What is outdoor ecotherapy? Where did it come from and what forms does it take?

This course explores the context, history and definitions of ecotherapy. It provides a framework for understanding the numerous different approaches and how they relate to each other.

It outlines various practical and ethical issues about language, culture and professionalism and gives insights into how ecotherapy professionals can best describe themselves and their work.

The course forms an essential foundation for anyone wishing to practice as an ecotherapist.

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain an overview of the various ecotherapy approaches currently being offered internationally and where they came from;

  • Learn the key differences between approaches and why they matter;

  • Clarify your own approach to ecotherapy;

  • Explore issues around the confluence of ecotherapy practice, culture and indigeneity;

Course Contents

    1. Welcome!

    2. Topics

    3. Course Instructions

    4. Touching Ground

    1. Introduction

    2. History & Context

    3. NOTES: History & Context

    4. Definitions & Descriptions

    5. NOTES: Definitions & Descriptions

    1. Ecotherapy Paradigms

    2. NOTES: Ecotherapy Paradigms

    1. Indigenous Cultures

    2. NOTES: Indigenous Cultures

    1. Finding your place

    2. Summary

    1. Assignment (OPTION): Finding Your Place

Ecotherapy Definitions & Context

  • 19 lessons
  • 10 notional study hours
  • Webinar podcasts
  • Downloads, links and references

Reviews

5 star rating

Excellent

Zands Bruty

This course is a must for anyone wishing to emerge into the world of ecotherapy, or those already in the field who feel they want to examine what they do in ...

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This course is a must for anyone wishing to emerge into the world of ecotherapy, or those already in the field who feel they want to examine what they do in greater depth. It asks thought-provoking questions of its participants and urges us to consider everything we do carefully. It underlines how important the language we use is and how much we need to think about what drives us in this work. Learning the theory of anything can be dry, but this course is the opposite of that. It fills you with excitement of the possibilities ahead.

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5 star rating

Excited for more!

Jade Li George

A great, simple and easy to access introduction with comprehensive points for reflection, introspection and the intentional weaving/creating of your own indi...

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A great, simple and easy to access introduction with comprehensive points for reflection, introspection and the intentional weaving/creating of your own individual ecotherapy practice. Really appreciating the additional resources and links to explore other thinkers/therapists/practitioners in the field.

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Course Leader

David Key

Dave co-led the post-graduate ecopsychology programme at the University of Strathclyde for seven years. He also taught ecopsychology at Schumacher College and as a lecturer at Universities including Edinburgh, Stirling, Plymouth, Exeter, Anglia Ruskin, and Ashridge Business School.

Dave holds an MSc (Dist.) in Human Ecology and is a Fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology. He has over 25 years of practical experience facilitating transformative and therapeutic outdoor experiences, and is an internationally qualified outdoor leader. He has published numerous papers, articles and chapters. His first book, 'Ecotherapy: A Field Guide' was published in 2023.