Ecotherapy recognises the power of nature to boost physical and mental health and wellbeing. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to integrate nature into popular therapies, self-care or healthcare-related businesses such as counselling.
The Certificate of Ecotherapy is an online professional development course that will help you understand the full range of practices linked to ecotherapy and the inherent benefits for psychological and physical health.
In this ecotherapy course, you will explore the evolution of ecotherapy, ecological theories, applications for offices, homes and workplaces, and evidence supporting treatment effectiveness.
You will also learn how to integrate nature, from animal to plants, into professional and holistic therapies and evaluate potential sites for ecotherapy practice.
On completion of this course, you will have gained valuable insight into integrating ecotherapy into your professional practice or self-care routine.
Course Structure
Unit -Ecotherapy Practice
Unit 1 – Nature and Scope of Ecotherapy
- Applications of ecotherapy
- Ecopsychology
- What is ecotherapy?
- What is involved in ecotherapy?
- Other therapies
- Mental health interventions
- Benefits of nature on wellbeing
- Ecotherapy settings
- Care farms
- Community gardens
- Parks
- Wilderness areas
- Green spaces
- Nature in the town and city
- Useful terminology
Unit 2 – Theory of Ecotherapy
- Ecological theories
- Natural environment
- Problems associated with built environments
- Models underpinning ecotherapy
- Nature and mental health research
- Is direct contact with nature necessary?
Unit 3 – Ecotherapy Clients
- The value of ecotherapy
- Wellbeing benefits
- Psychological benefits to clients
- Connection with others
- Wellbeing
- Staying active
- Children’s development
- Physical benefits to clients
- Understanding the body’s responses to stress
- Symptoms (fight or flight)
- Short term response to stress
- Acute stress response
- Long term response to stress
- Barriers to getting involved in ecotherapy
- How to overcome these barriers
- Case example: pet therapy for an anxious child
- Ecotherapy for mental disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Stress reduction and mood regulation
- Stress reduction and mood regulation
- Dementia
- Ecotherapy for physical conditions
- Medical recovery
- Pain reduction
- Obesity
- Specific issues
- Psychological problems
- Autism
- Physical disabilities
- Mobility issues
- Sensory deficits
Unit 4 – Intake Assessment and Ecotherapy Resources
- Intake assessment
- Interviewing potential clients
- Interviewing techniques
- Determining suitability
- Background history (presenting problems, history, family system and personal history)
- Children and adults
- Choosing ecotherapy environments
- Hazards and risks
- Identifying hazards and risks
- Control measures
- Prioritise, act and begin control measures
- Hierarchy of control to eliminate the risk or minimise exposure
- Allergies
- First aid
- Legislation & insurance
- Ethical concerns
Unit 5 – Environment-Based Ecotherapy
- Using the environment
- Types of environment activities
- Green exercise & green gyms
- Walking meditation
- Blue spaces
- Exercise in green or blue gyms
- Conservation projects
- Wilderness therapy
- Forest bathing
- How to do breathing & relaxation exercises
- Deep breathing with meditation
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Extreme weather
- Stargazing
- Other Outdoor Activities
Unit 6 – Plant-Based Ecotherapy
- Physical ecotherapy activities
- Harvesting food
- Growing your own food
- Foraging
- Gardening
- Beneficial ecotherapy activities
- Activity – how to make bonsai
- Psychological ecotherapy activities
- Fascination therapy
- Nature meditation
- Adventure therapy
- Horticultural therapy
- Using the five senses to improve our psychological and physical wellbeing
Unit 7 – Animal-Based Ecotherapy
- Ecotherapy activities
- Bird watching
- Photography
- Pets and pet therapy
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Horse riding
- Animal habitats
- Care farming
- Therapeutic farming activities
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Interacting with wildlife
- Whales and dolphins
- Squirrel watch
- Surveys
- Water
- Using our senses to appreciate animals in nature
- Connecting with animals
Unit 8 – Indoor Ecotherapy
- Indoor applications of ecotherapy
- Workspaces
- Electronically engaging with nature
- Photographs
- Growing at home
- Fresh flowers in the home or ecotherapy space
- Touching nature
- Arts and crafts
- Creating nature indoors
- Pets & animals indoors
Unit 9 – Creativity-Based Ecotherapy
- Therapeutic photography
- Writing therapy
- Poetry
- Art therapy
- Other creative therapies (music, drama, dance and play)
- The benefits of creative therapies
Unit 10 – Holistic Wellness Incorporating Ecotherapy
- Using ecotherapies (walking, relaxation and mindfulness)
- Counselling approaches
- Counselling in nature
- Silence
- Other modalities used in ecotherapy
- Connecting with nature
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
I have experienced: i) Extremely efficient online learning. ii) Quick marking ‘turn-around’ times. iii) Tutors who have been wonderfully approachable and helpful with any queries and concerns regarding course enrollment, assessments and/or subject matter. Overall, I am very satisfied with learning via Australian Online Courses. Thank you.
C, Garson, Toowoomba, QLD | Certificate of Ecotherapy
The course content was relevant, interesting and appropriately paced.
K. Scott, Peachester, QLD | Certificate of Ecotherapy
I found studying with Australian Online Courses enjoyable as it allowed me to study at my own pace
Madison, Carrum, VIC | Certificate of Ecotherapy
I loved every bit of it, the course was challenging, interesting and thought provoking, but not too heavy. Thank you
Cathy | Maleny, QLD | Certificate of Ecotherapy
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Low
Unemployment
Strong
Professional Develop for:
- Ecotherapists
- Counsellors
- Youth Workers
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