What is Ecotherapy? A Melbourne Based Nature Therapy Guide.

Nature has been known to be a source of healing and rejuvenation for centuries. From ancient cultures that worshiped the goddess religion as an animist connection to the natural world to modern-day ecotherapists, the healing power of nature has been recognised and harnessed in various ways. Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy or green therapy, is an approach that focuses on the healing benefits of being in connection with nature and living in harmony with the natural world. In this blog, we'll explore what ecotherapy Melbourne based practitioner Marion Miller offers both locally in Melbourne and in regional Victoria and some of the key practices involved in it.

Ecotherapy is a form of therapy that uses the healing power of nature to improve mental and physical health as well actively being involved in a community of practices helping protect and regenerate the natural world. It involves engaging with the natural world in various ways, such as spending time outdoors, interacting with plants and animals, as actively address the current destruction of our ecology by the popular culture. You can find out more about Ecotherapy with Marion Miller here.

Key Practices we use in Ecotherapy Melbourne

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan and involves spending time in a forest to improve mental and physical health. The practice is based on the idea that spending time in nature, breathing in the forest air, and engaging with the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. Studies have shown that forest bathing can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system.

Nature-Based Mindfulness

Nature-based mindfulness is a practice that merges evidence based mindfulness with nature connection. We can explore the four foundations of mindfulness through being aware of our relationship with nature as an inner and outer experience. Through nature based mindfulness we can cultivate more presense, connection and groundedness in nature.

Sit Spots

Sit spots are a key practice in ecotherapy that involve finding a place in nature and sitting there for an extended period of time. The practice is based on the idea that spending time in nature and observing the natural world can help us to connect with the natural world and improve our mental and physical health. Sit spots can be anywhere in nature, from a quiet corner of a park to a secluded spot in the woods.

Symbology

Symbology is the study of symbols and their meanings. In ecotherapy, symbology is used to explore the deeper meanings and connections between humans, non-human and the natural world. By examining the symbols that appear in nature, such as animals, plants, and natural phenomena, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own psyche and the world around us.

Ritual

Ritual is a practice that involves performing symbolic actions or gestures to mark a significant event or to connect with something greater than oneself. In ecotherapy, ritual can be used to mark the passage of time, to honor the sacred natural world, or to connect with the rhythms and cycles of nature. Examples of ecotherapy rituals include creating a nature altar, performing a solstice ceremony, full moon ceremony, building a spirit house or participating in a group drumming circle.

Meditation

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a specific object, thought, or activity to achieve a state of mental clarity and calm. In ecotherapy, meditation can be used to connect with the natural world, to quiet the mind, enliven the senses and to cultivate a sense of peace and wellbeing. Examples of ecotherapy meditations include walking meditation,nature visualisation, and breathwork.

Mindful Nature Walking

Mindful walking in nature is a practice that involves intentionally and attentively experiencing the act of walking while immersing oneself in the natural surroundings. It combines the principles of mindfulness and the healing power of nature to enhance one's overall well-being. During mindful walking, individuals focus their attention on the physical sensations of walking—the movement of their body, the sensation of their feet touching the ground, and the rhythm of their breath. They also open their senses to the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural environment, allowing themselves to be fully present in the moment. This practice cultivates a deep connection with nature, promoting a sense of calm, grounding, and gratitude.

Eco Art

Eco art therapy involves using artistic expression and engagement with nature. In eco art therapy, individuals are encouraged to connect with the natural world through various creative processes, such as painting, sculpting, or creating installations using natural materials. This form of therapy recognizes the inherent healing qualities of nature and the power of artistic expression to facilitate self-discovery and emotional release. Through the integration of art and nature, eco art therapy provides a unique and transformative space for individuals to deepen their connection with the environment, explore their inner world, and navigate personal challenges or traumas.

Indigenous Knowledge

Indigenous knowledge refers to the knowledge and wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation within indigenous communities. In ecotherapy, indigenous knowledge can be used to deepen our connection with the natural world and to learn from the wisdom of those who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries - like Australia's first nation peoples. Examples of ecotherapy practices that draw on indigenous knowledge include plant medicine ceremonies, sweat lodges, circles and vision quests. We also explore tapping into our own ancestry (humans and lands) and rekindling our own indigenous knowledge that lies dormant within the cells and unconscious mind of modern humans.

Goddess Religion and Paganism

Paganism is a diverse term referring to various pre-Christian, ancient, or modern nature-based spiritual traditions. These paths commonly share a worldview of immanent divinity—seeing the sacred as dwelling within the world, rather than separate from it—and celebrating the Earth's seasonal and life cycles. Goddess Religion (or Goddess Spirituality) is a specific branch, often found within modern Paganism, that focuses on worshiping the Divine Feminine in various aspects (such as the Maiden, Mother, and Crone). This tradition emphasises the sanctity of the body, creative power, intuition, and the ancient connection between women's cycles and the cycles of the moon and the Earth.

Depth Psychology

Depth psychology is another important component of ecotherapy, as it helps us to explore our inner lives and emotions through the lens of nature. This can involve using techniques like dreamwork, storytelling, active imagination and art therapy to gain insight into our own experiences and deepen our connection with the natural world.

Grief Work

Grief work is also an important part of ecotherapy, as it allows us to process our emotions and experiences related to loss and climate change. By engaging with nature in the midst of grief, we can find solace and healing in the natural world and develop a deeper sense of resilience and hope and reconnection with the love and gratitude we feel for the earth.

Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism is a philosophical and political movement that asserts a critical link between the oppression of women and the oppression (or exploitation) of nature. Drawing inspiration from the reverence for the Earth found in many nature-based spiritualities, Ecofeminism argues that both dominations stem from a shared patriarchal logic—often termed the "logic of domination." It advocates for dismantling hierarchical power structures to achieve both ecological sustainability and social justice, seeking to elevate values typically associated with the feminine, such as nurturing, reciprocity, cooperation, and the interconnectedness of all life.

Environmentalism

Ecotherapy recognises that human wellbeing is intimately connected with the health and well-being of the natural world, and that environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity can have negative impacts on human health and wellbeing. As such, ecotherapists often work to promote environmental awareness and engage in environmental activism as a way of promoting healing and wellbeing for both individuals and the planet as a whole. This might involve activities such as participating in local environmental campaigns, volunteering for conservation organisations, or simply spending time in nature and developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world. By promoting environmental awareness and engaging in environmental activism, ecotherapists seek to create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and the earth, promoting health and well-being for both individuals and the planet.

Overall, ecotherapy is a powerful and transformative form of therapy that can help us develop a deeper connection with the natural world and find greater peace, meaning, and wellbeing in our lives. Whether we are engaging in forest bathing, practicing meditation, on an ecoretreat or working with an ecotherapist individually, the practices and traditions of ecotherapy can help us to find healing and renewal in the natural world.

Contact me to find out more about an Ecotherapy workshop in your community or organisation group.

Marion Miller: marion@marionmiller.com.au | +61423703960