Nature Informed Therapy
Research & Study

This peer-reviewed qualitative study examined participant experiences in CNIT's 6-week, 90-minute-per-week ecotherapy program (Nature Therapy for Wellness) delivered by licensed clinicians in a suburban park setting. The program blended mindfulness/relaxation, ACT, forest bathing, guided group processes, and ecopsychology-based psychoeducation. Five consistent outcomes emerged from consensual qualitative analysis: stress reduction, being present, shift in perspective, deepened relationship with nature, and transcendence/awe. Together, these point to a dual pathway of benefit: nature supports regulation (calmer, less reactive, more grounded attention) while also fostering meaning and connection (awe, belonging, reciprocity). These findings help explain how ecotherapy heals and why brief, park-based programs can scale accessibly in communities.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with impaired functioning creating a significant burden for the affected individuals, families, and communities (Daley, 2013). Despite the high prevalence rates as well as impact on functioning, only about 10 percent of people with a SUD will receive specialized treatment (Surgeon General’s Report, n.d.). This makes it essential for those who do seek and receive treatment to be offered holistic care that integrates evidence-based interventions to improve treatment outcomes. According to existing research, NIT potentially intervenes at multiple levels of contributing factors for SUDs by restoring a healthy relationship with nature, self, and others as well as decreasing risk for psychological disorders leading to improvements in mental health and well-being(CNIT, n.d).

Lydia Asisten analyzed pre‑ and post‑program NIBSMA surveys from CNIT participants and found consistent, across‑the‑board improvements. Average scores rose in all five domains—stress dropped while cognitive clarity, social connection, spiritual well‑being, and nature relatedness increased—producing a single, high‑well‑being cluster after the program. Qualitative comments echoed these gains, indicating that CNIT’s nature‑based interventions reliably boost overall mental health and strengthen people’s bond with nature.

This editorial introduces a special issue of the International Journal of Play, offering multidisciplinary perspectives on adult play and playfulness. It highlights eight original contributions and two comments, exploring topics such as the evolutionary benefits of playfulness, cultural transmission of play, playful learning in higher education, and the impact of play on creativity and urban design. The issue also addresses the role of play in psychiatry and conceptualizes BDSM as a form of adult play. The aim is to stimulate further research into the diverse applications and benefits of playfulness in adult life.

This report, developed by UMKC's RN-BSN students in collaboration with the Berkley Child and Family Development Center, highlights the crucial role of outdoor play in children's brain development. It discusses the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional benefits of outdoor activities for children from infancy through school age. Emphasizing experiential learning, the report provides practical ideas for incorporating outdoor play at home and underscores the importance of recess in schools. It also addresses barriers to outdoor play and advocates for more opportunities for children to engage in unstructured, outdoor activities.

This dissertation investigates the relationship between connectedness to nature, spirituality, and psychological well-being. Utilizing the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) and Nature Relatedness Scale (NRS), the study measures individuals' connection to nature and its impact on well-being, assessed through the Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale (CD-RISC) and the Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB). Findings indicate a significant correlation between nature connectedness and well-being, with spirituality playing a mediating role. The study underscores the mental health benefits of a strong nature connection and highlights the importance of spirituality in enhancing psychological resilience and well-being. Implications for integrating nature into therapeutic practices are discussed, offering valuable insights for clinicians and counseling educators.

This meta-synthesis examines the practice of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces, synthesizing insights from 38 articles with 322 practitioners and 163 clients. It highlights the benefits of nature, such as reduced stress and improved mood, and proposes a framework for best practices. Key themes include individualized client assessment, the therapeutic advantages of mutuality and freedom, and the importance of risk management and informed consent. The study emphasizes the enrichment of therapy through holistic integration and improved practitioner well-being, advocating for the inclusion of nature in therapeutic practices as a potentially more effective alternative to conventional indoor therapy.