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.

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.

This course in Ecotherapy focuses on broadening, and deepening the practice of counseling and, therapy by extending the psychotherapeutic context, to include the natural world in which we live. We, will further our survey of research that supports, the theoretical foundations of ecotherapy found in, environmental and conservation psychology,, ecopsychology, evolutionary psychology, and, biophilia. Specific practices and methods that, incorporate nature into the therapeutic process, will be explored and students will have the, opportunity to practice these techniques. We will, further explore the restorative effects of direct, contact with nature, the psychological impact of, "a sense of place", the concepts of a Nature, Language and Human Rewilding, and contemporary, influences that affect the human-nature, relationship. Ethical issues unique to the, practice of ecotherapy and incorporating, ecotherapy with special populations will be, discussed. Admission to Ecotherapies Certificate, required.