Nature: the cure we've been looking for

Nature-based therapy is a therapeutic lens that utilizes nature as a co-therapist. This approach addresses the disconnect between land and people, a disconnect that negatively impacts the mental health of many of those seeking mental health services. Consequently, this approach is now considered an effective treatment for youth and is used as a standalone approach or integrated with cognitive behavioural therapy, gestalt, or group therapy. In either case, this nature-based lens provides a bridge between traditional Indigenous practices and Western psychology. My project highlights various activities and ideas in order to incorporate nature into one’s practice as a therapist, specifically within a northern context. Information regarding benefits, ethical concerns and various types of nature-based therapy will be discussed and guide the development of the manual. The guidebook will assist those interested in nature therapy by creating a place where tangible and realistic ideas for how to incorporate it into practice are located.