Lewis & Clark Moodle

Ecotherapy is the field of inquiry concerned with
the human-nature relationship and includes a
substantial body of evidence demonstrating the
physical and psychological benefits of interacting
with nature. A basic tenet of the field is that
our inner worlds and the outer world are
intimately connected. The need for nature still
resides in our bodies, minds, and spirit. From an
ecotherapy perspective, a central challenge of our
time is the integration of our connection with
nature with our scientific culture and our
technological selves. As such, ecotherapy has a
role to play in addressing such issues as the
decreased presence of nature in our lives; the
exponential growth of technology in daily living;
and the impact of global climate change. This
course guides students toward self-reflection
regarding their environmental identity and their
"sense of place". It also explores the motivations
for integrating ecological perspectives into
academic and professional work.

Ecotherapy is the field of inquiry concerned with, the human-nature relationship and includes a, substantial body of evidence demonstrating the, physical and psychological benefits of interacting, with nature. A basic tenet of the field is that, our inner worlds and the outer world are, intimately connected. The need for nature still, resides in our bodies, minds, and spirit. From an, ecotherapy perspective, a central challenge of our, time is the integration of our connection with, nature with our scientific culture and our, technological selves. As such, ecotherapy has a, role to play in addressing such issues as the, decreased presence of nature in our lives; the, exponential growth of technology in daily living;, and the impact of global climate change. This, course guides students toward self-reflection, regarding their environmental identity and their, "sense of place". It also explores the motivations, for integrating ecological perspectives into, academic and professional work.

This course provides an introduction to, ecopsychological theory and surveys research that, supports the theoretical foundations of nature, based practices found in Ecotherapy, Wilderness, Therapy, and other Nature-based therapies. The, course also surveys related concepts, findings and, practices in psychology and counseling/therapy, that provide a foundation for conservation and, sustainability work, environmental education,, advocacy, and activism.

This course provides an opportunity to explore, ecopsychology concepts and nature based practices, in the context of a multi-day outdoor experience., Topics include backcountry safety, outdoor, leadership, wilderness philosophy and, conservation, benefits of immersion in natural, settings and retreats from modern technologies;, multicultural rites of passage; and techniques for, counseling/therapy in the outdoors. The course, typically features an off-campus weeklong or, multi-weekend residential format including tent, camping along with other activities such as day, and/or overnight hiking; mindfulness and team, building exercises; and other nature based and/or, adventure based activities. Outdoor experience not, required. There is a course fee.