AUTHOR(S)
Rachel Rubright, Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling, and Psychological Associates
Lauren Moss, PhD, LPC, Kutztown University
Sarah Rentz, Kutztown University
Julianna Rose, Kutztown University
Sarah Springer, PhD, LPC, Seattle University
Ecotherapy, like most nature-based mental health techniques, is typically conducted outdoors. A large part of trauma therapy centers on how to reduce client stress and promote healing unbounded by trauma. Ecotherapy has been shown to significantly reduce stress, as demonstrated by lower levels of heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol. Incorporating ecotherapy techniques into trauma therapy can be an effective way to facilitate the reduction of client stress and promote future healing and self-care. However, many receiving trauma therapy may not feel comfortable in the outdoor environment. Rather than disregarding these clients, the present manuscript focuses on how to bring the natural benefits of the “outside” into an indoor environment where clients with trauma can practice ecotherapy while maintaining a sense of safety. Additionally, this paper includes several specific nature-based techniques that can be applied indoors in the treatment of trauma.
Spring 2025 Article 4