Beyond going outside: what actually happens in ecotherapy?

What is ecotherapy, what can it help with, and what actually happens? We explain more about what to expect

We all know that spending time in nature can make us feel good. Whether it’s a walk through the park after a stressful day, sitting by the sea, or simply noticing the birds in your garden, being outdoors often helps us to feel calmer, clearer, and more connected. 

But what if nature could be more than just a backdrop for feeling better?

Taking time to enjoy nature is good for us mentally and physically. Nature can help improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anger, promote relaxation, confidence and self-esteem, reduce feelings of loneliness, facilitate connection, and even support people experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. 

As awareness of nature's impact on our wellbeing continues to grow, you may have come across the term and wondered: What exactly is ecotherapy – and what actually happens when you take part? Here, we explore what ecotherapy is, what it may help with, and what you can expect from different types of ecotherapy programmes.

What is ecotherapy, and what can it help with?

Rather than simply encouraging us to spend time outside, ecotherapy uses guided activities, reflection, and connection with nature to support our mental and emotional wellbeing. From gardening programmes to animal-assisted interventions, ecotherapy can take many different forms. 

When it comes to ecotherapy, there isn’t a single definition. It is often described as a regular activity in nature that is guided by trained professionals, which encourages participants to explore and appreciate the natural world, and involves active, hands-on participation.Used to support mental and emotional wellbeing, some people use it alongside traditional talking therapy, art or creative therapy, or medication to support with experiences such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Ecotherapy is often based on the idea that our wellbeing is closely linked to the health of the communities and environments around us. Rather than viewing people as separate from nature, it encourages us to see ourselves as part of a wider ecosystem.

What actually happens in ecotherapy?

While the name might bring to mind woodland walks or spending time rambling in nature, ecotherapy is typically more structured than simply heading outdoors. 

A trained practitioner typically guides sessions designed to help participants build a deeper connection with nature, themselves, and others. Different programmes offer different activities. Some may involve practical activities like gardening, conservation work, or caring for animals. Others focus on mindful observation, creative exercises, group discussion, or spending time in natural settings. The overall aim isn’t necessarily to learn about nature, but to use the natural world as a tool to support wellbeing. 

Ecotherapy can take place in the countryside, towns or cities. You might have sessions in a park or garden, near woodlands, water, or farmland, where you can take part in activities that involve working in or experiencing nature, as well as spending time with others. 

Unlike many traditional talking therapies, ecotherapy often encourages people to engage with their surroundings through their senses and experiences. You might be invited to notice the sounds around you, reflect on how the landscape makes you feel, work alongside others on a shared project, or simply spend time slowing down and paying attention to the natural world.

Many people find that having a focus outside of themselves can make it more accessible to process their emotions, reduce feelings of stress, and feel more grounded in the present moment. 

Because ecotherapy can take many different forms, no two experiences will look exactly alike. Whether you're interested in hands-on conservation work, community gardening, or a more reflective approach, there are a range of options available. The exact experience can depend on the type of ecotherapy you choose, but most programmes share a common goal: helping people reconnect with nature in ways to support their mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Learn more about ecotherapy programmes, and find out whether walk and talk therapy could be right for you.

How to find an ecotherapy programme

If you’re interested in trying ecotherapy, there are many different ways you can get involved in your local area. Your GP may be able to refer you to a local programme using social prescribing or green prescribing. If you regularly see a health or social care professional, it may be worth asking them if they can refer you to a local programme. 

Some charities like Mind run ecotherapy programmes in some areas. Some ecotherapists run group or one-to-one ecotherapy sessions. You can find out more about ecotherapists near you to learn more about their sessions, nature-based approaches, and what nature-based activities they offer alongside talking therapy. 

Do I need to work with an ecotherapist?

Ecotherapy generally involves working with or being guided by someone trained in ecotherapy, such as an ecotherapist, but there are nature-based strategies and wellness practices you can try to help support your wellbeing. While these activities aren't the same as taking part in a structured ecotherapy programme, many people find they offer some of the same benefits, such as feeling calmer, more connected, and more present.

Working in a garden or allotment, starting a neighbourhood litter pick, going on nature walks and spending time among the trees, and even taking your regular activities – like exercising and reading – outside can provide small but meaningful benefits.. 

Looking after your neighbourhood with litter picking not only gets you outside; it also benefits your community, helps create a nicer environment, and provides the opportunity to make connections with others in your area. 

Gardening or working at an allotment can be a positive way to stay outside, to give you a clear goal of growing something, and also to create the opportunity for mindful sensory moments. Try focusing on the feel of soil beneath your hands, the scent surrounding you, and how you feel watching your plants grow and thrive over time. 

Finding your way back to nature

As we've seen, ecotherapy is about more than simply spending time outdoors. While ecotherapy may look different from person to person, its message is surprisingly simple: spending time connecting with nature can be good for us. Whether you're drawn to practical outdoor activities, reflective walks, or sharing experiences with others, there are many ways to explore what ecotherapy has to offer.

And while nature may not solve every problem, it can provide space to pause, reset, and gain a fresh perspective. So if you're curious, why not see where a little more time outdoors could take you?