Delivering meaningful and effective psychological services that meet the diverse needs of clients can be challenging. The digital era of service provision, accelerated by the Covid 19 pandemic, has increased accessibility and treatment efficacy for many. Also of great importance is the demand for nature connection as an integral element of psychological intervention as evidenced by increasing rates of ‘green prescribing’ by general practitioners (Thomas et al., 2022). This collaborative presentation will discuss the practice of psychology outdoors, exploring 3 perspectives: in the bush, on a river, and from a paddock. 

This presentation will introduce the exciting field of ecotherapy and how the discipline of psychology supports it. Presenters will discuss some of the ways in which nature-based psychologists can expand their therapeutic practices to improve client outcomes, increase accessibility and support practitioner wellbeing. They will share practice-based insights for psychologists who are drawn to the field or considering integrating nature-based approaches to existing therapeutic modalities. 

While it is well known that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, it is essential that we highlight the clinical value of intentional nature-based engagement alongside a professional who is equipped with knowledge, skill and experience in combining evidence-based treatments and kinaesthetic engagement with the natural environment in order to enhance therapeutic outcomes (Corazon et al., 2011; Naor & Mayseless, 2021).

A recent review of talking therapy in the outdoors highlighted both a need and opportunities for further engagement with nature (Cooley et al., 2020). Ecotherapy is an appropriate treatment approach for presenting issues including depression (Owens & Bunce, 2022), anxiety, stress, trauma and grief amongst others (Lewis et al., 2022).