Authors: Amy Horn, Mairin Taylor & Chris North
This research further explores the nature-based therapy model from the practitioner’s perspective in order to inform and develop understanding for practitioners connecting with the natural world as part of therapeutic services This qualitative study was conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand. Five practitioners trained in counselling, psychotherapy or social work, working in one-on-one counselling contexts in nature were interviewed using an Interpretive Description Methodology. Thematic analysis was used to examine the role that the natural environment plays in the therapeutic process. Four major themes are presented: Beliefs about who or what nature is strongly influence the role nature plays in the therapy; Nature influences the relationship dynamic between the therapist and the client; Nature is a direct support to the therapist, and; Nature leads the client directly and makes the therapy multi-dimensional.
