How Do We Engage in Eco Therapy?
We meet at a trailhead in the Wissahickon to begin the 90-minute hiking session. You are in charge of the pace of the walk. I follow your lead to explore the landscape in a way that meets your needs. The forested environment facilitates present-time sensory experiences to promote relaxation and to deepen connection with yourself, the environment, and the supportive therapeutic relationship. As we meander along the trail, we trust your intuition to guide us in discussing important topics and to work toward resolving and integrating experiences from the past. We may also engage in present-time observational activities catered toward deepening your sense of safety and inner peace.
What Does Eco Therapy Help Support?
Research-Backed Benefits:
Increase in positive affect
Increase in personal sense of happiness and well-being
Increase in positive social experiences
Increase in sense of purpose and meaning
Increase in capacity to manage life’s many tasks
Decrease in mental distress
Increase in memory and attention
Increase in self control
Increase in imagination and creativity
Sources:
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T. Hartig, G. W. Evans, L. Jamner, D. Davis, T. Gärling, Tracking restoration in natural and urban field settings. J. Environ. Psychol. 23, 109–123 (2003).
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