Ecotherapy in Exeter: 'Walk and talk' counselling and psychotherapy outdoors

Ecotherapy is typically conducted outdoors, so is sometimes called 'walk and talk' or simply 'outdoor therapy'. In some ways outdoors counselling sessions are the same as those conducted indoors, except that we meet for each 50 minute session in a local park or other natural space. Counselling and psychotherapy outdoors is grounded on the same foundations as conventional therapy, but has the added input of nature as a kind of co-therapist.

I've been involved with what we now call ecotherapy for over ten years. I've spoken at UK conferences, published research on ecotherapy and regularly blog on the subject. My work is featured in the current issue of JUNO magazine. I completed a Masters dissertation on outdoor therapy and have trained with practitioners from both the US and the UK. I am a member of Ecopsychology UK and Counsellors and Psychotherapists Outdoors.

In this short interview I talk about the value of ecotherapy.

MIND, the mental health charity, conducted extensive research into ecotherapy and concluded that it can have "great benefits ... for people experiencing mental health problems". (MIND: What is ecotherapy?). There's a growing body of ecotherapy research that shows how effective it is. If you'd like to experience the power of ecotherapy for yourself, please get in touch and we can discuss the practicalities.