NATURE THERAPY FOR CHILDREN
Sally Davies is a registered clinical psychologist who has been working with children and young adults in nature instead of in the office. This approach is supported by the latest research and writings in sports and ecopsychology, which have demonstrated the effectiveness of outdoor activity and exercise on mood and/or attitude, as well as the significance of the relationship between the troubled person and his/her natural environment. It involves the interaction of mind, body and spirit with the natural world which responds by being there and helps the therapist in moving the work forward. Various techniques including (ecofriendly) collection, photography and writing assist in developing mindfulness and maintaining progress.
Sally says that while Nature or Wilderness Therapy is still in early stages in this country and overseas, it is exciting and holds much promise. Our beautiful and well managed Nature Reserves offer great opportunities to develop a better understanding of how "wilderness" advances the process of psychotherapy, especially with children and especially with boys.
In Nature, the child feels free and yet safely contained by the environment which is available but rarely intrudes. There is scope for physical challenge, for imagination and (for some) the opportunity to develop a sense of peace and harmony within and without. Some people use the environment as a backdrop against which they are more able to share their feelings and thoughts, while others interact with the environment in play or observation. In turn, the plants and especially the animals interact with people, sometimes in remarkable ways that defy explanation and yet seem to meet the exact need of the psychological moment.
PEACE-OF-EDEN WILDLIFE TOURS AND TEAMBUILDING EXPERIENCES
Nature is the best teacher. We know this instinctively, but Life rushes on relentlessly, bills need to be paid, and stress builds up. Mandy Young, a professional, with extensive knowledge of human and wild animal behaviour, facilitates self-reflective discussion groups in wilderness spaces after observing animals’ social behaviour, thus enabling life- and relationship-enriching insights. Wilderness experiences can be arranged throughout the year.
THE ECOTHERAPY INSTITUTE "Discovering soul and spirit through Nature"
The Ecotherapy institute offers workshops, retreats, trails and vision quests in South Africa. It is a professional organisation facilitating a number of processes for a deep reconnection with nature and ourselves.The core of the organisation is vision quests, in which an 'intent' is chosen before-hand, and the individual spends time alone (up to 4 days and nights), often fasting and getting in touch with their life.Trails also make up a large part of the organisation's work, in which a group of people trek through the wilderness with a field guide, getting back in touch with their primordial selves.
Eco-Therapy