Ecotherapy promotes a mutually beneficial relationship between people and the rest of our Earth. It uses our senses and heart to experience and interact with the non-human world.
Ecotherapy refers to healing and growth nurtured by healthy interaction with the earth. ~Howard Clinebell
Ecotherapy is nature’s healing power restoring the natural balance between inner and outer Man through physical connections with nature.
Ecotherapy is an expanded form of experiential psychotherapy that attempts to re-integrate the individual with the natural world.
Benefits
People around the world recognize the value of ecotherapy and (re)connecting with nature in a personal way. Studies show that medical patients heal faster when their views include trees; students score higher on tests, can focus, and are more cooperative and kind, when they live near green areas or participate in nature programs; our mental health issues, such as ADHD, depression, and stress, can subside when we spend time outdoors.
Ecotherapy:
- Relieves stress
- Provides a sense of well-being
- Makes people happier and kinder
- Helps people heal faster
- Addresses mental and emotional health issues
- Shifts our relationship with the rest of the Earth
- Increases our willingness to heal the Earth
An article about ECOTHERAPY I wrote was published in Inner Tapestry in Aug 2012.
Research
Citations for various benefits are available upon request (beth@healingnaturect.com)
Links
If you are interested in learning more about Ecotherapy, please check the links below (all alive as of 05/05/12):
International Community for Ecopsychology
Project Nature Connect/Educating, Counseling, and Healing with Nature
Beth Lapin 
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