Skip to main content

Nature-Based Therapeutic Interventions

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Forests, Trees and Human Health

Abstract

The point of departure of this chapter is to view nature-based settings as an important asset for improvement and promotion of health. During the last decades the concepts of healthy nature-based settings and accompanying treatment programs have been referred to by many names, making the subject difficult to interpret. Here the development of the theoretical framework and the research area are described. The second part of the chapter focuses on the structure of a therapy program and the health design of the nature-based setting. From the theories and experiences, including both research as well as best practice presented, the chapter ends with recommendations for future aims of research projects within this area.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • AHTA (2007). http://ahta.org 2007-10-26

  • Aldwin C (2007) Stress, coping, and development, 2nd edn. The Guilford Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Antonovsky A (1987) Unraveling the mystery of health: how people manage stress and stay well. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayres JA (1974) The development of sensory integrative theory and practice. Kendall/Hunt, Dubuque

    Google Scholar 

  • Beard C, Wilson JP (2002) The power of experiential learning. A handbook for trainers and educators. Kogan Page, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayres JA (1983) Sensory integration and the child. Western psychological services, Los Angeles, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Berger R, McLoed J (2006) Incorporating nature into therapy: A framework for practice. J Syst Ther 25(2):80–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Björk J, Albin M, Grahn P, Jacobsson H, Ardö J, Wadbro J, Östergren P-O, Skärbäck E (2008) Recreational values of the natural environment in relation to neighbourhood satisfaction, physical activity, obesity, and well-being. J Epidemiol Community Health 62(4):e2

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boldemann C, Blennow M, Dal H, Mårtensson F, Raustorp A, Yuen K, Wester U (2006) Impact of preschool environment upon children’s physical activity and sun exposure. Prev Med 42:301–308

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner U (1979) The ecology of human development – experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Bucci W (2003) Varieties of dissociative experiences. Psychoanal Psychol 20:542–557

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burls A (2005) New landscapes for mental health. Mental Health Rev 10:26–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burls A (2007) People and green spaces: promoting public health and mental well-being through ecotherapy. J Public Mental Health 6(3):24–39

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burls A (2008a) Seeking nature: a contemporary therapeutic environment. Int J Ther Communities 29(3), autumn 2008 – International

    Google Scholar 

  • Burls A (2008b) Meanwhile wildlife gardens, with nature in mind. In: Dawe G, Millward A (eds) Statins and greenspaces: health and the urban environment. Proceedings of conference by UNESCO UK-MAB Urban Forum at University College London (UCL), 27 March 2007

    Google Scholar 

  • Burls A (2010) Ecotherapy. In: Sempik J, Hine R, Wilcox D (eds) A conceptual framework for green care. A report of the Working Group on the Health Benefits of Green care COST 866, Green care in Agriculture Loughborough University, CCFR

    Google Scholar 

  • Burls A, Caan W (2004) Social exclusion and embracement: a useful concept? J Prim Health Care Res Dev 5(3)

    Google Scholar 

  • Burls A, Caan W (2005) Editorial: human health and nature conservation: ecotherapy could be beneficial, but we need more robust evidence. BMJ 331:1221–1222

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Burns GW (1998) Nature-guided therapy: brief integrative strategies for health and wellbeing. Brunner/Mazel, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Butler CD, Friel S (2006) Time to regenerate: ecosystems and health promotion. PLoS Med 3(10):e394

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cavill N, Kahlmeier S, Racioppi F (eds) (2006) Physical activity and health in Europe: evidence for action. WHO, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  • Clinebell H (1996) Ecotherapy: healing ourselves, healing the earth: a guide to ecologically grounded personality theory, spirituality, therapy, and education. Fortress Press, Minneapolis, MN

    Google Scholar 

  • Coyle K (2005) Environmental literacy in America. The National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, Washington, DC. http://www.neefusa.org/pdf/ELR2005.pdf

  • Cooper-Marcus C, Barnes M (eds) (1999) Healing gardens: therapeutic benefits and design ­recommendations. John Wiley and Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Coss RG, Ruff S, Simms T (2003) All that Glistens II: the effects of reflective surface finishes and the mouthing activity of infants and toddlers. Ecol Psychol 15:197–213

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crawford C, Krebs D (1997) Handbook of evolutionary psychology: ideas, issues and applications. LEA, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawis RV (ed) (2000) The person-environment tradition in counseling psychology. Lawrence Erlbaum, Mahwah, NJ

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Health (2004) Choosing health: making healthy choices easier. Cm 6374, Public Health White Paper, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Flagler J, Pincelot R (1994) People-plant relationships: setting research priorities. Haworth Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman HS, Silver RC (eds) (2007) Foundations of health psychology. Oxford University Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Frosch J (1990) Psychodynamic psychiatry: theory and practice. International University Press, Madison, WI

    Google Scholar 

  • Frumkin H (2001) Beyond toxicity: human health and the natural environment. Am J Prev Med 20(3):234–240

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gerlach-Spriggs N, Enoch Kaufman R, Bass Warner S (1998) Restorative gardens. The healing landscape. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorard S, Taylor C (2004) Combining methods in educational and social research. Open University Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Grahn P (1991) Om parkers betydelse. (diss.) Stad and Land, nr 93, Alnarp

    Google Scholar 

  • Grahn P (2005) Om trädgårdsterapi och terapeutiska trädgårdar. In: Johansson K (ed) Svensk miljöpsykologi. Studentlitteratur, Lund, pp 245–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Grahn P (2007) Barnet och naturen. In: Dahlgren LO, Sjölander S, Strid JP, Szczepanski A (eds) Utomhuspedagogik som kunskapskälla. Närmiljö blir lärmiljö. Studentlitteratur, Lund, pp 55–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Grahn P, Berggren-Bärring A-M (1995) Experiencing parks. Man’s basic underlying concepts of qualities and activities and their impact on park design. Ecological Aspects of Green Areas in Urban Environments. IFPRA World Congress Antwerp Flanders Belgium, Chapter 5, pp 97–101, 3–8 September 1995

  • Grahn P, Mårtensson F, Lindblad B, Nilsson P, Ekman A (2000) Børns udeleg. Betingelser og betydning. Forlaget Børn and Unge, København

    Google Scholar 

  • Grahn P, Stigsdotter U (2003) Landscape planning and stress. Urban Forest Urban Green 2:1–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grahn P, Stigsdotter UK (2010) The relation between perceived sensory dimensions of urban green space and stress restoration. Landsc Urban Plan 94:264–275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grahn P, Tenngart Ivarsson C, Stigsdotter UK, Bengtsson I-L (2010) Using affordances as a health-promoting tool in a therapeutic garden. In: Ward Thompson C, Aspinal P, Bell S (eds) Innovative approaches to researching landscape and health. Taylor and Francis, London, chapter 5, pp 116–154

  • Gyllin M, Grahn P (2005) A semantic model for assessing the experience of urban biodiversity. Urban Forest Urban Green 3:149–161

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haller R (2004) Creating a sensory garden. Oral presentation. Conference proceeding. AHTA Conference “Securing Our Health and Wellness” in Atlanta, Georgia

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall J (2004) Conservation therapy programme. Research Report, Nr. 611, Natural England

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansson LÅ (1996) Psykoneuroimmunologi. Svensk Medicin 52. SPRI, Stockholm

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartig T (2007) Three steps to understanding restorative environments as health resources. In: Ward TC, Travlou P (eds) Open space: people space. Taylor and Francis, London, pp 163–179

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartig T, Evans GW, Jamner LD, Davis DS, Gärling T (2003) Tracking restoration in natural and urban field settings. J Environ Psychol 23:109–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hartig T, Cooper-Marcus C (2006) Healing gardens – places for nature in health care. Lancet 368:S36–S37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hassan BN, Mattson RH (1993) Family income and experience influence community garden ­success. J Ther Hortic 7:9–18

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassink J, van Dijk M (2006) Farming for health: green-care farming across Europe and the United-States of America. Springer, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Hedfors P, Grahn P (1998) Soundscapes in urban and rural planning and design. Yearbook Soundsc Stud 1:67–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Herzog TR (1987) A cognitive analysis of preference for natural environments: mountains, ­canyons, and deserts. Landsc J 6:140–152

    Google Scholar 

  • Hewson ML (1994) Horticulture as therapy. Homewood Health Centre, Guelph, ON

    Google Scholar 

  • Irons W (1998) Adaptively relevant environments versus the environment of evolutionary adaptedness. Evol Anthropol 6:194–204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Janzen JM (2002) The social fabric of health. An introduction to medical anthropology. McGraw-Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Jick TD (1979) Mixing qualitative and quantitative methods: triangulation in action. Admin Sci Q 24(4):602–611

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson H (1998) Ernst Westerlund – A Swedish doctor of occupation. Occup Ther Int 5(2):155–171

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kamp D (1996) Design consideration for the development of therapeutic gardens. J Ther Hortic 8:6–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan S (1990) Parks for the future – a psychologist view. In: Sorte GJ (ed) Parks for the future. Stad and Land 85. Movium, Alnarp, pp 4–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan S (1995) The restorative benefits of nature: toward an integrative framework. J Environ Psychol 15:169–182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan S (2001) Meditation, restoration, and the management of mental fatigue. Environ Behav 33:480–506

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan R, Kaplan S (1989) The experience of nature. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Kavanagh JS, Musiak TA (1993) Selecting design services for therapeutic landscapes. J Ther Hortic 7:19–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Kellert S, Wilson EO (eds) (1993) The biophilia hypothesis. The Island Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kemmis S, McTaggart R (1988) The action research planner, 3rd edn. Deakin University, Geelong

    Google Scholar 

  • Kielhofner G (1997) Conceptual foundations of occupational therapy, 2nd edn. F. A. Davis, Philadelphia, PA

    Google Scholar 

  • De Kloet RE, Joels M, Holsboer F (2005) Stress and the brain: from adaptation to disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 6:463–475

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Knoops KTB, de Groot LCPGM, Kromhout D, Perrin A-E, Moreiras-Varela O, Menotti A, Van Staveren WA (2004) Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: The HALE project. JAMA 292:1433–1439

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kuo FE, Sullivan WC (2001) Aggression and violence in the inner city: effects of environment via mental fatigue. Environ Behav 33(4):543–571

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milonis E (2004) Un asino per amico. Onoterapia ovvero attività assistita con l’asino. Lupetti, Roma

    Google Scholar 

  • Nordh H, Hartig T, Hägerhäll C, Fry G (2009) Components of small urban parks that predict the possibility for restoration. Urban Forest Urban Green 8:225–235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Norman J (ed) (2006) Living for the city – a new agenda for green cities. Think tank of the year 2006/2007. Policy exchange, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Ottosson J (2001) The importance of nature in coping with a crisis: a photographic essay. Landsc Res 26(2):165–172

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ottosson J, Grahn P (2005) A comparison of leisure time spent in a garden with leisure time spent indoors: on measures of restoration in residents in geriatric care. Landsc Res 30:23–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ottosson J, Grahn P (2008) The role of natural settings in crisis rehabilitation. How does the level of crisis influence the response to experiences of nature with regard to measures of rehabilitation? Landsc Res 33:51–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oxford dictionary of English (2008). Oxford University Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Prest J (1988) The garden of Eden: the botanic garden and the recreation of paradise. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT

    Google Scholar 

  • Pretty J, Peacock J, Sellens M, Griffin M (2005) The mental and physical health outcomes of green exercise. Int J Environ Health Res 15(5):319–337

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Qvarsell R, Torell U (2001) Humanistisk hälsoforskning. Ett växande forskningsfält. In: Torell Q (eds) Humanistisk hälsoforskning – en forskningsöversikt. Studentlitteratur, Lund, pp 9–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Relf PD (1992) Human issues in horticulture. Hort Technol 2:159–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Relf PD (1999) The role of horticulture in human well-being and quality of life. J Ther Hortic 10:10–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Relf PD, Lohr VI (2003) Human issues in horticulture. HortScience 38(5):984–993

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds V (2002) Well-being comes naturally: an evaluation of the BTCV green gym at portslade, East Sussex, Report 17. Oxford Brookes University, School of Health and Social Care, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Roszak T, Gomes ME, Kanner AD (eds) (1995) Ecopsychology: restoring the earth healing the mind. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Searles HF (1960) The nonhuman environment in normal development and in schizophrenia. International University Press, Madison, CT

    Google Scholar 

  • Sempik J, Aldridge J, Becker S (2003) Social and therapeutic horticulture: evidence and messages from research. Thrive with the centre for child and family research. Loughborough University, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Shoemaker CA (2002) The profession of horticultural therapy compared with other allied therapies. J Ther Hortic 13:74–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Simson S, Straus MC (1998) Horticulture as therapy: principles and practice. Food Products Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Söderback I, Söderström M, Schälander E (2004) Horticultural therapy: the ‘healing garden’ and gardening in rehabilitation measures at Danderyd hospital rehabilitation clinic, Sweden. Pediatr Rehabil 7(4):245–260

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Söderström M, Mårtensson F, Grahn P, Blennow M (2004) Utomhusmiljön i förskolan – dess betydelse för barns lek och en möjlig friskfaktor. Ugeskr Laeger 166(36):3089–3092

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spitzform M (2000) The ecological self: metaphor and developmental experience. J Appl Psychoanal Stud 2:265–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Statens Folkhälsoinstitut (2005) Mål för folkhälsan ska genomsyra hela samhällspolitiken. 2005-10-20. http://www.fhi.se/templates/Page____1464.aspx

  • Stern D (2000) The interpersonal world of the infant. Basic Books, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Stigsdotter UK (2005) Landscape architecture and health: evidence-based health-promoting design and planning. Acta Universitatis agriculturae Sueciae nr 2005:55

    Google Scholar 

  • Stigsdotter U, Grahn P (2002) What makes a garden a healing garden? J Ther Hortic 13:60–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Stigsdotter U, Grahn P (2003) Experiencing a garden: a healing garden for people suffering from burnout diseases. J Ther Hortic 14:38–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Tenngart C, Abramsson K (2005) Green rehabilitation. Growthpoint J Soc Ther Hortic Spring 2005(100):25–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Tenngart Ivarsson C, Hagerhall CM (2008) The perceived restorativeness of gardens – assessing the restorativeness of a mixed built and natural scene type. Urban Forest Urban Green 7:107–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomkins SS (1995) Exploring affect. University Press, Cambridge

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Townsend M, Ebden M (2006) Feel blue, touch green. Final Report from the Healthy Parks, Healthy People-project. Deakin University, Australia

    Google Scholar 

  • Tranel D, Bechara A, Damasio AR (2000) Decision making and the somatic marker hypothesis. In: Gazzaniga MS (ed) The new cognitive neurosciences, Sid 1047-1061. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich R (1984) View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science 24:420–421

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich RS (1993) Biophilia, biophobia and natural landscapes. In: Kellert SR, Wilson EO (eds) The biophilia hypothesis., pp 73–137

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich R (1999) Effects of gardens on health outcomes, theory and research. In: Cooper-Marcus C, Barnes M (eds) Healing gardens: therapeutic benefits and design recommendations. John Wiley and Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich RS (2001) Effects of healthcare environmental design on medical outcomes. In: Dilani A (ed) Design and health. Svensk Byggtjänst, Stockholm, pp 49–59

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulrich RS, Simons RF, Losito BD, Fiorito E, Miles MA, Zelson M (1991) Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. J Environ Psychol 11:201–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Urban parks and open spaces (1983). University of Edinburgh, Tourism and Recreation Research Unit, Edinburgh

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Berg AE, Hartig T, Staats H (2007) Preference for nature in urbanized societies: stress, restoration, and the pursuit of sustainability. J Soc Issues 63:79–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Währborg P (2009) Stress och den nya ohälsan. Natur and Kultur, Stockholm

    Google Scholar 

  • Warner SB Jr (1998) The history. In: Gerlach-Spriggs N, Kaufman RE, Warner SB (eds) Restorative gardens: the healing landscape. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, pp 7–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb EJ, Campbell DJ, Schwartz RD, Sechrest L (1966) Unobtrusive measures: nonreactive measures in social sciences. Rand McNally, Chicago, IL

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO (1948) Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19–22 June 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100 and entered into force on 7 April 1948)

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO (2004) 2004-06-29. www.who.int

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO (2006) 2006-09-20. Obesity and overweight. Fact sheet No 311, September 2006. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/

  • WHO (2008) 2008-07-16. Programmes and projects. Mental health: depression. http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/

  • Willenbring M (2002) Mutter, Vater, Zappelkind. Die Zusammenarbeit mit Eltern von hyperaktiven Kindern. Lernchancen 5. Jg. (2002) Heft 30:S. 30–S. 35

    Google Scholar 

  • Willis J (1999) Ecological psychotherapy. Hogrefe and Huber, Seattle, WA

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson EO (1984) Biophilia. Harvard University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson FR (2004) Ecological psychotherapy. In: Conyne RK, Cook EP (eds) Ecological counseling: an innovative approach to conceptualizing person-environment interaction. American Counseling Association, Alexandria, VA, pp 143–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong JL (1997) The cultural and social values of plants and landscapes. In: Stoneham J, Kendle D (eds) Plants and human well-being. The Federation for Disabled People, Gillingham

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin RK (1994) Case study research: design and methods, 2nd edn. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ulrika K. Stigsdotter .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Stigsdotter, U.K., Palsdottir, A.M., Burls, A., Chermaz, A., Ferrini, F., Grahn, P. (2011). Nature-Based Therapeutic Interventions. In: Nilsson, K., et al. Forests, Trees and Human Health. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9806-1_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics