What is eco-therapy at Working Well Counselling?

Eco-therapy is an umbrella term that includes many different types of counselling, all with an element of nature or the natural world.

At Working Well Counselling and Psychotherapy our eco-therapy brings together several evidence-based treatments, all proven to increase mental wellness and support health and happiness.

Unlike our face to face or online sessions, our eco-therapy counselling will always take place outside. This might be in a park or by the beach, with a focus on a natural, calm setting that isn’t too crowded.

Being outside in green space (park) or blue space (beach/lakeside) is shown to have a stress reduction effect and enhance clear thinking. It also provides an opportunity to feel socially connected to the place we’re in, which can provoke a sense of being part of something larger than ourselves.

If you are able, all or part of the session will take place while walking. Again, there are proven benefits of this. Movement and physical activity are now prescribed and shown to be as effective as anti-depressants for mild depression and anxiety. Being active also supports our physical health, which is directly linked to our mental wellbeing.

On a practical level, we know that our clients may be time-poor and finding time to attend a counselling session and do some exercise can be hard. Combining the two is an effective way to achieve several goals.

A further benefit of walking during a counselling session is to create a level of comfort some may find difficult during counselling. Because you will walk side by side with your counsellor, eye contact shifts from the person opposite to the world around us, which can make us feel less in the spotlight.

Eco-therapy locations will be decided by your therapist with an aim to make the session effective as well as convenient to you.

Eco-therapy will not take place in an isolated area for safety reasons and so it is reasonable to expect you may see other people during your session. Before your session, your therapist will discuss with you how best to retain confidentiality if you pass someone who can overhear a conversation or if you see someone you know.

A portion of the session, usually the start and finish, will take place seated. This is to ensure the client is regulated and comfortable.

If weather conditions prevent the session taking place, an alternative location will be suggested. If this is not possible, no fees will be allocated to this session. Sessions will only be relocated or cancelled in extreme weather conditions.