What is ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy uses nature and outdoor activities to support mental and emotional well-being. It may involve:
- gardening or horticultural therapy
- walk and talk therapy
- conservation projects
- outdoor exercise
- animal-assisted therapy
- mindfulness in nature
Some people use ecotherapy alongside traditional talking therapies to support conditions such as anxiety, depression and stress.
Ecotherapy is based on systems theory, a holistic approach that views individuals, communities and environments as interconnected. Rather than seeing people as separate from the world around them, ecotherapy explores how our relationship with nature can affect emotional well-being.
In this video, counsellor Dave Roderick tells us more about ecotherapy, how it differs from traditional counselling and why you may find it beneficial.
Also known as green exercise, nature therapy, green therapy and horticultural therapy, ecotherapy encompasses a wide range of treatments that focus on gentle physical activities in natural settings. Research into ecotherapy is growing, with studies suggesting that spending time in nature may help improve emotional well-being and reduce symptoms associated with some mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Generally, ecotherapy consists of the following structures:
- activities focus on engaging with nature
- sessions are often guided by trained professionals
- activities may involve social interaction or group work
- sessions usually take place outdoors in green spaces
Ecotherapy programmes
Ecotherapy can be broken down into a number of different programmes. The following are some of the most common:
Horticultural therapy
Particularly helpful for people struggling with stress, burnout and substance abuse, horticultural therapy uses the act of gardening to promote emotional well-being. Horticultural therapy uses planting, growing produce, and caring for outdoor spaces to support emotional well-being.
Green exercise
This involves participants doing physical activities in green spaces. This could include using outdoor gyms, getting together for a bike ride or going on a walk in a group setting.
Conservation
Also known as ‘green gyms’, conservation therapy combines physical exercise with local conservation projects in natural settings. For example, protecting at-risk-of-extinction wildlife habitats.
Wilderness or adventure therapy
Wilderness or adventure therapy may involve activities such as hiking, camping or rock climbing, helping participants build confidence, coping skills and resilience.
Animal-assisted therapy
Animal-assisted therapy involves building therapeutic relationships with animals, such as dogs or horses, to support emotional well-being.
Walk and talk
One of the more widely recognised forms of ecotherapy is walk and talk therapy. This approach takes traditional counselling sessions outdoors, often in parks, woodland areas or along the coast.
For some people, being outside can help conversations feel more relaxed and natural. Therapists may also use the surrounding environment to help clients express thoughts and feelings more easily.
Ecotherapy programmes can be undertaken on their own, or you might do them as part of a wider treatment programme. This could include medications, talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy or music therapy.
How can ecotherapy support mental health?
Counsellor Dale Marshall says that it’s not only revisiting the connection to nature that can alleviate some mental strain, but the lack of connection could have been detrimental to our mental health in the first place. Rebuilding that connection with nature may help support emotional well-being for some people.
“Over time, particularly in the Western civilisation, we have become increasingly alienated from the natural world; we have come to see nature as something 'out there', and ourselves as separate and different from the natural world.
“Ecopsychologists and ecotherapists suggest that this alienation and separation has significantly impacted on our emotional well-being and our behaviour towards our environment.”
Research into ecotherapy and nature-based therapy continues to grow. A 2024 systematic review found that nature-based health interventions may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. Further research into horticultural therapy has shown promising results. A 2024 review and meta-analysis found that gardening and horticultural activities were associated with improved well-being, mental health, and quality of life.
There is also an increasing interest in green social prescribing across the UK. A 2024 large government-backed evaluation of nature-based programmes in England reported improvements in happiness, anxiety, and overall well-being among those who took part in nature walks, community gardening, and conservation projects.
Ecotherapy is thought to support:
- anxiety
- depression
- children with ADHD
- dementia
- decreased stress levels
- decreased chronic pain levels
- PTSD
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing is an NHS approach that helps connect patients with non-medical community support. This can include groups and classes such as art groups, gardening and exercise classes, to help support social, emotional, and practical needs that might be affecting their health and well-being. Different support is available in different areas.
Benefits of ecotherapy
Ecotherapy takes a holistic approach to well-being. Alongside supporting mental health, spending time outdoors and engaging in gentle physical activity may also benefit overall health and lifestyle habits.
For example, some people report feeling more motivated to exercise, eat well and connect with others after taking part in nature-based activities. Spending time outdoors may support both physical and emotional well-being through movement, sunlight exposure and sensory experiences in nature.
Let’s look at some of these benefits in more depth.
Social connection
For individuals struggling with loneliness, ecotherapy can be helpful in restoring that connection to other people, as, for the most part, it takes place in group settings. It can induce feelings of community and reduce feelings of social isolation and low self-esteem.
Motivation to exercise
Ecotherapy often encourages gentle movement through activities such as walking, gardening or conservation work, helping exercise feel more manageable and accessible.
A sense of pride and purpose
Working on a collective goal and seeing the fruits of your labour invokes a sense of pride and purpose. Some people struggle to identify their purpose in life, and having a project where others depend on your participation and enjoy your company reinforces that sense of purpose.
Increased mindfulness
Spending time in nature can help people slow down and focus on the present moment, which some find helpful for managing stress and anxious thoughts.
Frequently asked questions about ecotherapy
Can ecotherapy help anxiety?
Some people find ecotherapy helpful for managing anxiety because spending time in nature may help reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation. Ecotherapy is often used alongside other forms of support, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
What happens in ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy can involve a range of nature-based activities, including gardening, conservation work, outdoor exercise or walk and talk therapy sessions. The approach will vary depending on the therapist and the individual’s needs.
Is ecotherapy evidence-based?
Research into ecotherapy is still growing, but studies suggest that spending time in nature may positively affect mood, stress and emotional well-being.
Is ecotherapy available on the NHS?
Some NHS services and social prescribing programmes may recommend nature-based activities to support well-being. Availability can vary depending on your local area.
How to find an ecotherapist
Many therapists now incorporate ecotherapy into their practice, either through outdoor sessions or nature-based activities alongside talking therapy.
If you’re interested in ecotherapy, it can help to ask a therapist whether they offer nature-based approaches.
Other resources
- Mind - information on nature and mental health
- Centre for ecotherapy - information about ecotherapy approaches and training
Ready to find an ecotherapist?
If you’re interested in ecotherapy, speaking with a qualified therapist can help you explore whether a nature-based approach feels right for you. Many therapists combine ecotherapy techniques with traditional talking therapies, depending on your needs and preferences.
