Discover the therapeutic benefits of nature through practices like forest bathing, horticultural therapy, green exercise, wilderness therapy, and animal-assisted interventions, to promote wellbeing through evidence-based practices.
The Certificate of Ecotherapy explores the connection between nature and wellbeing, providing a solid foundation in the history, principles, and science of nature-based healing.
In this ecotherapy course, you’ll discover how nature supports mental and emotional health to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. You’ll also learn nature-based strategies for trauma recovery, mindfulness, and self-care through journalling, art, and guided visualisations to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
You will explore ethics, safety, and inclusivity to successfully facilitate ecotherapy in natural environments, from urban parks to bushland settings. You’ll also gain skills in program design, group facilitation, and reflective practice to incorporate ecotherapy in personal and professional settings.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to apply ecotherapy techniques through nature-based practices in personal, professional, or community settings to support mental health and wellbeing.
Certificate of Ecotherapy
Unit 1: Introduction to Ecotherapy
- Definitions and key Principles
- History and culture of nature-based healing
- The science of ecotherapy
- Overview of ecotherapy techniques
Unit 2: Nature and Mental Health
- Psychological benefits of ecotherapy
- Physiological benefits of nature
- Nature and stress
- Nature and anxiety
- Nature and depression
- Practical ways to use nature for mental health
- Ecotherapy in trauma recovery and emotional Recovery
- Self-reflection and mindfulness
Unit 3: Ecotherapy Techniques
- Green exercise and movement-based ecotherapy
- Getting started with green exercise
- Green play for children
- Forest bathing
- Horticultural therapy
- Horticultural therapy for dementia and alzheimer’s
- Animal-Assisted Ecotherapy
- Wilderness therapy
- Nature-mindfulness and meditation
- Ecotherapy for social connection
- Nature journalling and creative expression
- Blue Mind Therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Agrotherapy
- Ecospirituality
- Star gazing and moonlight meditation
Unit 4: Ecotherapy in Practice
- Ethical considerations
- Creating safe spaces
- Blending ecotherapy with traditional therapies
Unit 5: Working with Natural Environments
- Urban ecotherapy
- Using parks, beaches and bushland
- Ecotherapy in diverse settings
- Safety and risk management
- Risk Management Plan
- Ensuring participant safety
Unit 6: Connection, Culture and Community
- Indigenous perspectives in ecotherapy
- Australian Aboriginal inderstandings of land and healing
- Community-based nature therapy
- Building connection and environmental stewardship
Unit 7: Creative and Experiential Ecotherapy
- Journalling, storytelling, and reflective writing
- Art-based ecotherapy
- Ecotherapy for self-care and personal growth
- Guided vsualisations and mindfulness exercises
Unit 8: Program Design and Facilitation
- Structuring individual sessions
- Structuring group sessions
- Selecting nature activities to meet therapeutic goals
- Adapting for age, ability, trauma history and neurodiversity
- Building rapport
- Managing emotional responses and group energy
- Storytelling, metaphor and silence
- Gathering feedback and measuring outcomes
- Continuous improvement and reflective practice
Study Hours
Estimated duration 40 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.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
Very easy learning process and everything was explained well online from the get go.
Reed | Augustine Heights, QLD | Certificate of Ecotherapy
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
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (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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