Ecotherapy: theory, research and practice

The book arises from a growing area of research and practice into the therapeutic benefits of contact with natural spaces. The aims and scope of the book are to collate current theory, research and practice in the area of ecotherapy and nature based therapy. By bringing together a group of international academics, practitioners and researchers the book will aim to map out current ideas, practice and research in ecotherapy. The book will aim to satisfy a growing need from both academic researchers and therapeutic practitioners to understand theoretical, therapeutic practice and research which underpin ecotherapy and our understanding of nature as a therapeutic space. The focus of the book will be on the application of these ideas with examples from practice and research. The content of the book will cover different aspects of the underpinning psychological theory that informs ecotherapy including environmental psychology, ecopsychology, existentialism, integrated and eco-systemic approaches, humanistic and transpersonal ideas, and relational psychotherapeutic understanding. Alongside this there will be chapters exploring therapeutic practice looking at art therapy in nature within an NHS setting, working in palliative care utilising nature, working from a transactional analysis perspective with private therapy clients in nature and working therapeutically with children in nature. Chapters focusing on research will look at salutogenetic factors in the design of healing gardens and their effect and narrative research into the recovery from serious mental illness on a nature therapy project. This broad scope will appeal to a growing audience interested in a book containing information on these differing aspects of ecotherapy.