Ecotherapy for Wellbeing

There is plenty of research evidence to suggest that spending time in natural settings can help reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage physical activity.

Many people find that regular, intentional time in nature provides both immediate stress relief and longer-term wellbeing benefits.

They can be summarised as follows:
• Lower perceived stress levels.
• Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Improved attention and concentration.
• Better sleep quality.
• Increased physical activity.
• Greater sense of social connection e.g. nature-based groups
• Enhanced feelings of meaning and connection to the environment.

Modern life has contributed to a disconnection from nature that is now clearly seen as detrimental to our sense of wellbeing and creating an increase in mental health distress and difficulties across all ages and modern societies. However, as biological beings, we are naturally drawn to the natural world (the Biophilia hypothesis), and therefore developing a connection with the environment and spending time outdoors is found to be not only beneficial but essential to our general physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

This is reflected in the growing number of nature-based activities provided locally via social and green prescribing e.g. when somebody is referred by their GP or social worker to local services such as nature-based projects, art and craft, yoga, movement, etc to promote wellbeing and reduce social isolation.

An integrated approach

I offer Ecotherapy as an integrative approach to physical, emotional and mental wellbeing as it helps us to connect to nature through the senses, calms the mind and reduce stress and rumination, makes us feel grounded, it promotes emotional self-regulation and creativity.

I also offer Qi Gong as a body practice that can support general wellbeing, helps connect to our energetic body to become more attuned to its needs, combines mindfulness with gentle movement. This also helps to feel more connected to our spiritual self, with a greater sense of belonging, part of the web of life and the mystery of the Universe. I integrate this into my therapeutic work with individuals, couples, families, groups indoors, outdoors or online.

Contact Chiara