Nature-Based Interventions
This course introduces students to a wide range of nature-based interventions relevant for social work practice, such as ecotherapy, walk and talk therapy, animal-assisted interventions, wilderness and adventure therapy, horticultural therapy, nature-based play therapy, and nature-based mindfulness interventions that can be used with clients from diverse backgrounds to improve holistic well-being. Students learn about historical roots, eco-spiritual perspectives, theoretical foundations, ethical issues, and practical considerations related to nature-based interventions. The eclectic nature of this course makes it a good fit for students in both concentrations who want to explore how to integrate elements of nature-based intervention strategies into their practice in conventional social work settings or who aspire to develop their own social work programs focusing on nature-based interventions.