Adventure and Nature-based therapy

Adventure and Nature Therapy (also called Outdoor therapy) is a holistic, action-, and experience-oriented approach that, through adventure and nature-pedagogical methods, supports, supplements or creates therapeutic settings. The aim of adventure therapy is to initiate development and self-healing processes. The therapeutic context and the depth of the process are crucial features that distinguish adventure therapy measures from purely pedagogically oriented interventions. The needs (determined abnormality, disorder or behavior, diagnosis) of the client determine the type and intensity of the therapeutic intervention. This is individually challenging and addresses the intrinsic motivation of the client. On the basis of the therapeutic assignment and need, adventure therapy works on an alternative emotional approach to stressful situations; and patterns of action and behavior or resources and strengths are developed. This is achieved by designing external, action-oriented fields of experience that fit in with internal goals and change processes. In nature or in designed situations, clients can experience themselves in action. This experience becomes a (self)experience through raising awareness or reflecting on the inner processes. 
Extracted from: Bous, B., Thiesen, C. (2022): Erlebnistherapie. e&l – Erleben & Lernen, Issue 5. Based on the self-image of the Adventure therapy group from the Federal Association of Individual and Experiential Education e.V. (Lakemann 2018, Gilsdorf 2004, Michl 2018).
Nature-based therapy often aligns with the biophilia hypothesis, which suggests that humans have an innate connection with nature. The paradigm is rooted in the idea that exposure to natural environments has positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. This connection with nature is believed to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall psychological health. Additionally, nature-based therapy draws on principles of environmental psychology, ecopsychology, and mindfulness, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of engaging with the natural world for mental health and well-being.