Ecotherapy.
- PC-504 Adventure Based Ecotherapy: including a three-day canoeing trip (taught by professor Delaney, in the Summer semester)—Ecotherapy is defined as contact with the natural world as a method or element of therapy and addresses the critical fact that as humans we are interwoven with the natural world. Based upon the tenets of ecotherapy, this class explores adventure-based counseling (ABC). Adventure therapy is a type of experiential therapy that uses challenging adventure activities to aid the therapeutic healing process. Adventure therapy helps promote healthy identity development, self-efficacy, and a growth mindset. The class will be conducted outside and include experiences such as low and high ropes courses, surfing, rock-climbing and an immersive overnight outdoor expedition canoeing on the Delaware River.
Adventure Based Ecotherapy
Ecotherapy: Counseling with Nature
Ecotherapy Image Gallery
