There are many approaches to counselling and more recently there is a growing awareness and interest in the nature-based therapeutic approach of ‘eco-therapy’. This is described by MIND (2018) as ‘a formal type of therapeutic treatment which involves doing
There are many approaches to counselling and more recently there is a growing awareness and interest in the nature-based therapeutic approach of ‘eco-therapy’. This is described by MIND (2018) as ‘a formal type of therapeutic treatment which involves doing outdoor activities in nature, led by trained professionals and therapists who are there to support you ’.
Eco-therapy is being recognised and acknowledged as an approach that creates greater health and wellbeing and connecting with nature in this way can have lots of positive health benefits. For example, eco-therapy can help you manage an existing mental health problem, and could help prevent future periods of ill health, such as an episode of depression. Eco-therapy can be used on its own, or alongside other treatments such as talking treatments or medication.
The word Eco-therapy may sound like something cloaked in myth and legend, shrouded by custom and ceremony, but actually in reality, it is founded on common sense and experiences that individuals can relate to.
Eco-therapy means ‘restoring and developing wellbeing through connection with nature’. From the feelings of wonderment associated with the sun on your face or experiencing an extraordinary sunrise or sunset, to the contentment we observe in children after a hard day playing in the forest or exploring the rockpools on the beach, to the sense that pondering about a problem while taking a walk can be helpful: these are some examples of the beneficial influence of nature.
In its strictest sense, a formal eco-therapy programme is where a trained therapist helps and supports you to develop a balanced relationship with nature that benefits your wellbeing.
- Sessions can be adapted to suit different levels of mobility and fitness.
- Sessions include person-centred counselling as a walking/talking approach.
Estelle has many years of working within the field of ecology and conservation, within schools and for individuals with special needs. She now provides this approach to those who are feeling disconnected with nature and with life in general. Estelle has a BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Management (MCIEEM) and continues to work within ecology and conservation alongside her counselling practice.
Estelle is a great believer in nature being the “therapeutic first” and continuously explores ways to embrace nature in her therapeutic work, both indoors and outdoors.
If you feel this approach to therapy would help and support you with any emotional problems you are experiencing, then please contact the clinic for more information.
Estelle is a qualified clinical counsellor, primarily practicing from a Person-Centred Approach to therapy. She believes in working at the client’s pace and providing a trusting and safe environment to explore ways of understanding feelings and emotions that are causing concern, supporting you to work them through them and move forward towards a better and more fulfilled and meaningful life.
Estelle works with clients who are experiencing feelings of loss and bereavement, stress, anxiety, depression, low-mood, post-traumatic stress, bullying, abuse, health issues, work related problems, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Estelle also has experience in working with adults caring for individuals diagnosed with dementia or in the early stages of dementia.
Estelle is also a qualified conservationist/ecologist and has many years working within this field. She has a deep belief in reconnecting with nature and how this benefits mental health and general wellbeing, and combines this approach with traditional counselling.
Estelle is a