What theories and frameworks underpin ecotherapy? How can they be used to design and deliver effective programmes?

This course explores many theoretical perspectives that can support outdoor ecotherapy practice.  It offers a clear theoretical framework to help practitioners understand why outdoor experiences can be therapeutic and how they can be led to ensure they are.

The course touches on psychology, philosophy (ecosophy), ecology, technology, consumerism, art and spirituality - and more. It forms an essential foundation for anyone wishing to practice as an ecotherapist.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explore the philosophical and psychological foundations of ecotherapy;

  • Discover why being outdoors can be therapeutic;

  • Make connections between personal, social and ecological issues and their roles in creating pathologies;

  • Explore some of the foundational theories underpinning ecotherapy practice.

Course content

    1. Welcome!

    2. Topics

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Course Instructions

    4. Touching Ground

    1. Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Why Outdoors?

    2. NOTES: Why Outdoors

    3. Downloads

    4. Links

    5. References

    1. The Ecological Self: Introduction

    2. The Ecological Self: Model

    3. The Ecological Self: Discussion

    4. NOTES: The Ecological Self

    5. Downloads

    6. References

    1. Theoretical Perspectives

    2. NOTES: Theoretical Perspectives

    3. Downloads

    4. Links

    5. References

    1. Summary

Ecotherapy Theory

  • 22 lessons
  • 25 notional study hours
  • Webinar podcasts
  • Downloads, links and references

Course Leader

Course Director 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 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.