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September 4, 2024

Ecotherapy: The Environmental Benefits of a Therapeutic Farm

By Cecelia Futch, LPCC-S, retired Hopewell clinician

What is Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy, also known as Nature Therapy or Green Therapy, is the applied practice of the emerging field of ecopsychology, a concept first coined by Theodore Roszak in the 1990s. This therapeutic modality proves to be an effective approach of treatment for physical, mental and emotional health. At its core, Ecotherapy recognizes that humans have become increasingly isolated from nature, a contributing factor to the increase of various disorders and illnesses. Evidenced-based research has thus far supported the belief that as we renew our connection and involvement with natural environments, symptoms of mental illness are often reduced or sometimes eliminated, and a general sense of well-being is increased.

This fall Cecelia Futch will lead an exciting journey into “Ecotherapy in Clinical Practice,” a four-part virtual seminar with clinicians from Hopewell and Pasadena Villa.

Ecotherapy at Hopewell

Hopewell was established in 1993 as a therapeutic farm community for adults with serious mental illness. The guiding belief of its founder, Clara T. Rankin, is that nature, along with clinical engagement, a supportive community, and meaningful work combine to provide a holistic approach to help individuals live and function well in their communities once they are ready to leave Hopewell.

With its 325 acres of forest, meadows, streams, ponds, farmland and animals, Hopewell is especially suited to provide an intentional, focused Ecotherapy program for residents and staff alike. Research strongly indicates that some of the benefits of Ecotherapy include reduced stress, improved mood, increased ability to regulate one’s emotions, enhanced cognitive functioning, creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and more.

To give you an inkling of the positive benefits of providing Ecotherapy at Hopewell, consider the following: greenery and open spaces are known to lower cortisol levels thus reducing stress and anxiety; nature exposure increases our body’s natural production of serotonin thus improving mood and overall emotional well-being; nature sounds such as birds chirping, leaves rustling, and grasses blowing in the breeze have a calming effect; breathing the forest aerosol filled with organic compounds (such as tree phytoncides) reduces the symptoms of asthma and other pulmonary disorders, slows rapid heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system.

Interventions and Practical Applications

These are just some of the compelling reasons to incorporate Ecotherapy as a therapeutic modality at Hopewell. So, how does it work? Following are some of the Ecotherapy interventions that have been utilized with successful outcomes at Hopewell:

• Walk & Talk Therapy: This is the most widely used intervention in the clinical practice of Ecotherapy everywhere. Clinicians at Hopewell are trained in a variety of modalities, all of which involve talk therapy to one degree or another. Taking talk therapy out of doors often helps clients clear their thoughts and explore issues that they are reluctant to bring up when sitting in the confines of the clinician’s office.

“Jon” presented with symptoms that were quite serious and interfered with his ability to function in his home community. Once established in the Hopewell community, Jon met with his clinician regularly for weeks but made little progress. One day his clinician invited him to join her on a nature walk, which he readily accepted. To the clinician’s surprise, Jon spontaneously began talking, first about his home life, but as they continued down the trail, he began to open up about his troubles. After that experience, the clinician and Jon met regularly for Walk & Talk sessions. As a result, Jon was able to creatively explore ways to achieve his goals of independent living, getting a job to support himself, and identifying support services he would need once he returned home.

• Sit-Spot: Another cornerstone of Ecotherapy which is universally practiced is identifying and utilizing a sit-spot. Just as the name implies, a sit-spot is a place where the ecopractitioner regularly returns to sit, reflect, daydream, journal, or simply notice what is going on around them. The sit-spot becomes a place of refuge when one needs alone time. Early in a client’s Ecotherapy journey at Hopewell, the ecotherapist will help the client find one or two sit-spots which the client can make use of throughout their stay at Hopewell.

“Sandy” suffered with extreme anxiety and chronic depression, which led her to Hopewell. She had previously enjoyed sports and being outdoors, but in the grip of her illness she found it impossible to do things she once enjoyed. After assessing Sandy’s situation and reviewing her history, her clinician invited her to meet for outdoor counseling sessions. During their first Walk & Talk session, the clinician helped her find a sit-spot that provided a comforting, safe place. Over time the clinician noticed that Sandy would regularly retreat to her sit-spot to journal, reflect, or simply watch her surroundings. As Sandy neared the end of her stay at Hopewell, she exhibited increasing emotional stability and positive outlook for her future. When asked, she replied that the entire Hopewell experience helped her regain control of her life, and that having a sit-spot was a practice she would take with her when she was ready to discharge.

• Horticulture: Horticulture therapy has been a well-established mental health intervention since the 1940s, and is perfect for the Hopewell farm community. Hopewell residents and staff participate in planting and growing food crops, which will be enjoyed by the community. Digging in dirt, growing plants in the greenhouses, vegetables and herbs outdoors, and engaging in the meaningful work of providing for the Hopewell community is shown to support mental health.

“Mike” was a self-described “city boy” who had never grown anything in his life. When he came to Hopewell, Mike recalled that he felt like a “fish out of water.” He balked when invited to help weed the vegetable garden, but he eventually, reluctantly gave in. Once in the garden, working alongside other residents and staff, however, Mike discovered the joy of “playing in the dirt.” The garden crew became his regular work assignment. Mike made remarkable progress during his time at Hopewell, and upon his return home, chose to continue horticulture therapy. Months later in an he sent to his clinician, Mike included pictures of the garden he planted and cared for in his back yard.

These Ecotherapy practices are just a few of the many ways residents and staff can connect with nature and reap innumerable health benefits, many of which are listed above. Sylvotherapy (Tree Therapy), Animal Assisted Therapy (Equine Therapy), EcoArt Therapy, and more, are used in the service of residents at the farm. Integrating nature, farm activities, clinical and community support provides a strong therapeutic and holistic approach to healing and wellness for the entire Hopewell farm community.