What is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy, also called nature remedy or ‘green therapy’, is the practice of emergent 
field of ecopsychology. It has evolved into popularity by T. Roszak. Ecotherapy comes 
from the notion that humans are part of nature’s life web and that our psyches aren’t 
isolated from our natural environment. This kind of psychology has its foundation by 
systems theory and gives humans a way to interact positively with nature. 

Many practitioners, even if they aren’t exclusively ecopsychologists, have decided to 
interweave parts of ecology into their regular, science-based practices. Many science-
based practitioners agree that practicing Eco therapy, and harmonizing with nature’s 
Earth systems, can bring forth more mental health benefits. 


More About Ecotherapy 
 
Ecotherapy is primarily based off the concept that human beings are connected to, and 
impacted by, means of one’s own natural environment. Researchers have heighted that 
connecting with nature produces beneficial and surprising results. In one research study 
performed by a psychologist known as Terry Hartig, those participating were asked to 
finish a 45-minute cognitive test that showed mental fatigue. 

They had to either stroll through some natural terrain, walk through a busy city, or sit 
quietly and look at magazines. Those who walked through some type of nature path had 
less anger and more positive emotions than those who did the other activities. Another 
research study noticed that those who took a nature walk experienced seventy one 
percent less depression in comparison to those who walked around a shopping mall. 


Additional Benefits 
 
The beneficial effects of nature don’t’ just come from visual effects, but the beneficial 
effects occur through other senses as well. It was seen in studies that people who listen 
to nature sounds, like birds chirping or a calming waterfall, had less mental strain than 
they did with listening to a track that played highway sounds. Scents that were based on 
fruits results in less depressive feelings in humans. Direct touch is important as well 
when it comes to nature therapy. 

One doesn’t necessarily have to be surrounded by greenery to reap the benefits of 
nature for mental health. Just having a picture of image of something relaxing or 
calming, such as the beach or an image of a mountain in Montana or a green-fused 
scene from the jungle, can have an overwhelming calming effect. It was seen in some 
studies that individuals who had a relaxing image at their desks or offices had more job 
productivity and improved mental health than those who did not incorporate this kind of 
view into their work lives.

