Sam J. Cooley and more
Mar 4, 2020
The article "Into the Wild: A Meta-Synthesis of Talking Therapy in Natural Outdoor Spaces" by Sam J. Cooley, Ceri R. Jones, Arabella Kurtz, and Noelle Robertson, published in the Clinical Psychology Review, explores the emerging practice of conducting talking therapies in natural outdoor environments. Here are the key points and themes from the article:
Growing Trend: There is an increasing trend among psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists to conduct therapy outdoors, leveraging the restorative benefits of natural environments.
Benefits of Outdoor Therapy: Outdoor therapy benefits include holism, mutuality, freedom, and interconnectivity. These environments help reduce stress and improve mood, providing a unique setting that can enhance the therapeutic process.
Framework for Best Practices: The article proposes a framework with key considerations for conducting therapy outdoors, emphasizing the need for individual assessment and formulation to determine client suitability.
Practical and Therapeutic Issues: The framework addresses practical, therapeutic, and organizational issues, suggesting solutions such as informed consent, process contracting, and enhancing predictability. Issues include the unpredictability of natural settings, physical safety, and maintaining confidentiality.
Client and Practitioner Characteristics: The suitability of outdoor therapy depends on the characteristics of both clients and practitioners. Clients who feel a natural affiliation and comfort in nature are more likely to benefit. Practitioners need confidence and creativity to adapt their methods to outdoor settings.
Therapeutic Approaches: Therapy in natural settings can range from passive (nature as a backdrop) to active (nature as a participant in therapy). Techniques include stabilization, use of nature metaphors, behavioral analysis, relationship building, and experiential learning.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical practice in outdoor therapy involves ensuring safety, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries. This requires thorough assessment, risk management, and sometimes seeking external guidance.
Organizational Barriers: Outdoor therapy is more common in private practice due to barriers in organizational cultures that favor traditional, indoor therapy models. There's a need for more support and guidance from the wider profession.
Enrichment of Therapy: Outdoor therapy enriches the therapeutic process by providing a greater sense of mutuality, freedom for emotional expression, holistic mind-body integration, and a deeper connection with nature.
Impact on Practitioners: Conducting therapy outdoors can benefit practitioners by reducing stress and enhancing their well-being, creativity, and confidence.
Overall, the article advocates for integrating nature into therapeutic practices, highlighting its benefits and providing a comprehensive framework to guide practitioners in effectively and ethically conducting outdoor therapy.