Therapy is usually defined as a treatment intended to relieve or heal disorder. In the article “Adventure Therapy and the Natural Worlds: Respecting Nature's healing” by Beringer, Almut, and Peter Martin states “Research has demonstrated that nature, or contact with nature, has effects on mental health and human well-being”. Most of the time therapy is an “indoor, verbal, and cognitive activity, with the relationship between therapist and client at its center” (Berger 6). An alternative to this common approach of therapy is the use of nature, introducing the environment not only as a matter of setting, but also a partner in the healing process of the clients as well (Berger 6). The science of natural therapeutics is based on five elements (Gandhi 9). These elements are earth, water, sunlight, and air (Gandhi 9). All of these elements are in the process of nature therapy.

“Within the past half century there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic use of natural environments” stated in the article “Developing The Therapeutic Potential Of Embodied Cognition And Metaphors In Nature-Based Therapy: Lessons from Theory to Practice” . Getting therapeutic help from the natural environment does not stop there. Many people suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional problems. Although taking a nice peaceful walk in the woods or Local Park can ease the mind from anxiety, depression, stress and other emotional problems it may not help with loneliness. One way to start filling in that gap, is to allow yourself to have a loving animal alongside you. Having a loving companion beside you is a great way for therapeutic help.

YES THAT'S MY CAT :)

STAY TUNE FOR THE NEXT PART OF THE SERIES.

Previous post of this series :

@enosh/the-world-of-natural-healing-series-introduction

Some of my favorite previous post YOU might like :

@enosh/basic-skill-how-to-make-a-fire

@enosh/passion-a-never-forget-adventure-in-the-wilderness

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@enosh/white-pine-needle-tea-how-you-can-identify-and-make-your-own

@enosh/absolute-beauty-fall-photography-walk

Work Cited

Berger, Ronen. "Going On A Journey: A Case Study Of Nature Therapy With Children With A Learning Difficulty." Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties 13.4 (2008): 315-326. ERIC. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.

Beringer, Almut, and Peter Martin. "On Adventure Therapy And The Natural Worlds: Respecting Nature's Healing." Journal Of Adventure Education And Outdoor Learning 3.1 (2003): 29-39. ERIC. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.

Corazon, Sus S., Theresa S. S. Schilhab, and Ulrika K. Stigsdotter. "Developing The Therapeutic Potential Of Embodied Cognition And Metaphors In Nature-Based Therapy: Lessons From Theory To Practice." Journal Of Adventure Education And Outdoor Learning 11.2 (2011): 161-171. ERIC. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.

Gandhi, M. K. The Nature Cure. Bombay: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1966. Print. 29 Oct. 2015.

Nebbe, Linda Lloyd. Nature As A Guide: Using Nature In Counseling, Therapy, And Education. n.p.: 1991. ERIC. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.